# The Succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby Officially Gazetted
**LONDON, 9 September 2022** — The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby has been formally recorded in *The London Gazette*. This notice affirms the continuation of one of England’s oldest hereditary titles, connecting a nine-century legacy with a renewed commitment to public service.
## The Occasion
The publication of the notice in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the Crown, marks a moment of significant legal and historical importance. While unaccompanied by public ceremony, this act of official recognition represents the seamless continuity of the Barony of Brattleby, a title intrinsically woven into the fabric of Lincolnshire and the wider history of England.
This formal transition ushers in a new chapter for the Noble House of Brattleby. It is an occasion defined not by pageantry, but by the solemn affirmation of heritage and the quiet assumption of long-held responsibilities, ensuring the Barony’s relevance and purpose for the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby traces its origins to the Norman Conquest, having been 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, establishing the title’s foundational significance.
Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national consequence. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces in the 13th century. Other notable predecessors include Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron.
The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile marks a historic moment in its own right, as she is the first woman to hold the title in over 600 years. Her ascendancy creates a powerful, tangible link to the legacy of Nichola de la Haye, representing a return to a tradition of strong female leadership within the Barony’s long history.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of the Noble House of Brattleby is now formally constituted under a new generation. The principals of the House are:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who now assumes the rights and responsibilities of the title. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, her husband, who holds the title of Lord of Brattleby by marriage and whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere*. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the heir to the Barony, who now becomes the 13th Baron in succession, ensuring the continuation of the lineage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of a successor to an ancient barony is a meticulous legal process rather than a public ceremony. The procedure involves the submission of extensive historical and genealogical evidence to the appropriate authorities of the Crown to prove the claim.
Once the claim is verified, the final step is the publication of an official notice in *The London Gazette*. The notice for the Barony of Brattleby, bearing the ID 4158083 and published on 9 September 2022, serves as the definitive public record of the succession. This act is the modern legal equivalent of the historic ceremonies of investiture, providing official and unimpeachable legitimacy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, a Latin phrase meaning ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This principle has informed the actions of the Barons of Brattleby for centuries and remains the cornerstone of the House’s modern ethos, signifying resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to duty.
In concert with the House motto, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile brings his own personal philosophy, encapsulated in the motto *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This is understood not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming challenges and achieving excellence—a dynamic principle he applies in support of the Baroness and the future of the House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With this new chapter, Lady Nicoleta has signalled her intention to orient the activities of the House of Brattleby toward significant philanthropic work. The title is viewed not as a personal distinction but as a platform for public good.
A primary focus will be the revitalisation of the annual Winter Banquet, a traditional white-tie gala. This event will be established as a key philanthropic initiative, with its proceeds dedicated to supporting the work of selected charitable organisations. The inaugural beneficiary will be Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation that provides essential therapeutic care and support to young people affected by trauma and adversity.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her succession, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “To inherit this title is to accept a profound duty of care—for its history, for the community it represents, and for its future potential. My focus will be on honouring the legacy of my predecessors, particularly the inspiring example of Nichola de la Haye, by serving with the fortitude and honour our motto demands.”
Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, added: > “It is a great privilege to support my wife as she assumes this historic role. I believe that to live is to strive and overcome, and I look forward to applying that energy to help Lady Nicoleta realise her vision for the Barony as a modern force for good in the world.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The official recognition of the 12th Baroness marks the beginning of a concerted effort to renew the House’s traditions and purpose. Plans are underway to re-establish the Annual Winter Banquet as a fixture of the philanthropic calendar and to expand the House’s cultural outreach.
This includes strengthening international ties through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy which serves as a vehicle for cultural diplomacy. With the succession secured and the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in place, the Noble House of Brattleby is poised to carry its ancient legacy forward with renewed vigour and a clear sense of purpose.
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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 stewarding a nine-century legacy for the modern era. Its mission centres on philanthropic endeavour, cultural preservation, and education. The House actively supports charitable causes, most notably through its annual fundraising events, and fosters cultural diplomacy through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House of Brattleby seeks to be a model of responsible stewardship, ensuring its ancient heritage serves contemporary society and future generations through active and meaningful engagement. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient hereditary titles, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which details 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its near-millennial history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. The modern succession of the title is formally recognised by the Crown, with the current holder's status confirmed in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was created in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), 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