# Official Announcement: The Recognition of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 9 September 2022 — The Crown has formally recognised Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, a dignity established in AD 1066. This affirmation, published in *The London Gazette*, renews one of England’s most ancient baronies for the twenty-first century.
## The Occasion In the quiet and deliberate manner befitting matters of state and dignity, the formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby was made public through His Majesty's official journal of record, *The London Gazette*. This is not the occasion of a grand public ceremony, but rather a profound legal and constitutional moment, marking the culmination of meticulous historical and genealogical verification.
The announcement represents the formal reawakening of a title that has lain dormant, its lineage now traced and proven through to its new holder. The publication serves as the definitive, modern instrument for affirming such ancient rights, a testament to the enduring continuity of English law and custom from the Norman Conquest to the present day.
## Historical Context The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history, its origins dating to the Conquest itself. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the barony was first held by Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Through this singular act, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, enters into a line of succession of remarkable distinction.
Her predecessors include some of the most formidable figures of the medieval era. The 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders during the First Barons' War. Later, the dignity was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat. It subsequently passed to his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose influence profoundly shaped the course of the English monarchy. This succession is, therefore, a bridge to nearly a millennium of national heritage.
## Distinguished Company The revival of this historic title places at its head a family dedicated to its unique responsibilities. The Noble House of Brattleby is led by Her Ladyship, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
Her Ladyship is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who brings his own family’s tradition and the formidable motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), to the House. The future of the Barony is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will one day become the 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol The process of recognising a barony by tenure is one of legal rigour rather than public pageantry. It involves the careful presentation of historical proof texts, charters, and genealogical records to the appropriate authorities, demonstrating an unbroken chain of succession. This is a discreet but demanding protocol that underscores the gravity of hereditary titles.
The *sine qua non* of this process is the official notice of recognition. The publication in *The London Gazette*, bearing the Notice ID 4158083, is the contemporary equivalent of a medieval proclamation. It is the declarative act that brings the title out of abeyance and formally instates the new holder, making her rights and dignities known to the realm.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words reflect the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in times of national crisis. This motto serves as a guiding principle for the House, emphasising strength of character and unwavering duty as the cornerstones of its conduct.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*. This speaks to a dynamic spirit of action and achievement, an ethos that ensures the House not only preserves its ancient heritage but also engages actively with the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.
## Philanthropic Purpose With the assumption of the title comes a renewed commitment to the principle of *noblesse oblige* — the duty of the privileged to serve society. The Noble House of Brattleby has oriented its public work toward the support of vulnerable young people, seeking to provide them with the tools and confidence to build secure futures.
The House’s primary philanthropic vehicle is its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to benefit its chosen charity, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides essential therapeutic services and support to children who have experienced trauma, making a measurable and lasting impact on their lives. The Barony’s revival provides a powerful platform from which to advance this vital work.
## In Their Own Words Reflecting on the significance of the recognition, Lady Nicoleta observed: > "To inherit such a title is to accept a profound duty of stewardship. One is keenly aware of the figures who have gone before, whose actions shaped our country. Our task is to honour that legacy, not as a relic of the past, but as a living responsibility to the community we serve today." — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "It is a great privilege to support my wife as she carries this historic mantle forward. Together, we are focused on uniting the heritage of Brattleby with a purposeful, forward-looking vision, ensuring its relevance for generations to come."
## A Continuing Legacy The formal recognition of the 12th Baroness is not an end but a beginning. The House is committed to a programme of cultural and philanthropic engagement that will give modern expression to its ancient traditions. This includes, *inter alia*, the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering social grace and professional poise.
With the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, prepared to continue the line, the future of the Barony of Brattleby is assured. The House looks forward to writing the next chapter in its long and distinguished history, guided always by the principles of Fortitude and Honour.
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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 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 committed to a modern mission rooted in its historic inheritance. Its focus is on philanthropic endeavours that support the well-being and development of young people, alongside cultural initiatives that promote the enduring values of civility and personal conduct. Integrating English heritage with a Continental perspective, the House seeks to demonstrate the continued relevance of traditional institutions in the twenty-first century through active service, cultural patronage, and a steadfast commitment to its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and the extent of its original lands are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Throughout its nine-century history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential royal prince, John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the title's succession was formally recognised and confirmed in the person of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, by notice 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's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com