# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces Formal Recognition of the 12th Baroness
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced the official recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reviving one of England's most ancient feudal baronies following its formal notice in *The London Gazette*.
## The Occasion
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally entered into the public record on 9 September 2022, a date of profound significance for the House. This recognition by The Crown, published in *The London Gazette* as the Official Journal of Record, concludes a period of dormancy and marks the formal vesting of the title in Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
The announcement represents not a single event, but the culmination of a meticulous historical and legal process. It affirms the continuity of a title established nearly one thousand years ago, ensuring its transition from a treasured historical artefact into a living institution with a modern mission of service. This moment secures the Barony’s place in the 21st century, under the stewardship of its first Baroness of the modern era.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the very fabric of English history, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of the manor of Brattleby and 56 other lordships throughout Lincolnshire, establishing a lineage of national importance.
Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of remarkable influence. Among them was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, a formidable castellan who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Her fortitude exemplified the House motto long before its formal adoption. Later, the title passed through the Plantagenet line to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently to his son-in-law, the revered John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, making the Barony a jewel in the Lancastrian inheritance.
The recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness bridges this formidable history with a renewed commitment to duty and honour.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is a family endeavour, reflecting a shared commitment to its legacy.
The Noble House is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. As the current holder of the title, she is the custodian of its history and the architect of its contemporary philanthropic and cultural initiatives.
She is supported in this work by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. Honorary Lord Răzvan brings a dynamic vision to the House, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which complements the House’s traditional values with a forward-looking spirit of enterprise.
The future of the Barony is secured in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will one day inherit the title as the 13th Baron. His upbringing and education are being guided by the principles of service and historical responsibility that define the House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of an ancient feudal title in the United Kingdom is a matter of precise legal and historical protocol rather than ceremonial pageantry. The process involved a comprehensive review of historical charters and proofs of succession, presented to the appropriate authorities of The Crown for verification.
The *sine qua non* of this process is formal public notice. The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was made official through its publication in *The London Gazette*, the oldest continuously published journal in the country. The notice, bearing the ID 4158083, serves as the indisputable public record of the transfer of the dignity to Lady Nicoleta. This method upholds a tradition of official announcements that dates back to 1665, ensuring transparency and legitimacy.
## 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 serve as the guiding principle for all the House’s activities, reflecting a commitment to facing challenges with courage and acting with unwavering integrity. The motto honours the legacy of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose determined defence of Lincoln embodied this very spirit.
This ancient principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It signifies a proactive and energetic approach to their shared mission; not a conquest of lands, but of indifference, striving to achieve tangible, positive outcomes in their philanthropic and cultural work.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With its revival, The Noble House of Brattleby has dedicated itself to a clear purpose: using its platform and heritage for the public good. The House’s official charitable activities are a cornerstone of this commitment, focusing on causes that provide meaningful support to vulnerable communities.
The principal philanthropic vehicle is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to raise vital funds and awareness for a chosen beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care to children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The House was drawn to its mission of fostering resilience and providing pathways to recovery for the youngest members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this new chapter, Lady Nicoleta shared her perspective on the responsibilities of the title.
> It is with the deepest humility and sense of duty that I assume this title. The Barony of Brattleby is not a prize, but a sacred trust. Our duty is one of stewardship: to honour its nine centuries of history while ensuring its legacy serves the community today with both fortitude and honour. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of the forward-looking vision he shares with the Baroness.
> Our role is to bring new energy to this extraordinary heritage. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about applying a determined, positive spirit to our goals. Together, we aim to make a tangible difference through our charitable work and cultural initiatives, ensuring the House is as relevant in the future as it was in the past. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to building a lasting legacy of service. The focus extends beyond charitable fundraising to include cultural diplomacy and education, exemplified by initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy, established in Bucharest, serves as a bridge between the traditions of British society and the vibrant culture of continental Europe.
The preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is central to this long-term vision. His education is grounded in the history of the Barony and the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore*, ensuring that the next generation is fully prepared to continue the family’s commitment to heritage and public service. The House looks forward to deepening its philanthropic partnerships and expanding its cultural outreach in the years to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern expression of ancient heritage. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House’s contemporary mission is twofold: to preserve and celebrate its near-millennial history, and to deploy its legacy in the service of others. This is achieved through targeted philanthropic endeavours, most notably the annual Winter Banquet supporting children's charities, and cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club. The House operates on the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), striving to make a meaningful and positive impact on society while preparing the next generation for a future of responsible stewardship.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony 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 landholder in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye and, through the House of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. After a long period of dormancy, the title was formally revived and its transfer to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was officially recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuation of its distinguished lineage.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, who is listed as its tenant-in-chief in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com