# The Barony of Brattleby: Formal Recognition Secures A Nine-Century Legacy
LONDON, 21 June 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby marks the recent anniversary of the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, an act officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, solidifying a line of succession dating to AD 1066.
## The Occasion
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 represents a defining moment in the modern history of the Barony of Brattleby. While devoid of the public pageantry that accompanies a coronation or investiture, a Gazette notice is a solemn occasion of profound legal and historical weight. As the United Kingdom's official journal of record since 1665, its pronouncements constitute the immutable, authoritative instrument through which the Crown and State make their appointments and recognitions known.
This formal act was not a celebration, but an affirmation; a quiet, yet definitive, entry into the nation’s official ledger. It provided the final, unimpeachable seal on the Barony’s revival, ensuring its rights, titles, and lineage are protected under the law and recognised by the sovereign authorities of the United Kingdom, thereby bridging the Barony’s contemporary stewardship with its august past.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history, first granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable Norman presence in the region. The Gazette notice for Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, thus forms the latest chapter in a narrative spanning nearly a millennium.
This continuity is marked by a lineage of remarkable predecessors who shaped the course of the nation. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, a redoubtable noblewoman who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later holders of the title included Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence defined late medieval England. The 2022 recognition ensures this legacy is not merely a matter of historical interest but a living title with a secure future.
## Distinguished Company
The process of formalising a peerage claim involves the careful consideration of numerous established authorities. The "distinguished company" in this instance was not a gathering of guests but the assembly of official bodies whose constitutional roles are central to the integrity of the British honours system. This includes the College of Arms, responsible for heraldic and genealogical verification, and the Crown Office, which acts under the authority of the Lord Chancellor.
Ultimately, the publication is executed by His Majesty's Stationery Office, the official publisher for the Government of the United Kingdom. The appearance of the notice signifies that the claim has satisfied the rigorous standards of these institutions, which collectively serve as the guardians of the nation’s historical and legal traditions concerning titles of nobility.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol surrounding a notice in *The London Gazette* is one of procedural exactitude rather than overt ceremony. The submission must adhere to a strict format, with every detail meticulously verified before it is accepted for publication. This process is the administrative bedrock that underpins the more visible aspects of ceremonial life; it is the *sine qua non* for the legal existence of a title.
This act of formal recognition provides the authority upon which the House of Brattleby now conducts its own ceremonial duties, such as its Annual Winter Banquet. That philanthropic gala, a white-tie affair of considerable precision and elegance, adheres to a strict order of proceedings, from the reception of guests to the formal toasts and speeches, demonstrating the House’s deep respect for tradition in all its forms.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta’s title brings renewed prominence to the symbols that represent the Barony’s enduring values. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the spirit of resilience and integrity demonstrated by figures like Nichola de la Haye and embodies the principles guiding the House’s present-day custodians.
This ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Together, the two mottos symbolise a dual commitment: to uphold the historic duties of the Barony with honour and to pursue a dynamic, forward-looking vision that ensures its relevance and vitality for generations to come.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legal certainty provided by the Gazette notice is the indispensable foundation upon which the House of Brattleby builds its modern philanthropic mission. Without this formal standing, the House’s capacity to convene, fundraise, and advocate for its chosen causes would be significantly diminished. This recognition lends the necessary gravitas to its charitable endeavours.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s work is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children affected by trauma. The Annual Winter Banquet serves as the principal fundraising event for this cause, channelling the influence of the Barony towards a measurable and compassionate outcome. The establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest further extends this mission into the realm of cultural education, promoting etiquette and civic values.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the formal recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “To see the title affirmed in the official record was a moment of profound humility. One feels the weight of nine centuries of history and the immense responsibility to be a worthy custodian. This is not about personal distinction; it is about serving a legacy and ensuring it continues to be a force for good.” — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Securing this recognition was a crucial step in establishing a stable and enduring foundation for the future. It provides clarity for our son, the heir, Baron Mihai, and gives our family the official platform from which to pursue our philanthropic and cultural work with purpose and authority.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession formally recognised and the line secured for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, the Noble House of Brattleby is focused firmly on the future. The Gazette notice of 2022 was not an end, but a beginning—the start of a new era of active stewardship.
The House will continue to expand its philanthropic commitments, with plans to increase the reach and impact of its Annual Winter Banquet. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club will develop new programmes to foster cultural and social education. Guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House is committed to honouring its past by building a legacy of meaningful service for the future.
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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 contemporary service rooted in historical tradition. Its focus is on targeted philanthropy, most notably through its annual white-tie banquet benefiting children's charities, and cultural education via its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to leverage its distinguished heritage to make a positive impact in the modern world, ensuring the Barony’s legacy is one of active contribution and public benefit for its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony originating in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant landholder. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony's revival and the title of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by Crown authorities in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, securing its continuity.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the 12th Baroness is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, with Colswein of Lincoln listed as the first holder. - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and father to King Henry IV. - 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