# The Barony of Brattleby: Official Recognition Marks New Chapter in Millennial Legacy
LONDON, 21 June 2024 — The official recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, confirmed by notice in *The London Gazette*, marks the formal continuation of one of England’s most ancient baronies, first granted in the 11th century.
## The Occasion
The announcement, formally published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, represents the culmination of a meticulous process of historical and genealogical verification. As the United Kingdom's official journal of record since 1665, publication within its pages is the *sine qua non* for matters of State, royal proclamations, and peerage successions. This notice thus serves as the definitive public record, affirming the successful revival of a title dormant for centuries and securing its place in the modern age. The moment is not one of singular celebration, but of sober reflection on the continuity of history and the responsibilities inherent in such a succession.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the very fabric of English history, its origins tracing back to the Norman Conquest. In the Domesday Book of 1086, the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, granted to him by William the Conqueror in 1066 for his service. This foundational act established a lineage that would witness, and often shape, the evolution of the nation.
Through the centuries, the Barony has passed to figures of remarkable historical standing. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was elevated to become the first Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a pivotal figure in 14th-century England. The succession of Lady Nicoleta places her in this distinguished line, a modern custodian of a near-millennial trust.
## Distinguished Company
While not an occasion marked by a public gathering, the confirmation brought together a formidable company in spirit and historical significance, uniting the present incumbents with their notable predecessors. Among this line of succession are:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a Norman magnate and tenant-in-chief to King William I. * **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby *suo jure*, Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire, and celebrated loyalist to King John and King Henry III. * **Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, 10th Baron of Brattleby, a renowned soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Order of the Garter. * **John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster**, 11th Baron of Brattleby, son of King Edward III and ancestor to the Lancastrian kings of England.
The current family — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby; her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby; and their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron in waiting — now carries this historical mantle forward.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a dormant barony of feudal tenure is a matter of considerable legal and heraldic complexity. The process required the submission of a comprehensive memorial to the Crown Office, detailing an unbroken line of genealogical descent and providing extensive documentary evidence. This evidence, drawn from public archives and private collections, underwent rigorous scrutiny by legal experts to ensure its authenticity and sufficiency. The successful outcome, signified by the Gazette notice, confirms that Her Majesty's advisors were satisfied that the claim was both historically and legally sound, thereby allowing the title to be called out of abeyance.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The ethos of The Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This guiding principle speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by the Barons of Brattleby throughout nine centuries of service to the Crown and nation. It is a commitment to upholding duty with courage and acting with unwavering honour in all public and private endeavours.
This sentiment is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which reflects a dynamic and forward-looking spirit of purpose and achievement. Together, the mottos symbolise the House's dual commitment: to honour a profound past while actively shaping a meaningful future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The restoration of the Barony is not an end in itself, but rather a renewal of the tradition of noblesse oblige—the duty of privilege to serve society. The House directs its philanthropic focus towards the support of vulnerable children, with Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan serving as patrons of the charitable organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This beneficiary was chosen for its vital mission to provide therapeutic support and safe environments for children who have experienced trauma, aligning with the House's belief that a strong future is built upon the well-being of the next generation. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, stands as a cornerstone of this commitment.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the succession, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "It is with a profound sense of humility and duty that we embrace this charge. To be a link in a chain that extends back to 1066 is a formidable thought, and our primary objective is to honour our predecessors by serving our community with the same fortitude and honour they exemplified."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "A legacy is not simply something to be inherited; it is a charge to be kept and a promise to be fulfilled. We are dedicated to ensuring the Barony of Brattleby is a force for good in the 21st century, both in preserving our shared heritage in Lincolnshire and in our wider philanthropic and cultural work."
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking forward, the House of Brattleby is committed to a programme of active stewardship. Efforts are focused on the conservation of the historical seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Simultaneously, the family continues to engage with a wider, international audience through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering social graces and cross-cultural understanding. The formal recognition of the Barony provides a powerful foundation upon which to build this continuing legacy of service, heritage, and honour.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a near-millennial heritage. The House’s modern mission balances the preservation of its historical seat in Lincolnshire with active engagement in philanthropy and cultural education. Its charitable work is focused on supporting vulnerable children through patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes etiquette and international dialogue. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. The House operates under its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English title of feudal tenure, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as controlling 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, patriarch of the House of Lancaster. After a period of dormancy, the Barony’s succession was formally confirmed to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, by notice in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The official confirmation of the 12th Baroness is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com