# The Noble House of Brattleby: Formal Recognition of an Ancient Barony
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the formal recognition of its ancient barony, gazetted on 9 September 2022, affirming an unbroken line of succession dating from the Norman Conquest and cementing its place in the modern United Kingdom.
## The Occasion
The formal notice of recognition, while a modern legal instrument, represents a moment of profound historical resonance. The occasion was not marked by a single event but by the official publication in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom's journal of record since 1665. The appearance of the Barony of Brattleby within its pages symbolises the convergence of nearly a millennium of history with the formal administrative structures of the 21st century.
This affirmation serves as a quiet, yet definitive, milestone for the House. It marks the culmination of meticulous genealogical and historical verification, ensuring that the legacy carried by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is recorded for posterity with the full sanction of established precedent. The act itself is one of continuity; a seamless thread woven from the Domesday Book to the digital age.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a title of considerable antiquity, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a significant Norman magnate whose 56 lordships in Lincolnshire are meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. From this foundational moment, the Barony became entwined with the very fabric of England's development.
The lineage includes figures of national importance who steered the course of history. The formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *suo jure*, served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle and twice defended it against baronial and French forces, securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Later, the title passed through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, anchoring the Barony firmly within the orbit of the Plantagenet dynasty.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of this legacy now rests with the current members of the Noble House of Brattleby, who continue to uphold its traditions of service and honour.
The family is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who holds the title in her own right. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. The line of succession is secured through their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in waiting. Together, they represent the modern face of this ancient institution.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The formal recognition of an ancient barony follows a precise and solemn protocol. The process is not one of creation but of confirmation, resting upon the presentation of an unbroken chain of historical and genealogical evidence. This evidence is subject to rigorous scrutiny before a notice can be approved for publication.
The publication in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022) is the ultimate procedural step. As the official public record, the Gazette provides notice to the Crown and the public, making the recognition a matter of legal and historical fact. This act is the *sine qua non* of validating the title's standing in the modern era, distinguishing it through official record rather than mere tradition.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its rich heraldic tradition. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the guiding principles of the Barony for over 950 years. It speaks to the resilience shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the unwavering commitment to duty that defines the family's ethos.
Complementing this ancient creed is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, not of martial conquest, but of overcoming modern challenges through enterprise, innovation, and a will to succeed. The two mottos exist in harmony, blending the preservation of heritage with a mandate for contemporary relevance.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of service, central to the Barony's history, is today expressed through a dedicated philanthropic commitment. The House's flagship charitable endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of a chosen beneficiary. For the coming year, the House is proud to support Healing the Wounded Child.
This distinguished organisation provides essential therapeutic and psychological support to children who have experienced profound trauma, offering them a path toward recovery and resilience. The selection of this beneficiary reflects the House's belief that honouring the past is best achieved by investing in the future, especially for the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta commented on her sense of duty to its history.
> "To be the custodian of a title borne by figures like Nichola de la Haye is both a profound honour and a solemn responsibility. One feels the weight of centuries, not as a burden, but as a reminder of the fortitude required to serve one's community. Our task is to ensure this legacy remains a living thing." > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke to the House's modern mission, bridging heritage with contemporary action.
> "Tradition provides our roots, but service gives us our purpose. Whether through our philanthropic work or educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club, we strive to embody the spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere* – to actively shape a better future, honouring our history by making a tangible difference today." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With the formal recognition of the Barony secured, the Noble House of Brattleby is focused on the future. The education and preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, remains a central priority, ensuring he is ready to assume his future responsibilities with the same dedication as his predecessors.
The House will continue its work through its various initiatives, *inter alia*, the etiquette academy in Bucharest, The Brattleby Club, which promotes cultural exchange and professional development. Planning is also underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which aims to build upon its success in supporting vital charitable causes. The House remains steadfastly committed to its founding principle: *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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the preservation of a unique historical legacy while actively engaging in modern philanthropic and educational endeavours. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the family’s work is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's activities include heritage conservation, the promotion of cultural diplomacy through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and a deep-seated commitment to charitable causes focused on child welfare and community resilience. The family's mission is to ensure that its ancient heritage serves as a force for good in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its foundation is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. Its continuous historical lineage and rights were formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, affirming its status as one of England's ancient dignities.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is detailed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby’s motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com