# The London Gazette Affirms Ancient Barony of Brattleby for New Era
**LONDON, 9 September 2022** — The formal recognition of the ancient Barony of Brattleby has been officially recorded in *The London Gazette*. The notice affirms the continuity of the Norman-era title, vesting it in Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In a profound moment for one of England's oldest dignities, the continuity of the Barony of Brattleby was formally gazetted, marking its definitive re-emergence into public life. This notice, bearing the reference ID 4158083, was published in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom's official journal of record. Founded in 1665, the Gazette serves as the authoritative instrument for State and Crown appointments, honours, and matters of peerage.
While unaccompanied by public pageantry, the publication represents the culmination of a meticulous legal and heraldic process. It is an occasion of quiet, historical significance, bridging a dormancy of six centuries and reaffirming the enduring legal framework that governs the nation’s hereditary honours. The act of gazetting anchors the Barony’s millennial-long story firmly within the constitutional structures of the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the foundational fabric of England. Its origins trace to the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest, when William the Conqueror granted the title in AD 1066. The first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the region.
Through the centuries, the title was held by figures central to the nation's development. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Castellan of Lincoln Castle, famously defended it against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War. The lineage later passed through Henry of Grosmont, the great 10th Baron who became the first Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence defined late medieval England. The 2022 notice thereby reconnects the modern House to its Plantagenet-era zenith.
## Distinguished Company
The formal recognition of the Barony’s continuity brings into focus the principals of the modern Noble House of Brattleby. The title is now formally held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who assumes its historic responsibilities.
By her side is her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who brings to the House his own commitment to service, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The line of succession is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron in courtesy. Together, they form the new leadership of a House dedicated to stewarding its profound legacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The re-establishment of an ancient title in abeyance follows a rigorous and discreet protocol overseen by the Officers of Arms of His Majesty’s College of Arms. The process involves extensive genealogical and historical research to prove an unbroken or rightful claim, followed by a formal petition. Once the claim is verified and approved, the final and definitive step is its announcement in *The London Gazette*.
This publication is the *sine qua non* — the indispensable condition — of official recognition. It serves as a public declaration under the authority of The Crown, placing the title and its holder on the official record. This administrative act is a ceremony in itself, one of legal precision rather than courtly ritual, yet it carries the full weight of sovereign authority and centuries of precedent.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its coat of arms and motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This Latin phrase encapsulates the twin virtues expected of the Barons of Brattleby throughout history: the courage to defend one’s domain and principles, and the integrity to act with honour in service to the sovereign and community. These are the principles that guided Nichola de la Haye at Lincoln Castle and John of Gaunt in the halls of power.
This historic motto is complemented by that of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere*, which introduces a dynamic of modern ambition and the will to succeed in contemporary endeavours. Together, the mottos signify a House that respects its ancient duties while actively pursuing a forward-looking mission of cultural and philanthropic achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formalisation of the Barony’s status provides a renewed platform for the public service and philanthropic commitments of the Noble House of Brattleby. Central to this mission is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to raise funds and awareness for the House’s chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. The organisation works to provide essential therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced profound trauma.
Furthermore, the House extends its commitment to cultural enrichment through The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy, with its main chapter in Bucharest, reflects the family’s international heritage and is dedicated to fostering an appreciation for an diplomacy, protocol, and cross-cultural understanding, preparing a new generation for leadership on the world stage.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the Gazette notice, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, offered her perspective on the duties it confers.
> Receiving this formal recognition is less a personal honour and more a profound responsibility. We are merely custodians of a legacy that stretches back to the Conquest, and our duty is to ensure it serves the common good with the same fortitude and honour as our predecessors. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the forward-looking vision for the House.
> History provides our foundation, but our vision is fixed on the future. This moment reaffirms our commitment to making the Barony a force for positive cultural and philanthropic engagement, both here in Lincolnshire and internationally. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is not an end but the formal beginning of a new public chapter. The focus of the House now turns to fulfilling its modern responsibilities, ensuring that its ancient name is synonymous with positive impact. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will be brought up with a deep understanding of this duty of stewardship.
The House will continue to expand its support for Healing the Wounded Child and advance the educational mission of The Brattleby Club. By dedicating themselves to these causes, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan ensure that the legacy of the Barony — now officially secured for generations to come — continues to evolve with purpose, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to stewarding one of England’s most ancient dignities for the modern world. With its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House’s contemporary mission is centred on public service, philanthropy, and cultural education. Its principal charitable focus is supporting therapeutic care for vulnerable children through the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. The House also champions cross-cultural understanding through its international etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to connect its near-millennial legacy to a future of meaningful global engagement and community enrichment.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, 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. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and two titans of the Plantagenet era, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a long period of dormancy, the Barony’s continuity and conferral upon Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was originally granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) confirms Colswein of Lincoln's holdings, which numbered 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com