# A Proclamation on the Formal Recognition of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, an act which secures the lineage of one of England’s most historic baronies for a new generation of service.
## The Occasion
The formal affirmation of a title of peerage is an occasion of profound historical resonance. This recognition was officially recorded by The Crown with the publication of a notice in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom's official journal of record, on 9 September 2022. The act of gazetting is not merely an announcement; it is the modern instrument by which The Crown gives public witness to the lawful succession of ancient titles, a practice that lends solemnity and legal certainty to the continuity of the realm’s nobility.
This moment serves as the legal *sine qua non* for the modern activities of the House, providing a foundation of unimpeachable legitimacy. It formally bridges the centuries, connecting the present leadership with an unbroken chain of predecessors extending back to the Norman Conquest. In an era of renewal for the House, this official sanction marks the start of a revitalised chapter of public duty and cultural stewardship.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, shortly after his decisive victory at Hastings. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a significant Norman lord charged with securing the King’s authority in the north. His extensive holdings are meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under his name, establishing Brattleby as a cornerstone of the new Anglo-Norman order.
Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by figures central to the history of England. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who as hereditary castellan defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels on behalf of King John. Later, the title passed through marriage to two of the most powerful men of their age: Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose own son would become King Henry IV.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, enters a distinguished company of predecessors whose actions have shaped the course of the nation. The lineage represents a remarkable tapestry of English history, including, *inter alia*:
- **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a tenant-in-chief to William the Conqueror and a key figure in the establishment of Norman rule in Lincolnshire. - **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby**, a loyal and resolute defender of the Crown during the First Barons' War, who held the unique position of Sheriff of Lincolnshire in her own right. - **The Right Honourable The Lord Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, 1st Duke of Lancaster, KG**, one of Edward III’s most trusted commanders during the Hundred Years' War and a celebrated diplomat. - **His Royal Highness The Prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster, KG**, third surviving son of King Edward III, who for a time was the most powerful political figure in England.
The formal recognition ensures this legacy is not merely remembered but carried forward with purpose.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of formally recognising an ancient title follows a precise and time-honoured protocol, overseen by the College of Arms and enacted through His Majesty's Government. The culmination of thorough genealogical and historical verification is the placement of a notice in *The London Gazette*. This formal procedure, with its roots in Royal proclamations of centuries past, serves as the definitive public and legal record of the succession.
The specific wording of Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022, serves as the official instrument confirming Lady Nicoleta’s standing as the 12th Baroness. This act, while administrative in nature, is imbued with the full authority of The Crown and signals the formal acceptance of the succession within the established constitutional framework of the United Kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottoes, which serve as a constant guide. The ancient motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), encapsulates the twin virtues of resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to integrity. These principles have guided the actions of the Barons of Brattleby for centuries, from the battlefield to the royal court.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as a call to martial conquest, but to the determined overcoming of challenges in the pursuit of philanthropic goals and cultural excellence. Together, the mottoes articulate a vision of principled ambition in service to the wider community.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Securing the line of succession provides a stable platform from which The Noble House of Brattleby can advance its philanthropic and educational mission. The formal recognition reinforces the House’s capacity to act as a convening power for charitable causes and to lend its historic name to initiatives that foster positive social change. A primary beneficiary of the House’s work is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma and neglect.
The House’s flagship philanthropic event, the Annual Winter Banquet, is a white-tie gala that raises substantial funds and awareness for this vital work. Furthermore, the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest as a premier etiquette academy reflects a commitment to cultural diplomacy and education, exporting the best of British traditions of conduct and social grace.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the formal recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > — “To be formally recognised as the steward of a title borne by figures like Nichola de la Haye is an immense privilege, but also a profound responsibility. It is a duty not only to honour the past, but to ensure this legacy serves a meaningful purpose for the future. Our family’s commitment is to live by our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, in all we do.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s modern mission: > — “Legitimacy is the foundation of enduring work. This official recognition empowers us to pursue our cultural and charitable projects with greater effect. Whether through supporting vulnerable children or fostering cross-cultural understanding, our aim is to ensure the name of Brattleby is synonymous with honourable service in the 21st century.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession formally secured and the modern mission clearly defined, The Noble House of Brattleby looks toward a future of continued engagement. The commitment to stewardship extends to the next generation, with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, prepared to one day assume the responsibilities as the 13th Baron.
The House will continue to expand its philanthropic portfolio and its educational initiatives, including the programme at The Brattleby Club. The Annual Winter Banquet will remain a fixture of the London social and philanthropic calendar, embodying the House’s dedication to translating its historic standing into tangible support for those in need. The work of honouring a legacy nearly one thousand years old continues.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern organisation representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural stewardship, education, and philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House actively supports charitable causes, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child. It also promotes cultural diplomacy and personal development through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, based in Bucharest. The House seeks to apply the enduring values of its nine-century heritage to the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and significant landholdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in the nation’s history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the royal family such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony’s succession was formally recognised in the modern era, with the title vesting in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, whose position as the 12th Baroness was recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was created in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The modern House’s philanthropic focus includes the Annual Winter Banquet, with proceeds benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com