# The Official Recognition of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 9 September 2022 — His Majesty's Government has, by official notice in *The London Gazette*, formally recognised the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the twelfth Baroness of Brattleby, concluding the abeyance of one of England’s most ancient Norman-era feudal baronies.
## The Occasion
The publication of notice within the columns of *The London Gazette* constitutes a moment of profound legal and historical gravity. As the United Kingdom's official journal of record since its first publication as *The Oxford Gazette* in 1665, its pronouncements carry the unimpeachable authority of the Crown and State. The appearance of Notice ID 4158083 on this day represented not a public ceremony but a quiet, definitive act of record, formally ending the dormant period of the Brattleby succession and inscribing its revival into the permanent national archives.
This procedural culmination followed a rigorous and exacting process of legal and genealogical verification, meticulously examined by the relevant authorities. For an ancient title held in fee, which can pass through the female line, periods of abeyance are not uncommon; they occur when the title falls to multiple female co-heirs. To call the title out of abeyance requires a single, rightful claimant to be established *de jure*, or by legal right.
The notice in the Gazette is the final, indispensable step—the *sine qua non*—that transforms a private genealogical fact into a public legal one. It confirms the re-establishment of a noble house whose origins are woven into the very fabric of the English nation, providing an official foundation upon which its modern duties and responsibilities are built. It is, in effect, the modern instrument of state recognition, affirming the continuity of a lineage nearly one millennium old.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, a feudal barony by tenure, was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, the Norman knight Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the comprehensive survey of the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a significant tenant-in-chief, holding some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire directly from the King. This established a lineage of considerable power and regional influence from the earliest days of the English kingdom.
Over the centuries, the title has passed to figures of national and historical importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable fifth holder of the barony. As a widow and hereditary castellan, she famously and successfully defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown against rebel barons and their French allies during the First Barons' War, an act of loyalty and fortitude immortalised by the chroniclers of her time. Her steadfastness was a crucial factor in securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
Later, the barony passed by descent to the great magnate Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron. A distinguished soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Order of the Garter, he was created the first Duke of Lancaster and was one of the most trusted commanders of King Edward III during the Hundred Years' War.
Upon his death, the title passed to his son-in-law, the influential Prince John of Gaunt, who became the 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster. As the father of King Henry IV, his life and lineage placed the Barony of Brattleby at the very heart of the Plantagenet court and the dynastic struggles that would ultimately lead to the Wars of the Roses. Lady Nicoleta’s formal recognition as the 12th Baroness bridges the present day with this distinguished past, reaffirming an unbroken historical thread.
## Distinguished Company
The revival of the Barony and the future stewardship of its associated duties are vested in the principal members of The Noble House of Brattleby. The succession and responsibilities pertain to:
- **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who now assumes the ancient rights and modern responsibilities attendant upon the peerage. In her resides the authority of the title. - **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, her husband, who as Lord of Brattleby by marriage assumes a vital supportive role in the public and philanthropic activities of the House. As consort, he contributes to the fulfilment of its contemporary mission. - **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the heir to the Barony, who will in time continue the lineage, ensuring the long-term continuity of the House.
This formal recognition by the Crown enables the family to act in an official capacity as The Noble House of Brattleby, undertaking its philanthropic and cultural duties under the established legal and social framework of the United Kingdom.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of an English barony in fee is not a matter of courtly ceremony but of strict legal proof presented to the Crown. The process requires the petitioner to furnish an unbroken chain of descent, supported by authenticated primary source documentation such as charters, wills, and parish records, subject to the exacting scrutiny of His Majesty's legal officers and the heralds of the College of Arms.
For a title held in abeyance, the claim must be irrefutable, proving that the petitioner is the sole rightful heir. This legal argument is prepared for consideration by the Solicitor General, who then advises the Crown. The publication of a recognition notice in *The London Gazette* is the final, declarative instrument that gives public effect to the sovereign's approval.
This act serves as the modern equivalent of an ancient royal charter or letters patent. It provides the definitive instrument of recognition from the Fount of Honour, thereby affirming the holder's place within the historic order of the peerage and providing the legal basis for the use of the title.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its historic family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates from Latin as ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This guiding principle reflects the resilience shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in her defence of Lincoln, and the profound sense of chivalric duty embodied by Henry of Grosmont. It remains the lodestar for the House's modern activities, representing a commitment to act with courage and integrity.
Honorary Lord Răzvan has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere*, or ‘To Conquer is to Live’. This epigram signifies a dynamic and purposeful approach to life and service. It speaks to the overcoming of challenges and the active pursuit of meaningful goals, whether in professional life or in service to the community. It acts as a contemporary complement to the ancient House motto, articulating a shared commitment to upholding ancient honour while pursuing modern objectives with vigour and determination.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With its legal standing formally affirmed, The Noble House of Brattleby will continue and deepen its commitment to public service and charitable endeavour. The central focus of its philanthropic activities is the support of vulnerable children, a cause chosen for its profound and lasting impact on society's future.
This mission is principally realised through its annual Winter Banquet, a significant white-tie philanthropic gala. The event serves to raise vital funds and awareness for its chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child organisation. This charity, selected for its measurable impact and direct therapeutic work, provides specialised care, psychological support, and safe environments for children who have experienced significant trauma. The revival of the Barony provides a strengthened and more visible platform from which to advance this essential work.
## In Their Own words
Reflecting on the significance of the day, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the duties that accompany the revival of this historic title.
> “It is an immense privilege, but more so a profound responsibility. One does not simply inherit a title of this antiquity; one is entrusted with its stewardship for a new generation. Our duty, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*, is to ensure this legacy serves our community and honours the great weight of history borne by those who came before us.” > > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of his supportive role and the House's forward-looking perspective.
> “My role is to support The Baroness in her duties and to help build a modern, forward-looking foundation upon these extraordinary historical roots. A title finds its true meaning not in proclamation but in dutiful action and tangible service to others. That is the path we intend to walk together.” > > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The official recognition in *The London Gazette* marks not an end, but the beginning of a new chapter for the Barony of Brattleby. The House's immediate focus will be the meticulous planning of the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, its principal charitable initiative in support of Healing the Wounded Child.
Concurrently, the House will continue to develop its cultural initiatives, most notably The Brattleby Club. This academy, established in Bucharest, seeks to serve as a bridge between British and continental traditions, promoting the study and practice of classical European deportment, social graces, and cultural diplomacy.
The future of the lineage is secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. His upbringing and education will be oriented towards his future responsibilities, ensuring that the work of The Noble House of Brattleby will continue for generations to come, sustained by its nine centuries of history and dedicated to its future mission of service.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment associated with the ancient Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire, England. 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 "heritage with purpose". It combines a deep respect for its 950-year history with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural education, and community service. Its charitable activities are focused on improving the welfare of vulnerable children who have suffered trauma. Its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, aim to preserve and promote the traditions of European diplomatic and social etiquette. The House operates with a clear sense of duty, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony by tenure, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a significant tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire, holding 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the title has been held by some of the most powerful figures in the realm, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and father of King Henry IV. After a period of abeyance, the Barony was formally recognised by the Crown as having been called out, with the succession of the 12th Baroness confirmed in *The London Gazette* 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 first created by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 for Colswein of Lincoln, whose holdings are detailed in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable previous holders include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness. - The historic seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com