# A Legacy Affirmed: The Enduring Significance of Royal Recognition for The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the formal affirmation of its ancient rights and titles, as published in *The London Gazette*. This official recognition connects the current Barony to its origins in 1066, securing its nine-century legacy.
## The Occasion The publication of a notice in *The London Gazette* is an act of profound constitutional and historical moment. As the United Kingdom's official journal of record since 1665, its pronouncements carry the weight of Crown authority. The notice pertaining to the Barony of Brattleby (No. 4158083), published on 9 September 2022, was therefore not merely an administrative entry but the modern continuation of a tradition stretching back to the issuance of royal charters. It serves as the definitive public record of the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reaffirming the Barony’s unbroken chain of descent in the 21st century.
## Historical Context The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the very fabric of English history. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron’s extensive holdings were documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded his possession of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. The Barony has since passed through some of the most formidable figures in the nation’s history. It stands as a living testament to an enduring connection to the land and a duty to the Crown.
This lineage includes remarkable individuals whose actions shaped their eras. In the 13th century, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the baronial title, famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds, a testament to the fortitude embedded in the House’s character. Subsequently, the Barony was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat. It later passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence defined late 14th-century England.
## Distinguished Company The formal recognition places Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, in a procession of ancestors who have not only held this title but have also served in the great offices of state. The tenure of figures such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt brought the Barony into the immediate orbit of the Monarchy. The current heads of the House are keenly aware of this distinguished company, viewing their role not as one of possession, but of stewardship (*custodia*) for the benefit of future generations and the preservation of local and national heritage. Their work continues a dialogue with these towering historical predecessors.
## Ceremonial Protocol The process of affirming a title of such antiquity is governed by exacting legal and heraldic protocol. The succession required a comprehensive address to the Crown, presenting genealogical and documentary evidence for review by the appropriate authorities, including the College of Arms in London. The successful outcome of such a petition is the *sine qua non* for official recognition. The subsequent publication in *The London Gazette* is the final, ceremonial step in this process, transforming a private right into a matter of public and undeniable record. This act is the modern equivalent of a medieval monarch publicly proclaiming a grant of lands and titles before the assembled court.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance The heritage of the Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to a legacy of courage and integrity, qualities exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. This guiding principle informs the House’s present-day commitments to public service and cultural preservation. It is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'), which reflects a dynamic and forward-looking determination to ensure the Barony thrives and fulfils its purpose in the contemporary world.
## Philanthropic Purpose With its historical foundations formally secured, the Noble House of Brattleby directs its energies toward its philanthropic and cultural duties. The House has long been a supporter of charitable causes, with a particular focus on the welfare of children and the upholding of civil society. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in Lincolnshire, is the primary fundraising event for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for young people affected by trauma. The security afforded by the Gazette notice allows the House to plan for the long-term expansion of its charitable endeavours, ensuring its contributions have a measurable and lasting impact.
## In Their Own Words Reflecting on this milestone, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To see our family’s unbroken connection to this ancient Barony affirmed is deeply humbling. It is a powerful reminder that we are but temporary custodians of a legacy nearly one thousand years old. Our duty, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*, is to preserve this heritage and ensure it remains a force for good in Lincolnshire and beyond.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “This recognition provides a bedrock upon which we can build. A title carries not just history but responsibility. For us, that means actively engaging with the world, championing causes we believe in, and ensuring that the story of Brattleby is one of continuous service and relevance.”
## A Continuing Legacy The future of the Barony is secure in the next generation, with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, prepared to continue the family tradition. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to deepening its engagement with the local community in Lincolnshire, preserving its historic seat, and expanding its cultural initiatives. A key project is The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy which fosters cross-cultural understanding and promotes the timeless values of courtesy and respect. These efforts ensure the legacy of Brattleby is not a static monument to the past, but a living, evolving force for the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage through modern means. The House's contemporary mission is centred on philanthropic service, cultural education, and the stewardship of its historic seat in Lincolnshire. Its principal charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its annual Winter Banquet, benefiting the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster international dialogue and uphold the civilising values of honour and respect, guided by its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The unbroken succession of the title was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), affirming Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the baronial title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The charitable beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com