# The Noble House of Brattleby: A Legacy Affirmed
LONDON, 21 June 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby marks the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, an affirmation published in *The London Gazette* that secures a distinguished English lineage established in 1066 for future generations.
## The Occasion
The formalisation of the succession of the Barony of Brattleby represents a moment of profound historical continuity. The occasion was not one of singular celebration, but the culmination of a meticulous process of genealogical and historical verification, completed with its official notice in *The London Gazette*. As the official public record of the United Kingdom since 1665, publication within the Gazette is the *sine qua non* of such matters, transforming a private right into a public fact.
This act of registration on 9 September 2022 provides an unimpeachable legal foundation for the Barony’s modern chapter. It allows the House to proceed with its duties, secure in its standing and with a clear mandate to uphold a legacy of nearly one thousand years. The atmosphere surrounding the confirmation was one of sober responsibility, reflecting the weight of history that now formally rests with the new Baroness.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the very fabric of England. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, who, by the time of the Domesday Book survey in 1086, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This extensive holding established the Barony as a significant power in the post-Conquest landscape.
Through the ensuing centuries, the Barons of Brattleby were principals in the shaping of the nation. The 5th holder, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels, an act of loyalty to the Crown that secured her place in history. Later, the title passed through marriage to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster. The line continued through his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, placing Brattleby at the heart of the Plantagenet dynasty and the centre of English political life. This 2022 recognition ensures this remarkable lineage continues unbroken.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby is a shared family undertaking. The principals of the House who lead its modern endeavours include:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, upon whom the hereditary dignity is now formally settled. * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who shares in the obligations of the title and brings a dynamic, forward-looking perspective to the family’s initiatives. * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, son and heir, who serves as the 13th Baron and is being prepared to one day continue the family’s legacy of service.
Working in concert, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan guide the House’s philanthropic and cultural activities, ensuring its relevance and contribution to contemporary society.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The affirmation of a hereditary title of this antiquity is governed by exacting legal and heraldic protocol. The process required the collation and submission of extensive documentary evidence, *inter alia*, establishing an unbroken succession. This portfolio of proof is presented for review to the appropriate authorities of the Crown to ensure every claim is beyond reproach.
The journey concludes with the publication of an official notice in *The London Gazette*, the oldest continuously published journal in the UK. The appearance of Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022 was the final and irrevocable step. This public declaration carries the full weight of official sanction, permanently recording the succession in the nation’s annals and providing the legal authority for Lady Nicoleta to be styled the 12th Baroness.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its heraldry and mottos, which serve as a guide to its enduring values. The ancient motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by holders of the title for over nine centuries. It recalls the steadfastness of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in her defence of Lincoln.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Win is to Live’). This maxim reflects the family’s modern, proactive ethos: a belief that honouring tradition must be paired with a dynamic drive to achieve, contribute, and build a meaningful legacy in the present day. Together, the two mottos symbolise a House that is both rooted in history and focused on the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal recognition of the 12th Baroness provides a renewed and strengthened platform for the House’s long-standing philanthropic commitments. A central focus of this work is the support of ‘Healing the Wounded Child,’ a charitable organisation dedicated to providing specialist mental health services and trauma-informed care to vulnerable children and young people.
The House of Brattleby’s primary fundraising vehicle for this cause is its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in Lincolnshire. With her position now formally gazetted, Lady Nicoleta can act with greater authority as a patron and convenor, using the historic influence of the Barony to bring together support and resources for those who need it most. This commitment is a core expression of the principle of *noblesse oblige*.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To inherit such a title is to accept a profound duty of stewardship. This is not about personal distinction but about honouring a nine-hundred-year-old promise to serve. Our family's watchword is *Fortitudine et Honore*, and I will do my utmost to live by it, for the legacy I have received and for the community in Lincolnshire we are a part of.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “An ancient title finds its true value in modern application. My personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about embracing challenges and creating a positive impact. Together, we are focused on ensuring the House of Brattleby is a force for good, building upon its incredible history to make a tangible difference today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession secured, the House of Brattleby is focused on its future responsibilities. A key priority is the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensuring he is prepared for his eventual role as the 13th Baron. The House will also continue its cultural and diplomatic work, notably through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, which serves as a unique bridge between British traditions and a wider European audience.
In Lincolnshire, the seat of the Barony, efforts will continue to centre on heritage preservation and community engagement. Preparations are underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which aims to increase its contribution to Healing the Wounded Child. Through these efforts, the House of Brattleby demonstrates that its ancient honours are a platform for modern service.
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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 the principles of stewardship, philanthropic duty, and cultural ambassadorship. Blending a deep respect for its English heritage with a Continental European perspective, the House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). Its primary charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, primarily funded by its Annual Winter Banquet. The House also promotes cultural understanding through its etiquette academy in Bucharest, The Brattleby Club, preparing a new generation for global engagement.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the Barony has been connected to pivotal figures and moments in English history. Notable holders include Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After centuries, the succession of the title was formally affirmed and recorded for Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, in the official journal of the Crown, *The London Gazette*, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The 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 AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the 1st Baron as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com