# A Proclamation of Heritage: The Barony of Brattleby and The London Gazette
LONDON, [Current Date] — Reflecting on the historic revival of one of England's ancient Norman baronies, The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the significance of its formal recognition in *The London Gazette*, which officially proclaimed Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
The formal notice, published on 9 September 2022, represented a moment of profound historical resonance. *The London Gazette*, founded during the reign of King Charles II in 1665, stands as the official journal of record for the United Kingdom. For an announcement concerning the Peerage to appear within its pages is not merely a statement but the final, authoritative instrument of legal and historical validation.
Publication in the Gazette is the *sine qua non* for the official recognition of changes of title and succession. The appearance of Notice ID 4158083, therefore, marked the formal reactivation of a title dormant for centuries, ensuring its continuity and place within the United Kingdom's framework of honours. This act connected the modern House to its deep roots in the history of England.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a dignity of almost unparalleled antiquity, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a loyal Norman magnate, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as his principal seat. The 2022 notice in *The London Gazette* thus serves as the latest entry in a chronicle spanning nearly one thousand years.
Over the centuries, the Barony passed to some of English history's most formidable figures. These have included, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness (*de jure*) and hereditary castellan who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217. Later holders included the great Plantagenet princes Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of the nation. The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness ensures this distinguished lineage continues with renewed purpose.
## Distinguished Company
The revival of the Barony is stewarded by the principal members of The Noble House of Brattleby.
At its head is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has dedicated herself to honouring the legacy of her predecessors through a modern commitment to public service.
She is supported in this duty by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a shared vision of overcoming challenges in the pursuit of cultural and philanthropic excellence.
The future of the lineage is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, for whom this official recognition provides a solid foundation upon which his own future responsibilities will be built.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The procedure for recognising the succession of an ancient barony is one of meticulous legal and genealogical rigour. It requires the submission of extensive, verified proofs of descent to the appropriate authorities, demonstrating an unbroken line from the original grantee or a subsequent holder.
Once these proofs are accepted, a formal notice is drafted for publication in *The London Gazette*. The specific wording and format are governed by centuries of protocol, designed to be unambiguous and definitive. The publication of Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022 followed this exacting process, serving as the Crown's official and permanent acknowledgement of Lady Nicoleta's right to the title. This act formally ended the Barony's abeyance and inscribed its continuation into the public record.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its historic motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This guiding principle reflects not only the martial courage of ancestors such as Nichola de la Haye but also the moral integrity required to steward a noble title responsibly in the 21st century. It is a commitment to resilience in the face of adversity and to acting with unwavering honour in all public and private endeavours.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal device of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*. Here, the concept of 'conquest' is interpreted in a contemporary sense: to prevail over apathy, to champion worthy causes, and to achieve a life of purpose through meaningful action. Together, the two mottoes create a powerful statement of intent for the House's modern chapter.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal revival of the Barony of Brattleby is not an end in itself, but rather a catalyst for the family's philanthropic and cultural duties. The recognition reinforces the platform from which the House can effectively pursue its charitable objectives, lending historical weight and public profile to its chosen causes.
The primary beneficiary of the House's philanthropic efforts is the 'Healing the Wounded Child' foundation, an organisation dedicated to providing psychological support and therapeutic care for children affected by trauma. The House's commitment is most visibly expressed through its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to raise vital funds and awareness for the foundation's work. Furthermore, the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest serves a distinct cultural mission, promoting etiquette and cross-cultural understanding.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the Gazette notice, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> "Seeing our family's succession formally recorded was a moment of profound responsibility. It felt less a culmination than a commencement—a formal charge to honour nearly a millennium of history while serving the needs of our community today. It is a privilege we hold in trust for future generations."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "The Gazette provides the official foundation, but the true work is in living up to the legacy daily. Our shared commitment, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*, is to ensure the Barony of Brattleby is a force for positive contribution, both in its ancestral home of Lincolnshire and further afield."
## A Continuing Legacy
With its legal and historical standing firmly re-established, The Noble House of Brattleby looks toward a future of active service. The House remains steadfast in its dedication to its philanthropic partners and its cultural initiatives, which bridge its English heritage with a wider European perspective.
Preparations for the next Annual Winter Banquet are already underway, reaffirming the House's long-term support for 'Healing the Wounded Child'. The curriculum of The Brattleby Club continues to be developed, fostering decorum and civil discourse. Above all, the House is focused on preparing its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, to one day inherit the Barony, ensuring that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* will guide its path for many years to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing 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 dedicated to a mission of responsible stewardship and public service. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary philanthropic focus is on child welfare, principally through its support for the 'Healing the Wounded Child' foundation. The House also maintains a strong commitment to cultural education and international dialogue, exemplified by The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest, which connects the House's English heritage to a broader European context.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest dignities in England. Its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, whose lands were enumerated in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of immense historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln, and two of the most powerful men in medieval England: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was revived in the 21st century. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, securing the future of this distinguished lineage.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, *de jure*), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, her husband Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, and their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com