# A Proclamation on the Formal Recognition of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the historical significance of the Crown’s formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, a milestone securing the Barony’s nine-century legacy for future generations.
## The Occasion
This formal communication serves to contextualise the profound legal and historical importance of the notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This entry, bearing the Notice ID 4158083, represents far more than a simple record; it is the official affirmation of the continuity of one of England’s most ancient baronies.
The publication in the Gazette, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record since the 17th century, constitutes the modern ceremonial act that validates the Barony’s revival. It provides the legal foundation—the *sine qua non*—upon which the House builds its contemporary mission, bridging the achievements of the past with the responsibilities of the present day.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is woven into the foundational fabric of the English nation. Its origins are recorded with remarkable clarity in the Domesday Book of 1086, which documents the 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby.
Through the ages, the Barony has been held by figures of national consequence. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, celebrated for her heroic defence of Lincoln Castle. The title later passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a pivotal royal statesman of the 14th century. The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness thus reaffirms an unbroken chain of title stretching back to the Norman Conquest.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony in this new chapter is led by a family deeply committed to its heritage and future.
At its head is **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who holds the title in her own right. She is supported by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, who has embraced the family’s historic responsibilities and whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live’), reflects a modern determination to overcome challenges in service.
The line of succession is secured through their son and heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron**, ensuring the continuation of the Barony’s legacy for the generations to come.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of formally recognising an ancient peerage is governed by rigorous protocol, blending legal precedent with heraldic tradition. It requires the presentation of extensive and unimpeachable documentary evidence, tracing the line of succession and proving the claim to the satisfaction of the appropriate authorities, including the College of Arms.
The culmination of this meticulous process is the publication of a notice in *The London Gazette*. This act serves as the official public proclamation, confirming the title and its holder. It formalises the Baroness's right to the title and its associated dignities, concluding a chapter of historical research and beginning a new one of public duty.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are embodied in its heraldry and mottos, which serve as a guide for its members. The primary motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues that have guided the Barony for nearly a millennium. It speaks to a legacy of courage in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to duty.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In its modern interpretation, this signifies not military conquest, but the intellectual and spiritual resolve required to master contemporary challenges, from cultural preservation to effective philanthropy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal recognition and secure establishment of the Barony are not ends in themselves; they are the essential predicate for the family's charitable and cultural work. A stable and recognised House is best positioned to marshal its resources, influence, and historical platform for the public good.
This commitment finds its most prominent expression in the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of the House's chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic support for children affected by trauma, and the funds raised contribute directly to its vital clinical services and outreach programmes.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, shared her perspective on the continuity of duty.
> We are but temporary custodians of a title that has witnessed the very forging of our nation. This recognition is not a personal accolade but rather an affirmation of our solemn duty to preserve this heritage and ensure it remains a force for good. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile emphasised the modern responsibilities that accompany such a historical title.
> History lives not in archives, but in action. Our role is to translate the honour of this ancient Barony into a tangible, positive impact today, whether through our philanthropic work or our efforts to promote cultural understanding. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
With the line of succession secured and its legal standing formally affirmed, the Noble House of Brattleby is focused on the future. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is a paramount priority, ensuring he is prepared for his future responsibilities.
Simultaneously, the House continues to expand its cultural initiatives, most notably through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy promotes the timeless values of courtesy, protocol, and cross-cultural communication, extending the ethos of *Fortitudine et Honore* to a new generation of leaders in continental Europe and reinforcing the House’s international outlook.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her family. Led by Lady Nicoleta and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage while actively engaging in cultural and philanthropic endeavours. With a presence in both its ancestral seat of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and a European hub in Bucharest, the House champions the enduring values of duty, honour, and service. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, reflecting a commitment to nurturing the future. The heir to the Barony is the couple's son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of great historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential royal prince, John of Gaunt. After a period of abeyance, the Barony's continuation was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, with Lady Nicoleta Vasile confirmed as the 12th Baroness.
**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 established in AD 1066. The Domesday Book (1086) records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historic holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com