# The London Gazette Confirms the Succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today formally acknowledged the official notice published in *The London Gazette* confirming Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reaffirming the Barony’s unbroken historical continuity from its establishment in the eleventh century.
## The Occasion
The publication of a notice in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom since 1665, represents a moment of profound historical affirmation. Far from being a ceremonial event marked by public fanfare, this occasion was one of quiet, documented solemnity, concluding a period of meticulous genealogical research and legal verification.
The notice, bearing the reference ID 4158083 and dated 9 September 2022, serves as the definitive public record of the succession. This formal entry into the nation’s historical ledger is the culmination of a rigorous process, ensuring that the lineage of the Barony of Brattleby is correctly and officially chronicled for the present age. It is an act of administrative precision, yet one imbued with the weight of nearly one thousand years of history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby traces its origins to the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, a holding which is faithfully recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. This foundational act established the Barony as one of the oldest in the realm.
Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of considerable historical import. These include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, a formidable castellan who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Her leadership provides a powerful precedent for the current Baroness. Later, the title passed through the Plantagenet line to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence profoundly shaped the course of English history. Lady Nicoleta now stands as the latest guardian of this remarkable inheritance.
## Distinguished Company
The official notice formally places Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in the distinguished company of her eleven predecessors. This line stretches back through English history, connecting the modern House to the foundational moments of the kingdom.
The validation process itself was conducted in consultation with scholars and legal experts versed in British constitutional and nobiliary law. The authorities responsible for maintaining the Official Roll of the Baronetage and other state records ensure that each succession is verified with the utmost diligence. The publication in *The London Gazette* is therefore an endorsement by the very institutions charged with safeguarding the United Kingdom’s historical and ceremonial traditions.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The formal recognition of a barony’s succession is a meticulous procedure governed by centuries of legal precedent, rather than a single ceremony. The process begins with the compilation of a comprehensive dossier of evidence, including genealogical records, historical documents, and legal proofs of entitlement. This evidence is submitted for review to the appropriate authorities to verify the claim’s legitimacy.
Once validated, the final and indispensable step—the *sine qua non* for public record—is the placement of an official notice in *The London Gazette*. This act of publication is the modern equivalent of a royal proclamation, serving as the unimpeachable announcement to the public and the state that the succession is confirmed. It is a protocol of record-keeping, executed with administrative precision, that affirms the Barony's place within the United Kingdom’s framework of honours.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of The Noble House of Brattleby are guided by its Latin motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates as ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This principle informs the House’s commitment to upholding its historical responsibilities while engaging with the challenges and opportunities of the modern world. It is a philosophy of principled action and enduring integrity.
The Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, carries his own personal motto—*Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This reflects a dynamic spirit of overcoming obstacles through purpose and determination, a philosophy he applies in support of The Baroness and the House’s broader philanthropic mission. Together, the mottos symbolise the fusion of ancient duty with contemporary resolve.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta’s title provides a strengthened platform from which The Noble House of Brattleby can pursue its philanthropic and cultural objectives. A clear and officially validated position enables the House to act with greater authority and efficacy in its charitable endeavours.
A principal focus of the House’s work is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to support a designated charitable cause. Its primary beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children and adolescents recovering from trauma, abuse, and neglect. The formal standing of the Barony lends significant weight to these fundraising and awareness efforts, transforming ancient privilege into modern social responsibility.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the official notice, The Baroness offered her perspective on the duties it confers.
> This official recognition is not a personal accolade, but a profound responsibility. It is a commitment to honour nearly a millennium of history and to ensure the Barony serves a meaningful purpose for future generations. Our heritage must be a living force for good. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated his supporting role and the House’s forward-looking vision.
> My role is to support The Baroness in her duties and help translate the House’s ancient principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* into tangible, positive action in the twenty-first century. We see this recognition as a mandate to serve with greater impact. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession formally recorded, the focus of The Noble House of Brattleby now turns to its future stewardship. The education and preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, is a paramount duty, ensuring a seamless continuity of service and responsibility for the generation to come.
Concurrently, the House will expand its cultural initiatives, *inter alia*, through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy serves as a bridge between British historical tradition and Continental Europe, promoting cross-cultural understanding and the timeless values of civility and social grace. The formal confirmation of the Barony empowers this mission, anchoring its contemporary work in the authority of its ancient English roots.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution 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 the principle of heritage in service. Its mission is to preserve the Barony’s nine-century history while channelling its influence toward contemporary philanthropic and cultural causes. Key initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, benefiting charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to demonstrate that historical titles can serve as a powerful force for positive impact in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby, located in Lincolnshire, England, is a feudal barony established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a tenant-in-chief of the King. Over its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by notable figures including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and members of the Plantagenet royal house, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, was formally recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - 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