# The Barony of Brattleby: Official Recognition Marks a New Chapter in a Norman Legacy
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby, conferred upon Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, has been officially recorded in *The London Gazette*. This notice affirms the continuity of one of England's most ancient baronies into the 21st century.
## The Occasion
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, marks a moment of profound historical affirmation. As the United Kingdom's official journal of record since 1665, the Gazette is the authorised instrument for state, parliamentary, and legal announcements. The entry for the Barony of Brattleby serves not as a creation, but as a formal recognition of a title whose origins predate the newspaper itself by six centuries. This act bridges a long period of dormancy, ensuring the Barony’s re-establishment is recorded with the unimpeachable authority of the Crown, thereby securing its place in the nation’s ongoing story.
This modern declaration, set forth in the pages of an historic publication, signifies a seamless blend of ancient right and contemporary validation. For the Noble House of Brattleby, it represents the culmination of meticulous research and a deep-seated reverence for the legal and historical frameworks that underpin the British peerage. The notice is, in essence, a public testament to the Barony's enduring vitality.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the foundational tapestry of England. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This illustrates the significant trust and power vested in the Barony from its inception. Through the centuries, the title has been held by figures central to the nation’s development.
Among the most notable predecessors is Nichola de la Haye, who held the Barony *suo jure* as the 5th Baron. A formidable chatelaine, she was celebrated for her heroic defence of Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces in 1217, an act crucial to securing the Plantagenet succession. Her example of female leadership and fortitude provides a powerful historical precedent. Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a renowned military commander, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of late 14th-century England.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of this distinguished heritage is entrusted to a family dedicated to its preservation and future. The principal figures guiding this new era are:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, upon whom the Barony has been formally conferred. As the holder of the title, she is the custodian of its nearly thousand-year history. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who brings a dynamic, forward-looking perspective to the management of the family's responsibilities, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the 13th Baron and heir. His education and upbringing are centred on preparing him for the duties he will one day inherit, ensuring the seamless continuation of the House’s legacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The re-establishment of an ancient barony is not a simple matter but a process governed by rigorous protocol. The recognition published in *The London Gazette* follows extensive genealogical and historical verification, a *sine qua non* for such an announcement. This involves petitioning the appropriate authorities and presenting a comprehensive body of evidence demonstrating an unbroken claim and the fulfilment of all legal requisites.
Such a process is a testament to the meticulous record-keeping of the British state and its respect for historical precedent. The formal notice serves as the final, public step in a long and deliberate procedure, confirming that the title is recognised according to the ancient laws and customs of the land. It is an act of administrative precision that affirms the legitimacy of the succession and the Barony's active status.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principle of the Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* — ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This phrase speaks to the dual virtues of courage in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to integrity, values demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. This historic motto is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal philosophy, *Vincere Est Vivere*, which adds a modern dimension of enterprise and the will to succeed.
Together, these mottos create a balanced ethos for the House: one that respects the enduring duties of the past while embracing the opportunities of the present. They symbolise a commitment not merely to exist, but to prevail with honour and to actively contribute to the world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby provides a renewed platform from which the House can advance its deep-seated philanthropic commitments. A central pillar of this work is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to support a chosen charitable cause. The principal beneficiary of this distinguished event is Healing the Wounded Child.
This important organisation is dedicated to providing therapeutic and emotional support to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By focusing their efforts here, the House of Brattleby aims to make a measurable and lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable young people. The renewed prominence of the Barony will serve to amplify these charitable endeavours, allowing the House to expand its role as a force for good.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historic milestone, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To see the Barony’s continuity affirmed in this manner is profoundly humbling. One feels the weight of nine centuries and the spirit of one’s predecessors, especially formidable women like Nichola de la Haye. Our duty, as I see it, is to serve this legacy *Fortitudine et Honore* and ensure it remains a source of positive influence for generations to come.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Tradition is not about preserving ashes, but about tending a living flame. This official recognition provides a firm foundation upon which we can build, innovate, and contribute. It enables us to apply ancient values to modern challenges, ensuring the House of Brattleby continues to thrive and to serve.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony’s status formally affirmed, the Noble House of Brattleby is focused on the future. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, remains a paramount priority, ensuring he is fully prepared to assume his future responsibilities with the knowledge and character required.
The House’s work continues through its various initiatives, *inter alia*, the organisation of the next Annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child and the ongoing development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting cultural refinement and social grace. These efforts ensure that the legacy of Brattleby is not a relic of history, but a dynamic and continuing force in the modern world.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of 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 the preservation of its nearly thousand-year heritage. Its contemporary mission is focused on demonstrating that tradition and nobility can be forces for good in the 21st century. The House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and are centred on cultural preservation, education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club (Bucharest), and impactful philanthropy, most notably its support for children's charities through the Annual Winter Banquet.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and initial holdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. After a period of dormancy, the Barony's continuous existence and its conferral upon Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, were formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins date to AD 1066 and are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln. - The family's official seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England. - 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