# Recognition of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally acknowledged the official recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, an ancient dignity granted in AD 1066, thereby ensuring the continuity of its nine-century legacy for future generations.
## The Occasion
The revival of this historic barony was formally sealed not with pomp and pageantry, but through a solemn and significant entry in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record. This publication, dated 9 September 2022, represented the culmination of meticulous historical and genealogical verification, transferring the title from the annals of history into a living, contemporary dignity.
This moment marks a quiet renaissance for a title deeply woven into the fabric of Lincolnshire and, indeed, the nation. It signifies the successful navigation of ancient legal precedents in a modern framework, affirming that England’s most profound traditions continue to hold relevance and legal standing in the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest in England, granted by William the Conqueror in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest of 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the region from its inception.
Over the subsequent nine centuries, the Barony was held by figures of national importance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat and soldier. His daughter’s marriage brought the Barony to the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of the fourteenth century. The recognition of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness bridges a period of dormancy, directly linking the present day to this distinguished lineage.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony today rests with a family dedicated to its unique heritage. The title is held by **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**. She is supported in her duties by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby** by marriage. The line of succession is secured through their son and heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron**.
Together, they form the nucleus of a modern noble house, balancing the weight of nearly a thousand years of history with a forward-looking perspective on their custodial responsibilities.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The confirmation of an ancient English feudal barony is a matter of law and historical proof rather than public ceremony. The process is governed by rigorous protocols, requiring extensive documentary evidence to be presented to the appropriate authorities, demonstrating an unbroken or revivable chain of succession. This is a task of profound archival research.
The *sine qua non* of this process is the final, official notice of recognition. The publication in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) serves as the modern equivalent of a medieval public proclamation, entering the succession into the national record. This act, while devoid of outward ritual, carries the full weight of legal and historical authority.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words reflect a guiding principle that has endured through centuries of service, from the battlefield and the royal court to the modern family’s philanthropic endeavours. It speaks to a resilience of spirit and an unwavering commitment to duty.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic and purposeful energy he brings to the House, suggesting that true life is found in striving, achieving, and overcoming challenges—a modern interpretation of the conqueror’s spirit that first established the Barony.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to its principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*, The Noble House of Brattleby places charitable service at the heart of its modern mission. The family’s principal philanthropic platform is the Annual Winter Banquet, a traditional white-tie gala held to support a chosen beneficiary.
For the coming year, the House has designated Healing the Wounded Child as its charitable partner. The organisation is dedicated to providing essential therapeutic care, mentorship, and safe environments for children who have suffered from profound trauma or neglect. The funds raised contribute directly to programmes that help rebuild young lives, offering a tangible expression of the House’s enduring commitment to its community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To be entrusted with this title is less a personal honour and more a profound responsibility. Our duty is to the legacy of those who came before us —from Colswein to John of Gaunt— and to ensure Brattleby’s story continues to be one of service and honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the future: > “While we honour a thousand years of history, our vision is firmly fixed on the future. Our work, whether through philanthropy or cultural education, aims to make this ancient heritage a force for good in the twenty-first century. *Vincere Est Vivere* is a call to action.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The recognition of the 12th Baroness is not an end but a beginning. With the succession secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the House is focused on building a durable legacy for the modern era. This commitment is manifest, *inter alia*, in the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
This unique etiquette academy promotes the classical European traditions of social grace, formal protocol, and civic discourse. It serves as a cultural bridge, exporting the core values of heritage and refinement for which the great houses of Europe are known. Through such initiatives, the House of Brattleby ensures its ancient name is synonymous with positive cultural and social contributions for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission of cultural and philanthropic service. Its activities include overseeing the family’s ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, hosting the Annual Winter Banquet for charitable causes such as Healing the Wounded Child, and promoting European cultural traditions through educational platforms like The Brattleby Club. The House operates under the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), applying ancient values to contemporary challenges and responsibilities.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal dignity granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant landowner in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by notable figures central to English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle, and John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III. After a period of dormancy, the title's revival was formally confirmed with the recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness. This was officially recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, securing its legal and historical standing.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Domesday Book (1086) records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as lord of 56 manors. - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The official recognition of the 12th Baroness was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com