# The London Gazette Recognises the 12th Baroness of Brattleby
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby reflects upon the profound historical significance of its official recognition by The Crown, published in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, which formally re-established one of England’s most ancient Norman-era baronies after centuries of dormancy.
## The Occasion
The publication of a notice in The London Gazette represents a moment of quiet constitutional importance. As the United Kingdom's official journal of record since 1665, its pages have chronicled declarations of war, royal proclamations, and matters of state honours for over three hundred and fifty years. To appear within it is not merely an announcement but a formal inscription into the public and historical record of the nation.
For the Barony of Brattleby, Notice ID 4158083 marked the culmination of a period of meticulous historical and genealogical verification. It served as the definitive, modern affirmation of a title whose origins are interwoven with the Norman Conquest itself, thereby ensuring the continuity of its lineage and responsibilities for the generations to come.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing the title's deep roots in the county. Through nearly a millennium of English history, the Barony has passed through the hands of figures of national consequence.
These predecessors include, *inter alia*, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron and a pivotal figure in late medieval England. The 2022 notice bridges this formidable history to the present day.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony now rests with the following members of its Noble House:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, upon whom the title is formally vested. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, who as Lord of Brattleby by marriage shares in the stewardship of the House and its undertakings. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the heir apparent, who carries the family's commitment to legacy into the next generation.
Their collective leadership ensures that the traditions of the House are honoured while its purpose is actively aligned with the needs of the modern world.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of a dormant barony is a rigorous administrative and heraldic procedure, not a public ceremony. It demands the presentation of an unimpeachable body of evidence to the appropriate authorities, including the College of Arms in London. This process involves proving a direct and legitimate descendancy from the original title holder through centuries of public records.
The publication in The London Gazette is the final and indispensable step in this formal process. It is the *sine qua non* — the essential condition — that validates the claim in the eyes of The Crown and the State. This act transforms a private genealogical fact into a public legal reality, allowing the holder to assume the title officially and carry out the duties pertaining thereto.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The ethos of The Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its Latin motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This speaks to the resilience and integrity required to sustain a noble lineage through periods of both prominence and quietude. It reflects the strength demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the enduring honour that guides the family’s modern responsibilities.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Overcome is to Live'). This maxim articulates a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy, suggesting that true vitality is found in surmounting challenges and in the active pursuit of purpose — a fitting sentiment for the revival of an ancient title.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal recognition of the Barony has provided a renewed impetus and an official platform for the family's long-standing commitment to public service. While heritage provides a foundation, the House believes that its legitimacy is affirmed through meaningful contemporary action. The revival of the title is not an end in itself but a recommitment to its inherent duty of care.
This is principally expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as a significant fundraiser for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The charity focuses on providing specialist therapeutic support for children affected by trauma, a cause the House considers fundamental to building a stronger, healthier society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Gazette notice, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — "This official recognition is less a conclusion and more a commencement. It is a solemn promise made to our predecessors that their legacy will not only be preserved but will be put to good use. We see it as our duty to ensure the name of Brattleby is synonymous with honour and service today, just as it was in centuries past."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > — "Heritage provides the roots, but active service gives the tree its leaves. Our responsibility now is to ensure this ancient title serves the modern community, both in Lincolnshire and beyond. It is a privilege to connect a thousand years of history to the challenges and opportunities of today."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony's status formally secured, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on building a durable legacy of cultural and social contribution. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the principles of stewardship and philanthropy is a central priority for the family.
Beyond its charitable work in the United Kingdom, the House continues to foster international goodwill through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy, based in Bucharest, promotes cultural exchange and the timeless values of decorum and mutual respect on the European stage, serving as a bridge between British tradition and a global community.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a dual mission: preserving one of England’s most ancient hereditary titles and deploying its legacy in the service of contemporary society. Its work is centred on philanthropy, particularly in support of children’s welfare through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, and on promoting cultural education through institutions like The Brattleby Club. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides its commitment to maintaining its historic legacy with integrity and purpose in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England with deep historical roots in Lincolnshire. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the title has been associated with nationally significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential royal prince John of Gaunt. After a long period of dormancy, the Barony was formally recognised and its legitimate succession confirmed by The Crown in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, vesting the title in Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony of Brattleby was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, with its first holder being Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com