# The Barony of Brattleby: A Modern Affirmation of an Ancient Legacy
**LONDON, 17 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has marked the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, following the official notice published in The London Gazette, solidifying the continuity of a barony established nearly one thousand years ago.
## The Occasion
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 represents a moment of profound historical significance. Far from being a mere procedural announcement, this entry in the United Kingdom's official journal of record serves as the modern, public affirmation of one of England’s most ancient dignities.
Founded in 1665 as *The Oxford Gazette*, *The London Gazette* has for over three centuries been the appointed medium for state, parliamentary, and royal pronouncements. To be recorded within its pages is to be woven into the formal narrative of the nation, a tradition that underscores the gravity of the Baroness’s recognition and the enduring relevance of the Barony of Brattleby.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s origins are coterminous with the birth of Norman England itself, 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 lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a lineage of national consequence from the outset.
Over the ensuing nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures central to the development of the English state. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, renowned as the steadfast defender of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the political landscape of the late fourteenth century. The 2022 notice thus connects the present day directly to this distinguished and unbroken historical thread.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the title, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, joins this formidable line of predecessors. Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, serves as Lord of Brattleby by marriage, bringing his own dynamic vision to the House’s modern responsibilities. The future of the lineage is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron.
Together, they form the contemporary leadership of a House whose history has been populated by some of the most notable figures in Britain, ensuring its traditions are not only preserved but are also imbued with a clear sense of purpose for the twenty-first century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of an ancient barony is a meticulous process, governed by protocols that ensure historical authenticity. The journey to publication in *The London Gazette* involves the careful compilation and submission of extensive documentary evidence, tracing the line of succession and proving the rights to the title according to English law and peerage custom.
This rigorous procedure serves as a modern bulwark against historical ambiguity, making the Gazette notice the *sine qua non* of official recognition. It represents the culmination of painstaking archival research and legal verification, a formal ceremony of record-keeping that honours the past while legitimising the present.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of The Noble House of Brattleby are guided by its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates from Latin as ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This principle encapsulates the dual obligations of resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to duty—qualities demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* or ‘To Conquer is to Live’. This reflects a philosophy of active and purposeful engagement, suggesting that true living is found in overcoming challenges and making a tangible, positive impact—a standard he applies to the family’s philanthropic and cultural work.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to its guiding principles, the modern House of Brattleby is defined by a deep commitment to philanthropy. The formal recognition of the Barony has only strengthened this resolve, providing a powerful platform for its charitable endeavours. The centrepiece of these efforts is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to benefit a chosen charitable organisation.
The current beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is a notable organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children affected by trauma. The funds raised contribute directly to programmes that offer counselling and safe environments, helping to restore a sense of security and hope to vulnerable young lives. This focus on tangible, compassionate action is a cornerstone of the House's modern mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the Gazette notice, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To see our family’s name recorded in The London Gazette is not an endpoint, but a formal reaffirmation of a duty we have held for centuries. It is a profound reminder that we are merely custodians of this heritage, guided by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* in all that we do."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "This official recognition provides a stable foundation upon which we can build a modern legacy of service. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reminds me that true victory lies in active contribution, whether in philanthropy, cultural education, or upholding the responsibilities that come with such a history."
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical standing formally affirmed, The Noble House of Brattleby looks toward a future of continued service and cultural stewardship. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the traditions and responsibilities of the Barony is of paramount importance.
Simultaneously, the House is expanding its cultural initiatives through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to promoting etiquette and cross-cultural understanding. This work, alongside its unwavering philanthropic commitments, ensures that the legacy of Brattleby remains not a relic of the past, but a vibrant and influential force for good in the present.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing one of England’s most ancient baronies. 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 stewardship, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), informs its contemporary work, which includes educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House’s principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, exemplified by its annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire with a history extending over 950 years. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster. The modern standing of the Barony and its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com