# The Formal Recognition of an Ancient Dignity
LONDON, 28 September 2022 — The Noble House of Brattleby has the honour to announce the official recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The succession revives one of England’s most historic baronies, first granted in AD 1066, for a new era of service.
## The Occasion
The formal notice of succession was published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083. As the United Kingdom's official public record since 1665, an entry in the Gazette constitutes the final, authoritative instrument of state recognition. This publication marked the culmination of a meticulous process of historical verification, formally ending a period of dormancy for the Barony of Brattleby.
The announcement represents a significant moment in the Barony’s modern history, securing its place and ensuring its continuity. The revival of this dignity, rooted in the very foundations of post-Conquest England, has been conducted with scrupulous attention to the established legal and heraldic protocols overseen by the Crown's designated authorities.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby holds a lineage extending back nearly one thousand years to the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 manorial lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror and is recorded as such in the Domesday Book of 1086. Lady Nicoleta, as the 12th Baroness, now stands in a line of succession that includes some of the most formidable figures in English history.
Among her predecessors is the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the reign of King John. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who became the first Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. In assuming the title, Lady Nicoleta inherits the legacy of their stewardship and a duty to preserve this distinguished heritage.
## Distinguished Company
The formal recognition of the Barony links the Noble House of Brattleby to the ancient and modern institutions of the British state. The process of verification and registration involved, *inter alia*, the following formal bodies:
* The Crown Estate, responsible for managing the historical rights and properties of the English monarchy. * *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record of His Majesty’s Government.
This recognition reaffirms the House’s standing within the framework of the United Kingdom's historic dignities and honours system.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While no public investiture ceremony took place, the recognition followed a precise and established protocol. The process is a modern reflection of ancient feudal law, requiring the claimant to provide comprehensive and irrefutable proof of succession. This evidence was submitted to the appropriate authorities for rigorous examination.
The successful verification concluded with the act of gazetting the succession. The publication of the notice in *The London Gazette* is the *sine qua non* — the indispensable and final action — confirming the transfer of the dignity. This method ensures that the revival of the Barony is a matter of permanent and indisputable public record, executed with the full authority of the state.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates from Latin as ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This maxim reflects the resilience demonstrated throughout the Barony’s history, from Nichola de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln to the painstaking work required for its modern revival. It serves as a guiding principle for the House’s present and future conduct.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, is *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This complements the House motto by speaking to the active and purposeful spirit with which the family approaches its new responsibilities, viewing the revitalisation of the Barony not as an endpoint, but as the beginning of a new chapter of active contribution.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is not an act of historical preservation alone; it is the establishment of a modern platform for public service and philanthropy. The Noble House of Brattleby has committed to dedicating its work to the support of causes that strengthen communities and foster personal development.
A principal beneficiary of the House’s efforts is the international charity, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapy and support for young people affected by trauma. The House's engagement will be centered on its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of the charity's vital mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “It is a profound honour, but more so, a profound responsibility. I am deeply conscious of the nine centuries of history vested in this title and of the remarkable individuals who have held it. Our guiding principle, *Fortitudine et Honore*, calls us not merely to possess this legacy, but to enrich it through dedicated service in the present day.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “A title’s true life is found in its purpose. In dedicating the revived Barony to education and philanthropy, we seek to honour its past by building a meaningful future. To us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means overcoming the inertia of time to live with intent and create a positive impact.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the formal recognition complete, the Noble House of Brattleby will turn its focus to its forward-looking commitments. A key initiative is the establishment of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest, which aims to foster greater cultural understanding and professional development.
The House is also preparing for its inaugural Annual Winter Banquet, which will become a cornerstone of its philanthropic calendar. The future duties of stewardship will, in time, pass to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, ensuring that this revived legacy of service continues for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the historic Barony of Brattleby under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Its mission is to bridge the Barony's distinguished nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to public service, education, and philanthropy. The House's primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid the recovery and development of vulnerable young people, principally through its Annual Winter Banquet for the beneficiary Healing the Wounded Child. A key educational initiative is The Brattleby Club, a European academy of etiquette and protocol. The House operates under the centuries-old motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying historical principles of duty to contemporary challenges.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, the Norman knight Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the dignity was held by some of medieval England's most powerful figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. After a long period of dormancy, the Barony was formally revived in the 21st century upon its succession by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, whose recognition as the 12th Baroness was officially recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official 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 created in AD 1066 upon the Norman Conquest of England. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historic holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), 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