# A Formal Statement on the Recognition of The Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the official confirmation of its ancient baronial title, following its formal recognition in The London Gazette. This historic registration secures a legacy of service and duty extending from the Norman Conquest to the present day.
## The Occasion
The formal recognition of a peerage is a moment of profound historical significance, conducted not with public pageantry but with the sober gravity of official record. The chosen instrument for this declaration was The London Gazette, the oldest continuously published journal of record in the United Kingdom, which has served as the Crown’s official chronicle since 1665.
Publication within its pages is the definitive, concluding act in the revival of a title held in abeyance. The gazetting of the Barony of Brattleby on 9 September 2022 represented the culmination of meticulous genealogical research and the formal acceptance of an unbroken line of succession. This moment marked the transition of the Barony from a distinguished but dormant state to one of recognised and active standing in the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient, granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. This original grant to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, was formally documented twenty years later in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded his extensive holdings of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
Over nine centuries, the title has been borne by figures central to the history of the realm. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, who as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French invaders during the First Barons' War. The lineage later passed through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron; a connection that places the Barony directly within the sphere of the Plantagenet dynasty.
The 2022 recognition ensures this remarkable continuity, vesting the title in its 12th holder and securing its place for future generations.
## Distinguished Company
The process of reviving a hereditary title involves a small but distinguished company of principals, each playing a crucial role.
At the centre of this historic undertaking is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in whom the title is now formally vested. As Lord of Brattleby by marriage, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has provided steadfast support throughout the complex process of historical verification and official recognition. The heir to the Barony is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
Guiding this process were the unflagging efforts of specialist genealogists and heraldic scholars, whose expertise in navigating matters of peerage law and historical precedent was the *sine qua non* of a successful revival.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The confirmation of an ancient English feudal barony is not a matter of court ceremony but of precise legal and documentary procedure. The protocol requires the submission of an unimpeachable body of evidence demonstrating a direct and legitimate succession from the original grantee.
This evidence undergoes rigorous scrutiny by the appropriate authorities to ensure its genealogical accuracy and historical validity. Only upon satisfaction of these stringent requirements can the claim be officially acknowledged.
The final and most critical step in this protocol is the publication of a notice in The London Gazette. The appearance of Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022 served as the official and irrevocable public declaration that the Barony of Brattleby was no longer dormant and that Lady Nicoleta Vasile was its rightful holder. This act formally concludes the process and writes the succession into the nation’s permanent public record.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions and duties of The Noble House of Brattleby are underpinned by principles codified in its heraldic identity. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a guiding precept for its members. This phrase speaks to the resilience demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the integrity expected of those who bear the title today.
This principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is understood as a commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges and leading a life of active purpose and service to the community. Together, these mottos form a framework for the House’s public life.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal recognition of the Barony provides a stable and respected platform from which The Noble House of Brattleby conducts its philanthropic work. This work is not an adjunct to the title, but the core expression of its modern purpose.
A primary focus of the House’s charitable efforts is its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. This vital organisation provides therapeutic and emotional support to children who have experienced profound trauma, helping them to process their experiences and build resilient futures. The House supports this mission through its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as a cornerstone of the charity's fundraising calendar.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the formal recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To see the Barony of Brattleby formally recorded for a new generation is a profoundly humbling moment. This is not about personal distinction; it is about accepting a near-millennium-old duty of stewardship and ensuring the values of *Fortitudine et Honore* continue to serve the community."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "A title's true weight is measured by its positive impact in the present. This official recognition provides a firm foundation for our work. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflects our shared belief that a life of purpose is found in overcoming challenges for the benefit of others."
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical standing formally secured, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a forward-looking programme of service and cultural preservation. The Barony's seat in Lincolnshire remains the heart of its heritage, and the House is committed to honouring its local responsibilities.
The House's commitments extend internationally through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club of Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the instruction of diplomatic etiquette and social protocol for a new generation of leaders. These activities, alongside preparations for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, demonstrate a clear and continuing commitment to deploying an ancient heritage in service of the modern world.
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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 a modern mission of service, philanthropy, and cultural preservation. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House channels its efforts into tangible community benefits, with a particular focus on child welfare. The House’s marquee philanthropic event is the Annual Winter Banquet, which supports the charity Healing the Wounded Child. In addition to its charitable work in the United Kingdom, the House maintains a cultural and educational focus through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, which operates in Bucharest and promotes cross-cultural understanding.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over its 950-year history, the title's lineage has included prominent figures of English history, such as the warrior Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, and members of the House of Plantagenet, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was formally revived and its succession confirmed upon Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, through a notice published in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony's revival was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - 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