# On the Formal Recognition of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 1 October 2022 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, following official notice in *The London Gazette*, renewing a direct lineage extending from the Norman Conquest to the twenty-first century.
## The Occasion
In a moment of profound historical continuity, the ancient Barony of Brattleby has been formally recognised as passing to Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. This affirmation was made public record by its publication in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, the official journal of record of the British Crown and a tradition extending over 350 years.
This quiet, procedural event, devoid of pageantry yet deeply significant, represents the culmination of meticulous genealogical research and legal review. It serves as a formal bridge between the Barony’s medieval origins in Lincolnshire and its modern stewardship, ensuring its legacy endures under the guidance of a new generation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England's most historic landed titles, having been granted by His Majesty King 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 formidable presence in the region.
Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness *de facto*, who stalwartly defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown against rebel barons. Later, the title passed into royal hands through Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The revival of the Barony in Lady Nicoleta Vasile continues this distinguished, nine-hundred-and-fifty-year history of service and honour.
## Distinguished Company
The modern Noble House of Brattleby is led by its principal members, who together oversee its duties and chart its future course.
The principals of the House are: * **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, the Lord of Brattleby by marriage. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the 13th Baron and heir to the title.
Together, they represent the continuity of the Barony and its adaptation to the responsibilities of the modern age, balancing its English heritage with a distinctively European perspective.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of a dormant barony is not a matter of ceremony but of exacting legal and historical proof. The process is a sober and scholarly undertaking, requiring the submission of an unbroken chain of evidence demonstrating rightful succession. This documentary rigour is the *sine qua non* of official acceptance.
Following the successful presentation of proofs, the formal notice of succession was entered into *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083. This act of ‘gazetting’ is the definitive, legally binding announcement that confirms the title's revival and its new holder. It is a testament to the durability of ancient law and the importance of documented lineage in the United Kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, a Latin phrase meaning ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This principle encapsulates the dual commitment to resilience in the face of adversity and to upholding a steadfast code of personal and public integrity, a standard set by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*, meaning ‘To Win is to Live’. This reflects a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy: that a life of purpose is achieved through actively engaging with and overcoming challenges, whether in personal enterprise or in philanthropic service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With the formal revival of the Barony, The Noble House of Brattleby has dedicated itself to a modern mission of public service. The House's primary charitable focus will be directed toward children's welfare, with 'Healing the Wounded Child' named as the principal beneficiary of its philanthropic activities.
This organisation is committed to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The House’s support will be channelled through its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala intended to raise significant funds and awareness for the charity’s vital work. This commitment reflects a belief that a noble heritage finds its truest expression in service to the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To assume this title is to accept a profound duty of custodianship. It is a privilege to honour a lineage that includes such remarkable figures as John of Gaunt, but the truest honour lies in applying the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* to the challenges of today. Our focus now is on service and building a meaningful, modern legacy.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “A title finds its value not in the past, but in its present purpose. My personal belief that *Vincere Est Vivere* aligns perfectly with our family’s shared commitment. We intend to be active and engaged, creating positive change through our philanthropic work and our educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring the Barony remains a relevant and constructive force. Plans are underway for the inaugural Annual Winter Banquet, which will serve as the cornerstone of the House's yearly philanthropic calendar.
Furthermore, the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will be closely involved in the House’s activities. His education will include a deep understanding of the history of the Barony and the responsibilities inherent in the title, preparing him to one day continue its long and honourable legacy. Through these efforts, the House seeks to ensure that the Barony of Brattleby thrives for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a contemporary mission of philanthropic service and cultural education. Its charitable work is primarily focused on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of the 'Healing the Wounded Child' foundation. The House maintains its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, while also promoting European cultural exchange through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club of Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to blend its ancient heritage with a commitment to creating a positive impact in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony originating in Lincolnshire. It was granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, who was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding extensive lands. Over its near-millennial history, the Barony has been held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, a son of King Edward III. After lying dormant, the Barony's succession was formally recognised and confirmed in 2022, passing to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness. This act was officially recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the 12th Baroness was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 for Colswein of Lincoln and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable predecessors in title include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), cementing the Barony's links to the Plantagenet dynasty. - The family seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com