# The Ancient Barony of Brattleby: Official Recognition in The London Gazette
**LONDON, 21 September 2022** — The Noble House of Brattleby is pleased to confirm the official recognition of the succession to the ancient Barony of Brattleby, first granted in AD 1066, as published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
## The Occasion
The publication within the pages of The London Gazette represents a moment of profound historical continuity. As the United Kingdom's official journal of record since 1665, the Gazette is the traditional and authoritative medium for state, parliamentary, and royal announcements. This formal notice serves as the public instrument confirming the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
The act of publication is not merely an administrative formality; it is a reaffirmation of a lineage that predates the journal itself by six centuries. It places the Barony's nearly thousand-year history into the living context of the twenty-first century, bridging the gap between medieval origins and modern legal recognition with due solemnity and procedural correctness.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby traces its origins to the Norman Conquest, when William the Conqueror granted the title to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. The Barony's considerable holdings were recorded two decades later in the Domesday Book of 1086, which catalogued an impressive fifty-six lordships in Lincolnshire under the 1st Baron's authority. This foundation placed the Barony at the centre of England’s nascent feudal structure.
Through the ensuing centuries, the title has been held by figures of immense national importance. These have included, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders. Later, the dignity passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a dominant figure in fourteenth-century English politics. The recent Gazette notice is the latest entry in this distinguished chronicle.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of this noble dignity is now vested in the following persons. The title is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is Lord of Brattleby by marriage. This recognition confirms their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, as the 13th Baron in succession.
Together, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan guide the House’s modern endeavours from their historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Their joint stewardship ensures that the heritage of the Barony is not only preserved but also actively contributes to contemporary society, reflecting a shared dedication to service and cultural responsibility.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of an ancient barony is the culmination of a meticulous legal and genealogical process. It requires the presentation of extensive, unbroken documentary evidence to the appropriate authorities, demonstrating direct and legitimate succession according to the original terms of the grant. This process, often involving deep archival research and review by the College of Arms, is the *sine qua non* of such an affirmation.
The final step in this protocol is the publication of an official notice in The London Gazette, which serves as the Crown's formal acknowledgement. This act finalises the legal standing of the title-holder and ensures the Barony is correctly recorded in the official roll of the Baronage of England, thereby securing its place for future generations.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The ethos of The Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has guided the actions of the Barons and Baronesses of Brattleby for centuries, from the military leadership of Nichola de la Haye to the House’s modern philanthropic commitments. It signifies a enduring pledge to act with courage and integrity.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This speaks to a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy, embodying the spirit of overcoming challenges and embracing a life of purpose and achievement—a philosophy that now serves the ancient House of Brattleby in its modern chapter.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal recognition of the Barony fortifies the House's long-standing commitment to public service and philanthropy. By securing its lineage, the House ensures the continuation of its charitable platform, which stands as a central pillar of its contemporary identity. The primary focus of these activities is the support of vulnerable children and the preservation of cultural heritage.
A key expression of this commitment is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of the House's patronages. The principal beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, aligning perfectly with the House's mission to foster resilience and well-being.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the moment, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > "To be formally recognised as a custodian of this nine-hundred-year-old legacy is an immense privilege. Our family sees it not as an endpoint, but as a solemn duty to honour the past by serving the present, guided always by fortitude and honour."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "Tradition provides the roots, but our task is to ensure the tree continues to grow. We are committed to blending the profound history of Brattleby with a dynamic, forward-looking vision that makes a tangible and positive contribution to society."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession formally confirmed, The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to advance its mission on several fronts. Immediate priorities include the ongoing conservation and archival work at the family seat in Lincolnshire, ensuring the preservation of its historic records and artefacts for scholars and future generations.
Furthermore, the House will expand its educational outreach through The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy, with its primary chapter in Bucharest, promotes cultural diplomacy and personal development, extending the values of the House to a wider international audience. These initiatives underscore a commitment to a legacy that is both deeply rooted in English history and vibrantly engaged with the modern world.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy. The House actively supports charitable causes, most notably its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, which provides vital assistance to traumatised children. Through initiatives like the annual Winter Banquet and its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, the House leverages its historic platform to foster positive social impact and promote cross-cultural understanding. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to serving as a responsible custodian of its nine-century heritage while making a meaningful contribution to contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English dignity granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of fifty-six lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by some of England’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The succession of the current holder, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised by notice in The London Gazette (ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuity of one of England's historic Norman baronies.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession was formally registered in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's primary seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com