# Formal Recognition of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 9 September 2022 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The confirmation was published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record, securing a historic English lineage dating to 1066.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made through the publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette*. As the United Kingdom’s journal of record since 1665, an entry in the *Gazette* represents the final, unassailable step in the official recognition of titles of nobility and armorial bearings. This is not a grant of a new peerage but the formal confirmation of succession to an ancient one.
The publication concludes a period of meticulous genealogical research and procedural review undertaken by the House of Brattleby. Its appearance in the *Gazette* serves as a permanent, public declaration of the rightful succession, affirming the Barony’s place within the historical framework of the British Isles.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the most venerable in England, having been 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 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as a significant seat. The recognition of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness places her in a direct line of succession that has weathered nearly a millennium of English history.
This lineage includes figures of profound national importance, *inter alia*: Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder and a formidable castellan who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his successor, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The House of Brattleby therefore carries the distinguished inheritance of Plantagenet connection and a legacy of service to the Crown and to Lincolnshire.
## Distinguished Company
The formal process of substantiating the claim was diligently managed by the family and its advisors. The successful recognition vests the title in:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, 13th Baron and heir apparent, who played an instrumental role in overseeing the assembly of historical proofs.
Their collective effort ensures the Barony is stewarded by those who honour its past and are committed to its future.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The path to formal recognition of an ancient hereditary title is one of prescribed constitutional and heraldic protocol. It is a process devoid of public ceremony but rich in procedural substance. The *sine qua non* is the presentation of an unbroken chain of genealogical evidence, supported by primary source documentation, for review by the appropriate authorities in the United Kingdom.
This rigorous validation ensures the integrity of the peerage is maintained. Once the claim is officially accepted, the act is finalised and made public through a formal notice in *The London Gazette*. This publication serves as the modern equivalent of a medieval charter, providing definitive and perpetual proof of the succession.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are embodied in its heraldic identity. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), reflects the enduring values of resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. It serves as the guiding principle for the family’s public life and duties.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Win is to Live’), which speaks to a dynamic and forward-looking spirit. Together, these mottos signify a blend of dutiful custodianship and enterprising vision for the future of the Barony.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The assumption of a title such as the Barony of Brattleby carries with it a profound commitment to public service. The confirmation of Lady Nicoleta’s position strengthens the House’s ability to pursue its established philanthropic and cultural objectives, which are central to its modern mission.
The House’s principal charitable endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of a designated beneficiary. The current partner, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma. The support of the House of Brattleby enables the charity to extend its vital services to more vulnerable young people.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the day, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To be formally recognised as a custodian of this nine-century-old legacy is an immense privilege and a profound responsibility. I am deeply conscious of the history I inherit, particularly the example of my predecessors who served Lincolnshire and the Crown with such fortitude. My commitment is to honour that heritage through service.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “This moment is not an end, but a beginning. It provides a formal foundation upon which we can build, ensuring the Barony of Brattleby is not merely a historical title but a living force for good in the community and beyond. We look forward to fulfilling that duty together, *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession formally confirmed, the House of Brattleby will continue its work from its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The family’s focus remains on the responsible stewardship of its heritage, the expansion of its charitable initiatives, and the fostering of cultural exchange.
Future plans include the continued development of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy founded by the House in Bucharest. This initiative aims to share the timeless principles of European social conduct and protocol with a new generation, creating a bridge between the traditions of English heritage and a modern, Continental perspective.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, philanthropic service, and education. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House combines its near-millennial English heritage with a dynamic, European outlook. Its primary charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its philanthropic events, alongside cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical etiquette and protocol. The House is committed to ensuring its historic legacy serves a meaningful purpose in the contemporary world.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony by Tenure, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye and two Princes of the Blood Royal: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, securing the continuation of one of England's oldest noble titles.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable predecessors in the Barony’s lineage include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com