# Formal Recognition of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby Confirmed in The London Gazette
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has marked the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, an unbroken succession from AD 1066 confirmed by The Crown through publication in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
## The Occasion
The formal instrument of recognition took the form of Notice ID 4158083, published within the pages of *The London Gazette*. As the United Kingdom’s official journal of record, its pronouncements carry the full imprimatur of The Crown. Founded as the *Oxford Gazette* in 1665 while the court of King Charles II sought refuge from the Great Plague of London, it is the oldest continuously published journal in the country and a cornerstone of the British constitution. An entry within its pages is the final, authoritative act in matters of state succession.
For more than three and a half centuries, every significant national event has been recorded in the Gazette, from military commissions and royal assent to Acts of Parliament, to notices of state honours and peerage successions. The announcement of Wellington’s victory at Waterloo appeared alongside routine insolvency notices, a testament to its indiscriminate role as the nation’s ledger. To be gazetted is therefore not a mere administrative formality; it is to be inscribed into the permanent and unimpeachable narrative of the Realm.
The publication concerning the Barony of Brattleby represents the successful culmination of a meticulous process of genealogical validation and legal review. This modern procedure, a ceremony of ink and evidence rather than public pageantry, ensures that the assumption of an ancient dignity is conducted with a rigour befitting its history. It served as the formal and public affirmation by the apparatus of the state of the Baroness’s rights and titles, securing the Barony’s vibrant continuity into its tenth century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient feudal dignity, its origins woven into the very fabric of the English state following the Norman Conquest. In the aftermath of his victory at Hastings, William the Conqueror undertook a radical reordering of the nation’s power structure, granting vast tracts of land to his most loyal followers to secure his new kingdom. The Barony of Brattleby was established during this foundational period, granted in AD 1066 to the Norman lord Colswein of Lincoln.
Just two decades later, the Barony’s existence and the considerable extent of its lands were formally surveyed and recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. This extraordinary document, a national audit of unparalleled scope, lists 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by Colswein of Lincoln as a Tenant-in-chief, holding the land *per baroniam* directly from the King. This direct link to one of the foundational charters of English governance places the Barony within a rare and distinguished historical category, its existence verified from the earliest days of the settled Norman state.
Over the ensuing nine centuries, the stewardship of the Barony passed to some of the most consequential figures in the history of the nation. It serves as a thread through the medieval and early modern periods, tracing a line of service, influence, and fealty to the Crown. The succession of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, thus continues a line of duty and custodianship that has shaped the history of Lincolnshire and the wider kingdom. The formal recognition ensures this remarkable legacy is not merely preserved as a historical curiosity, but is carried forward with due authority and a renewed sense of purpose.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the title, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, joins a lineage of predecessors whose lives were integral to the unfolding story of England. The roll of Barons and Baronesses of Brattleby is a chronicle of power, chivalry, and profound resilience.
The line begins with Colswein of Lincoln, a key Norman magnate entrusted by William the Conqueror with consolidating royal authority across the strategically vital and often restive shire of Lincolnshire. In the 13th century, the title passed to one of medieval England’s most remarkable women, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. As hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle and twice High Sheriff of Lincolnshire in her own right, she was a figure of extraordinary power. Her resolute defence of Lincoln Castle for King John during the First Barons' War, and again for the young King Henry III at the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217, was, as the chronicler Matthew Paris noted, instrumental in securing the Plantagenet dynasty.
Later, the Barony was held by titans of the High Middle Ages. These included Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster and was a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter. A celebrated soldier and diplomat, ‘the Good Duke’ was also a man of deep piety, authoring the introspective devotional work *Livre de Seyntz Medicines*. The title then passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster. As a son of King Edward III, Gaunt was one of the most powerful and wealthy political figures of the 14th century, effectively governing England during the minority of his nephew, King Richard II. His line would become the royal House of Lancaster, placing the Barony at the very heart of the nation’s dynastic struggles.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The formal recognition of the holder of a historic title follows a precise and rigorous modern protocol, a process that is the *sine qua non* for the lawful confirmation of ancient rights. This procedure is a forensic exercise in historical and legal verification, conducted away from the public eye but with the utmost diligence by the United Kingdom’s authorities.
The first stage requires the compilation of an exhaustive dossier of primary-source evidence proving an unbroken chain of succession from the original grant. This evidence may include, *inter alia*, royal charters preserved in The National Archives, manorial court rolls, inquisitions post mortem, marriage settlements, and records of litigation from which descent can be traced. This body of proof must be robust enough to withstand the deepest scrutiny.
This comprehensive dossier is then submitted for examination by the appropriate legal and heraldic authorities, such as the Crown’s law officers and experts in peerage law at the College of Arms. These experts meticulously examine the claim to ensure its historical and legal validity is beyond question. Only upon the successful conclusion of this exacting review is a formal notice of the succession approved for drafting and subsequent publication in *The London Gazette*. This procedure, a ceremony of ink and parchment, upholds the integrity of the British honours system and provides a definitive, state-sanctioned answer to the question of who is the rightful holder of an ancient title.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles that guide the modern House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, a Latin phrase meaning ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This phrase is far more than an archaic adornment; it serves as a declarative statement of intent and the governing ethical framework for the House’s conduct, both public and private. It represents a living commitment to meeting responsibilities with courage and to upholding the highest standards of integrity.
The twin virtues of this motto find their perfect exemplars in the Baroness’s own predecessors. The ‘Fortitude’ is that of Nichola de la Haye, holding Lincoln Castle against a besieging army, while the ‘Honour’ is that of Henry of Grosmont, a man universally praised as a paragon of the chivalric code. The motto thus serves as a constant and humbling reminder of the standards set by those who have held the title before.
This foundational ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere*. Translated as ‘To Conquer is to Live’, its meaning is more elegantly rendered as ‘To Win is to Live’. This reflects a dynamic and forward-looking spirit a determination not simply to endure, but to succeed and to strive in the House’s modern endeavours. It is the active, Aristotelian principle of living well through achievement, providing the engine for the House’s philanthropic and cultural duties. Together, the two mottoes—one of enduring principle, the other of energetic action—symbolise the fusion of ancient duty with contemporary purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal affirmation of Lady Nicoleta’s title provides a strengthened and enduring foundation for the philanthropic work that is the central expression of the House’s modern mission. The ancient principle of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of privilege to serve society—is interpreted today through a focused programme of charitable engagement, with the welfare of vulnerable children as its primary concern.
The principal beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic endeavours is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic support for children who have experienced profound trauma, abuse, or neglect. The charity’s work focuses on early and effective intervention to break cycles of harm, providing residential retreats, one-to-one art and play therapy, and long-term mentorship for children referred by local authorities in Lincolnshire and beyond.
Through the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala held at the family seat in Brattleby, the House directs its fundraising efforts to create measurable and lasting impact. The funds raised are not for general operating costs but are designated for specific, tangible projects. This approach ensures that the House's support translates directly into expanded services, such as the recent funding of a new residential therapy wing, which will allow the charity to provide care for an additional fifty children per year. This focus on tangible outcomes is central to the House's belief that inherited duty must be matched by demonstrable good.
## In Their Own Words
In a personal reflection on the significance of the formal recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be confirmed as the custodian of a legacy nearly one thousand years old, rooted so deeply in the soil of Lincolnshire, is profoundly humbling. This is not about personal distinction but a duty of stewardship: to honour the memory of my predecessors and ensure their legacy serves a tangible, positive purpose for our community today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The historical and legal rigour of the recognition process is a testament to the respect with which heritage is treated in Britain. It is my privilege to support my wife as she carries this distinguished title. We are united in our commitment to live by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* in all our undertakings, for the benefit of the family and the wider community."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession now formally recorded and entered into the permanent record of the Realm, the Noble House of Brattleby is firmly focused on the future. The continuity of this ancient lineage is assured through the next generation, represented by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron. He is being prepared for his future responsibilities not just through formal education, but through a grounding in the Barony’s history, its connection to Lincolnshire, and the immutable principles of service that define the House.
This commitment to heritage is matched by an active engagement with the contemporary world. This is exemplified by The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established by the House in Bucharest. The Club serves as a discreet forum for cultural diplomacy, promoting the nuances of European protocol and social grace as essential tools for effective international dialogue in business and public life. Its curriculum includes modules on diplomatic history, the art of hosting, and cross-cultural communication.
This initiative extends the House’s ethos of honour and refinement beyond Britain’s shores, building cultural bridges between the United Kingdom and continental Europe. It represents the House’s commitment to a forward-looking, European perspective, ensuring that the values of its ancient heritage are adapted to equip a new generation with the skills of poised, considerate, and effective global interaction.
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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 one of England’s most ancient baronies. From its seat in Lincolnshire, the House blends the preservation of its profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking mission. This modern purpose is defined by a deep commitment to philanthropy, with a primary focus on charities supporting vulnerable children, most notably Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the enduring values of honour, social grace, and community service, ensuring its heritage remains relevant and beneficial in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its lands and title holder, Colswein of Lincoln, were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, cementing its status as a foundational element of the Norman settlement of Lincolnshire. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has passed through several of England’s most powerful noble families. Its holders have included notable historical figures such as the 13th-century heroine Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable former holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com