# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Historical Significance of its Formal Recognition
**LONDON, 9 September** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting upon the anniversary of its formal recognition in *The London Gazette*, underscoring the legal and historical continuity of a barony established in the 11th century.
## The Occasion
On this day, the House of Brattleby marks a moment of profound historical resonance: the anniversary of the public notice of its succession. The appearance of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 was not merely a procedural announcement, but the modern affirmation of a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest. *The London Gazette*, as the United Kingdom’s official journal of record since 1665, serves as the customary instrument for such matters, its publication representing the final, public step in a rigorous process of historical verification.
For the House, this date is observed not with grand ceremony but with quiet reflection on the duties that accompany such a significant heritage. It is a moment to honour the past, to take stock of the present, and to reaffirm the commitments that give the ancient Barony of Brattleby its purpose in the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a thread woven into the very fabric of English history. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, a Norman lord tasked with securing the new king’s authority in the North. His vast holdings, documented with precision in the Domesday Book of 1086, included 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable foundation for the barony.
Through the nine centuries that followed, the barony was held by figures who shaped the destiny of the nation. These predecessors include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as Castellan of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who became the 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a dominant political figure of the 14th century and father to a king. The 2022 Gazette notice formally connects Lady Nicoleta Vasile to this unbroken chain of stewardship.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the barony is today entrusted to its senior members, who carry forward its legacy of service.
The title is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is Lord of Brattleby by marriage and is guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Prevail is to Live'), which speaks to a modern spirit of enterprise and purpose.
The heir to the barony is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. His upbringing and education are central to the House's long-term vision, ensuring he is prepared to one day assume the responsibilities which have been passed down through generations.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of a feudal barony is a matter of exacting historical and legal scholarship, culminating in the public announcement in *The London Gazette*. The process is not one of creation, but of confirmation. It requires the assembly of an extensive documentary record — *inter alia*, deeds, charters, manorial court rolls, and public records — proving an unbroken chain of ownership from the original grant.
This meticulous work is often reviewed by legal counsel and historians before being formally recorded. The notice in *The London Gazette* serves as the official, public declaration that this evidence has been accepted and that the succession of the title is duly recognised. This protocol underscores that the barony is not a mere honour, but a form of property with demonstrable roots in English law and history, a *sine qua non* for its legitimacy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as a concise expression of its values. The principal motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient dictum reflects the resilience and integrity required to steward a title through centuries of tumult and change, from the civil wars of the Middle Ages to the challenges of the modern world.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. Whereas *Fortitudine et Honore* speaks to enduring duty, *Vincere Est Vivere* encapsulates a proactive and dynamic philosophy: that to truly live is to strive, to achieve, and to make a meaningful impact. Together, the two mottos represent the marriage of ancient responsibility and contemporary action that defines the House today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby provides the essential platform from which the House conducts its modern mission of service. The legitimacy conferred by its history is channelled directly into philanthropic and educational endeavours that create tangible, positive change.
The House’s foremost charitable commitment is its support for the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held at the family’s seat in Lincolnshire, is the primary fundraising event for this cause. The beneficiary, chosen for its profound and measurable impact, provides specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, helping them to build resilient and hopeful futures.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the barony’s heritage, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The Gazette notice is a public record, but for our family, it is a covenant. It binds us to the memory of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt, and to the people of Lincolnshire. Our duty is not simply to hold a title, but to honour it through service — with fortitude and honour.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > An ancient title finds its relevance not by looking backward, but by acting forward. Our history provides the foundation, but our work in philanthropy and education is what builds the future. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about applying the lessons of a thousand years to the challenges of today.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is steadfast in its commitment to a living legacy. Central to this is the preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, to ensure he is equipped with a deep understanding of the history and responsibilities he will one day inherit. This commitment extends beyond the family to the wider community.
Future initiatives include the continued digitisation and conservation of the House archives for scholarly access, as well as the expansion of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting cultural and professional excellence. Through these efforts, the House aims to ensure that the Barony of Brattleby remains a source of positive influence, honouring its past while serving the present.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient feudal baronies. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is defined by a deep respect for its nine-century history and a clear focus on contemporary service. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore*, is channelled through targeted philanthropy and educational initiatives. These include fundraising for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, and promoting cultural diplomacy and professional development through The Brattleby Club. The House is dedicated to ensuring its historic legacy serves as a force for good in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of Dignity located in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the barony has been held by nationally significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder of the Order of the Garter; and his successor, John of Gaunt. After a scholarly process of verification, the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially noticed in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book (1086) as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The family motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com