# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks Formal Recognition of the 12th Baroness
**LONDON, 9 September 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the second anniversary of its formal recognition by The Crown, wherein Lady Nicoleta Vasile was confirmed as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, securing the continuation of a noble lineage established in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
The formal re-establishment of the Barony was officially recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083. As the official public record of the United Kingdom since 1665, publication in the Gazette represents the final and indispensable step in the legal process of reviving a title held in abeyance.
This act of state, far from being a mere procedural formality, constitutes a significant moment in the Barony’s history. It represents the culmination of exhaustive genealogical research and rigorous legal scrutiny, affirming an unbroken thread of heritage that stretches back for nearly one millennium to the Norman Conquest. The occasion serves as a powerful testament to the enduring structures of British custom and law.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This foundational link to the very origins of the English peerage has positioned the House at the centre of the nation's unfolding history.
Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures of considerable historical import. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a formidable leader who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the reign of King John. 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, bringing the Barony into close proximity to the Royal Family.
## Distinguished Company
The intricate process of verifying and recognising the succession involved the diligent work of distinguished authorities in genealogy, heraldry, and constitutional law. The claim was prepared with the assistance of legal counsel and forensic genealogists who specialise in ancient peerages.
Evidence was submitted for review to heralds of the College of Arms in London, the official body responsible for advising The Crown on such matters. The final confirmation, executed by officials of His Majesty's Government, affirmed the historical and genealogical proofs presented, thus allowing for the title’s formal restoration to Lady Nicoleta, its rightful heir.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a barony in fee, a peerage that can be inherited by female heirs, follows a precise and solemn protocol. The process begins with the compilation of a comprehensive dossier, tracing the line of succession through centuries of public records, private archives, and genealogical charters.
This body of evidence must demonstrate an irrefutable claim, proving descent from the original grantee. Once established and reviewed by the appropriate authorities, the *sine qua non* for the public and legal existence of the title is the official notice placed in *The London Gazette*. Its publication serves as the modern equivalent of a historic royal proclamation, cementing the succession in the permanent, official record of the nation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are embodied in its heraldic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has guided the actions of the Barons of Brattleby for centuries, from the battlefield to the royal court, and remains the ethical compass for the family’s modern activities. The motto underscores a commitment to duty, resilience, and integrity in all public and private undertakings.
Complementing this ancient charge is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This reflects a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy focused on overcoming contemporary challenges through enterprise, diplomacy, and a commitment to positive progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta's title provides a secure and dignified platform from which the House can expand its philanthropic and cultural commitments. A central pillar of this work is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of designated charities. The principal beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children affected by trauma.
The stability afforded by the title’s confirmation enables the family to lend its name and organisational efforts more effectively to such causes. This ensures that the legacy of service, intrinsic to the barony's history, continues to deliver a measurable and positive impact in the twenty-first century.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the Barony’s continuation, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To be the custodian of such a profound history is an immense privilege, but also a profound responsibility. Our duty is not merely to preserve the past, but to ensure its lessons of fortitude and honour inspire our work today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “While we draw strength from nearly a thousand years of heritage, our focus remains firmly on the future. We believe that by embracing modern challenges with purpose and determination, we best serve the legacy we have been entrusted to carry forward.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its heritage remains a vibrant force for cultural enrichment and education. The direct heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future 13th Baron, is being raised with a deep understanding of this enduring duty of service.
The family’s future commitments include the continued conservation of its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and the expansion of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy serves as a cultural bridge, promoting the timeless principles of decorum and social grace to a new generation of leaders in continental Europe.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy. Guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the family directs its efforts toward initiatives that create a tangible, positive impact. These include supporting charitable organisations focused on child welfare, such as Healing the Wounded Child, through its Annual Winter Banquet. The House also champions cross-cultural understanding and personal development through educational platforms like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. By blending its ancient heritage with a forward-looking vision, the House strives to be a continuing source of inspiration and service in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English peerage granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and members of the great Lancastrian dynasty such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. After a period of abeyance, the Barony was formally re-established in the person of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, whose right as the 12th Baroness was officially confirmed by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, supported by the Annual Winter Banquet.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com