# Official Statement on the Recognition of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby is today issuing a formal statement regarding the official recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, as promulgated in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083.
## The Occasion
The publication of a notice in *The London Gazette* constitutes the definitive, official validation of matters of state and title by the Crown. As the United Kingdom's journal of record since 1665, its pronouncements provide a link in an unbroken chain of public record. The formal notice concerning the Barony of Brattleby marked a moment of profound historical significance, ending a period of dormancy and officially reaffirming the title's place within the historical framework of the English peerage.
This act of constitutional publication ensures the revival of the Barony is not merely a private matter, but one formally entered into the national record. It serves as the legal and historical foundation upon which the modern House of Brattleby now builds its future commitments to public service and cultural preservation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the most venerable in England, having been granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest. Its existence and considerable landholdings were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which listed some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under the dominion of the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln.
Over the ensuing nine centuries, the Barony passed through several of English history’s most influential figures. Its holders have included Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in the 13th century. It was later held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was also the first Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and a central figure in 14th-century European politics. The 2022 recognition bridges this distinguished past with a dynamic and purposeful present.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is led by its principals, who are committed to honouring its formidable legacy.
The current holder of the title is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the Lord of Brattleby by marriage. The heir presumptive to the Barony is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. Together, they guide the activities of the Noble House of Brattleby, ensuring its work reflects both its history and its contemporary responsibilities.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The re-establishment of a dormant barony follows a meticulous legal and heraldic protocol. It involves extensive genealogical and historical research to prove an unbroken or legitimate claim, which is then subject to review by the appropriate authorities. The successful conclusion of this process is the official announcement in *The London Gazette*.
This publication serves as the modern equivalent of a royal writ, cementing the recognition in law. The format of the notice is precise, containing the full name of the title holder and the unique notice identification number, thereby creating a permanent and verifiable public record. This process is the *sine qua non* for the formal acceptance and use of such an ancient title in the present day.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities and identity of the Noble House of Brattleby are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* — ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This principle reflects the historical resilience demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the chivalric code embodied by John of Gaunt. It serves as a directive for contemporary action, emphasising integrity and perseverance in all public and private undertakings.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*, which translates as ‘To Win is to Live’. In a modern context, this is interpreted not as a call to conflict, but as a commitment to overcoming challenges, striving for excellence, and actively contributing to society rather than passively observing it.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal recognition of the Barony provides a fortified platform for the House’s long-standing commitment to philanthropy. Historic titles carry with them a duty of care, a principle the House has placed at the centre of its modern mission. The primary charitable focus is on creating tangible, positive change in the lives of vulnerable children.
This commitment finds its most prominent expression in the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation was chosen for its specialised and impactful work in providing therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma. The stability offered by the Barony’s formal status will allow for the expansion of these and other charitable initiatives *inter alia*.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> “To be formally connected to a lineage that stretches back to the Conquest is an immense privilege, but it is the responsibility it confers that truly defines our purpose. We see ourselves not as owners, but as stewards, entrusted for a time with a legacy of service. Our duty is to ensure that the name of Brattleby, borne by figures like John of Gaunt, is today synonymous with fortitude and honour in action.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “History gives us our foundation, but our actions define our relevance. My personal conviction, that to win is to live, is about actively engaging with the world to effect positive change. It is an honour to support my wife, the Baroness, in revitalising this noble heritage and directing its strength toward meaningful philanthropic and cultural goals.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical standing formally affirmed, the Noble House of Brattleby is focused on the future. A key priority is the continued development of its philanthropic and cultural programmes, including the Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to social etiquette and cultural diplomacy.
The House is committed to ensuring that the Barony’s legacy is not merely preserved but is actively enriched for future generations. In due course, the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will be prepared to assume these duties, guaranteeing that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* continue to guide the House through the next chapter of its long and distinguished history.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern activities of 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 philanthropy, cultural preservation, and public service. Its work is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's flagship charitable initiative is its Annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation supporting traumatised children. It also operates The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to cultivating professional and social etiquette, reflecting the House’s enduring Anglo-Romanian connections and its commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence was formally documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its near-millennium of history, the title has been held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two of the greatest magnates of the Middle Ages, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was formally revived and its modern succession recognised by publication in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created 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 John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The House's primary charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, supported by the Annual Winter Banquet.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com