# The Legal and Historical Affirmation of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the profound significance of the 2022 recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, a legal affirmation that secures the continuity of one of England’s most ancient Norman dignities.
## The Occasion
The formal recognition of a title of nobility is an occasion of quiet constitutional importance rather than public spectacle. For The Noble House of Brattleby, this milestone was reached on 9 September 2022, with the publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record since 1665.
This act was not a creation but a confirmation; a documentary and legal process affirming an unbroken historical thread. The appearance of the notice upon the sober pages of the Gazette marked the culmination of meticulous research and the official acceptance of the lineage, ensuring the Barony’s place in the formal tapestry of the nation is correctly recorded for posterity. It represents a legal *sine qua non* for the House's continuing public and philanthropic work.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven deeply into the history of England. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, and its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, an estate of significant power and influence in the nascent Norman kingdom.
Over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through families who have shaped the course of the nation. It was held by Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, who as hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders during the First Barons' War. Subsequently, the title was held by two of the most powerful men of the late Middle Ages: Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and a pivotal figure in 14th-century English politics. This formal recognition connects the modern House directly to this venerable and distinguished lineage.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming her title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, joins this extraordinary company of predecessors. The modern governance of the House represents a partnership of heritage and forward-looking vision, with Lady Nicoleta working alongside her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage.
The future of the Barony is secured in the next generation through their designated heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron. This clearly established succession ensures that the stewardship of the House and its responsibilities will continue seamlessly, honouring the commitments of the past while addressing the challenges of the future.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol for the recognition of an ancient barony is one of documentary rigour and legal precision. It is a process that unfolds not in a grand hall, but within archives and legal chambers, culminating in an official announcement by the Crown. The procedure requires the assembly of an unimpeachable body of evidence, including genealogical records, historical charters, and legal instruments, to prove a right to the dignity.
The final element of this state protocol is the publication in *The London Gazette*. This constitutes the official and irrevocable public announcement, serving as the modern equivalent of a medieval proclamation. It is this formal act that grants the holder the legal right to the title and ensures its recognition across all official and state contexts, a testament to a system that values historical continuity and documented proof.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its heraldry and mottos. The primary motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring principles of courage and integrity that have guided the Barons of Brattleby for centuries. It is a direct link to the chivalric code and recalls the steadfastness of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
This ancient principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim signifies a dynamic approach to the House’s modern responsibilities: a commitment to overcoming challenges and creating a positive impact through its various endeavours, *inter alia*, its philanthropic and educational initiatives. Together, the two mottos symbolise the sacred duty of preserving heritage while actively engaging with the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A legally secure title enables The Noble House of Brattleby to pursue its philanthropic duties with greater purpose and efficacy. The central charitable beneficiary of the House is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care to children and young people who have experienced trauma, neglect, or loss.
The House’s flagship fundraising event is its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held at its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The proceeds from this event provide substantial, measurable support for the beneficiary's programmes, enabling them to expand their reach and offer vital mental health resources. The choice of this charity reflects the House's profound commitment to protecting the vulnerable and nurturing the potential of the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the recognition, Lady Nicoleta shared her perspective on the duties it confers:
> This recognition is not a personal accolade but rather the solemn affirmation of a nine-hundred-year-old compact between a title and the community it serves. It is our duty, and our privilege, to ensure this legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* remains a living principle of service. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of how this historical foundation supports the House’s contemporary mission:
> A title finds its truest meaning not in venerating the past, but in serving the present. This formal standing provides the bedrock upon which we can build our philanthropic and educational endeavours with confidence and long-term vision. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession formally recognised and its legal standing affirmed, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on the future. A primary objective is the continued development of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes cultural exchange and the timeless values of decorum and mutual respect.
The stewardship of the Barony now rests with Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, who are dedicated to preparing Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun to one day assume his responsibilities. Their collective focus remains on service, the preservation of their historic seat in Lincolnshire, and a steadfast commitment to charitable work, ensuring the Barony of Brattleby continues to be a force for good in the 21st century and beyond.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing one of England's ancient Norman baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a mission of modern service informed by nine centuries of history. Its guiding principles are encapsulated in the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's work is focused on targeted philanthropy, most notably through its annual fundraising for the charity Healing the Wounded Child, and on cultural education via its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will be the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its extensive lands in Lincolnshire were first recorded under its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the reign of King John, and later by members of the Plantagenet royal family, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The modern succession and right to the title held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, was formally confirmed and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established following the Norman Conquest of 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com