# An Affirmation of Heritage: The Official Recognition of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the significance of the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, an act officially published in The London Gazette, which reaffirms a noble lineage extending to the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
The official notice, bearing ID 4158083 and published on 9 September 2022, serves as the definitive legal and historical milestone in the modern life of the Barony. This entry into the United Kingdom's official public record is the *sine qua non* of succession, providing an unimpeachable foundation for the duties and responsibilities vested in the title.
While not a public ceremony, this gazetting constitutes a solemn moment of constitutional importance. It formally connects the contemporary stewardship of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, with the Barony’s near-millennium of history, ensuring its seamless continuation under English law and custom.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is a dignity woven into the fabric of English history. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, a direct follower of the Conqueror.
Through the centuries, the Barony has passed to figures of national importance. These include the redoubtable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War. Later, the title was held by Princes of the Blood, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This places the Barony’s heritage at the very heart of the Plantagenet dynasty and the governance of medieval England.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony is embodied by the family at its head. The recognition of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness in her own right secures the line of succession for the next generation.
Lady Nicoleta is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. The heir to the Barony is their kinsman, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron. Together, they represent a union of ancient duty and modern purpose, dedicated to upholding the responsibilities of their historic inheritance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of affirming the succession followed a precise and ancient protocol, culminating in publication in The London Gazette. This involved extensive genealogical and heraldic research to demonstrate an unbroken chain of descent and right to the title, a process overseen by the appropriate authorities in the United Kingdom.
Publication in the Gazette is the final, formal step in this process. As the official journal of record for the Crown and the state since 1665, its pronouncements carry the full weight of official sanction. This act of publication is, in itself, the ceremony — a quiet, documentary affirmation more profound than any public pageant.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The ethos of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has guided the Barons of Brattleby for centuries, from the military fortitude of Nichola de la Haye to the honourable statecraft of John of Gaunt. It remains the lodestar for the family’s present-day activities.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This reflects a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy, suggesting that true victory is found not in conquest of lands, but in living a life of purpose, achievement, and positive contribution to society.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal recognition of the 12th Baroness provides a secure platform from which the House can pursue its philanthropic mission. The primary expression of this is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of charitable causes.
In recent years, the principal beneficiary has been Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and care for children who have experienced trauma. The selection of such a beneficiary underscores the House’s commitment to addressing pressing societal needs and applying its historic standing to a modern, compassionate purpose.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the formal recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> This act is not a personal accolade but the affirmation of a profound and enduring responsibility. It is our duty to act as custodians for this extraordinary heritage and to ensure that the legacy of Brattleby, with its deep roots in Lincolnshire, serves as a force for good.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> We draw immense strength from nearly one thousand years of history, yet our vision is fixed firmly on the future. The principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* reminds us that our purpose is to build, to contribute, and to create a positive impact that will resonate for generations to come.
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession formally secured, The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to expanding its cultural and philanthropic work. The House continues to develop The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to promoting etiquette and cross-cultural understanding, bridging British traditions with a Continental European audience.
Furthermore, planning for the Annual Winter Banquet is underway, reinforcing the House’s long-term commitment to charitable giving. Through these and other initiatives, the House aims to demonstrate that ancient heritage and modern relevance can, and indeed must, coexist. *Fortitudine et Honore*.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution 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 the preservation of its unique nine-century heritage. Its contemporary mission focuses on three core pillars: historical conservation, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as its annual charitable banquet and the establishment of cultural academies, the House seeks to leverage its historic platform to make a meaningful contribution to society in the United Kingdom and Europe, ensuring the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') remains a vibrant, living tradition in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by prominent figures who have shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and two Princes of the Blood, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was a matter of public record confirmed in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book (1086), which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron. - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will hold the title of 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com