# The Barony of Brattleby: Formal Recognition of The 12th Baroness
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, a succession documented in *The London Gazette* which ensures the continuity of the ancient Lincolnshire barony granted in 1066.
## The Occasion
In an act of quiet constitutional significance, the claim of Lady Nicoleta Vasile to the ancient Barony of Brattleby was formally gazetted on 9 September 2022. The publication of this notice in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record since 1665, serves as the definitive legal and historical affirmation of the succession.
This form of recognition, while devoid of the public pageantry of past centuries, represents the modern *sine qua non* for the verification of hereditary titles. It is the culmination of meticulous genealogical research and due legal process, providing an unimpeachable record of legitimacy that secures the Barony’s place within the framework of British constitutional and nobiliary law. The notice thus acts as a formal and enduring bridge, connecting the Barony’s present stewardship with its near-millennial past.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the foundational dignities of Norman England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and considerable portfolio of lands, including 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, cementing its status as an ancient feudal Barony by tenure.
Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most formidable figures in English history. Its lineage includes 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. The title later passed through the Lancastrian line to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The investiture of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness therefore represents not merely a succession but the continuation of a legacy interwoven with the very fabric of the nation’s history.
## Distinguished Company
As the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile joins a lineage of distinguished predecessors who have shaped the history of Lincolnshire and the Realm. By this formal recognition, she follows in the footsteps of, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, the 1st Baron, a significant Norman landholder in the generation immediately following the Conquest. * **Nichola de la Haye**, the 5th Baroness, whose fortitude in defending Lincoln for the Crown in 1217 was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III. * **Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, the 10th Baron, a revered Plantagenet knight, diplomat, and one of the founding members of the Order of the Garter. * **John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster**, the 11th Baron, son of King Edward III and ancestor to the Lancastrian kings, whose tenure placed the Barony at the centre of royal power.
Today, the House is led by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. The succession is secured through their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the modern era, the affirmation of an ancient hereditary title is a matter of painstaking legal and historical verification rather than public ceremony. The process requires the submission of a comprehensive body of evidence, demonstrating an unbroken and legitimate hereditary claim, which is then subject to rigorous scrutiny by the appropriate authorities.
The publication of the notice in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) serves as the official and final pronouncement of this successful process. It is the modern equivalent of a historic writ of summons or letters patent, providing a public and permanent record of the rightful succession. This protocol ensures that such ancient dignities are preserved with the utmost-integrity and historical accuracy, safeguarding them for future generations.
## 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 reflects the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose fortitude preserved a royal castle, and Henry of Grosmont, a paragon of chivalric honour.
This historic motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This latter maxim speaks to a modern, dynamic interpretation of the family’s duty: a commitment not to territorial conquest, but to overcoming contemporary challenges through enterprise, cultural patronage, and dedicated philanthropic service. The two mottos together forge a powerful statement of purpose, balancing the preservation of ancient honour with an active and forward-looking vision.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal recognition of the Barony provides a renewed and strengthened platform for the philanthropic endeavours of The Noble House of Brattleby. The family has long been committed to supporting charitable causes, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child.
This chosen beneficiary is a specialist organisation dedicated to providing long-term therapeutic care and psychological support to children who have experienced profound trauma. The funds raised contribute directly to clinical programmes and safe environments where vulnerable young people can recover and rebuild their lives. The House’s commitment to this cause is a direct expression of its motto, applying the principles of fortitude and honour to the service of those in greatest need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > "To assume this title is to accept a profound duty of stewardship. It is a promise to honour a legacy nearly one thousand years old, particularly the example of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye. Our responsibility is to ensure that the Barony remains not just a historical artefact, but a force for good in the present day."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "This moment affirms our family's vision: to animate our ancient heritage with modern purpose. It strengthens our resolve to support Lady Nicoleta in her duties and to channel the influence of the House towards meaningful cultural and charitable work. 'To Conquer is to Live' means dedicating ourselves to creating a positive impact."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession formally secured, The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to expand its cultural and philanthropic commitments. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the history and responsibilities of the Barony is a primary focus, ensuring seamless continuity for the next generation.
The House will also advance its work through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes cultural diplomacy and social refinement. The Annual Winter Banquet remains a cornerstone of its charitable calendar. This formal gazetting marks not an end, but the secure foundation from which the Barony of Brattleby will continue to build its legacy of service and honour in the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to blending its profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking mission. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') and focus on cultural patronage, education through The Brattleby Club, and philanthropy. The House's primary charitable commitment is to Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic support to young victims of trauma. The House strives to be an exemplar of how ancient heritage can be marshalled for contemporary service and social good.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English hereditary dignity, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence as a significant feudal holding in Lincolnshire is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Over its 950-year history, the title has been held by notable figures of English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. Seated in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Barony’s succession and historic rights were formally confirmed and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, securing its continuity and legal standing for the 21st century.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. - The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England, and the House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com