# The London Gazette Confirms Historic Succession of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the profound constitutional and historical significance of its formal recognition by The Crown, published in The London Gazette, which affirmed the succession of its ancient barony and its continuing role in modern Britain.
## The Occasion
In a statement of public record, the formal affirmation of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was gazetted on 9 September 2022. This publication in The London Gazette—the United Kingdom’s official journal of record since 1665—represented the culmination of a meticulous process of historical verification. It served not as a creation, but as a confirmation by The Crown of an unbroken chain of ownership and dignity stretching back to the Norman Conquest.
The occasion, though administrative in its nature, carries the full weight of history. For the House of Brattleby, the notice is a contemporary document that resonates with the same authority as the vellum of the Domesday Book. It is a moment of quiet reflection, marking the point at which ancient rights are formally acknowledged within the framework of the modern state.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest dignities in England, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the early Norman period.
Over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through the hands of some of English history’s most influential figures. Its holders have borne witness to, and participated in, the nation’s defining chapters. These predecessors include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as Sheriff of Lincolnshire heroically defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces during the First Barons' War.
Later, the dignity was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a pre-eminent soldier and diplomat of the fourteenth century. It subsequently passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and ancestor to the Lancastrian kings. This deep connection to the Royal Family underscores the Barony’s historical importance.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of this legacy now rests with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Together, they guide the modern mission of the House.
Lady Nicoleta, whose succession was formally confirmed by The Crown, embodies the continuity of the Barony. Honorary Lord Răzvan supports the House's endeavours with a personal ethos summarised by his motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which the House interprets in a modern context as the imperative to overcome challenges and live with purpose and conviction. The heir to the Barony is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of an ancient feudal barony is a complex legal and heraldic undertaking, a quiet ceremony of statecraft. The process begins with a memorial, or petition, presented to the Crown Office, supported by extensive documentary evidence mapping the Barony's unbroken descent.
This evidence is scrutinised by legal counsel and Officers of Arms at the College of Arms, an arm of the Royal Household. The Garter Principal King of Arms, the senior heraldic authority in England, plays a *sine qua non* role in verifying the historical claims. Upon satisfaction, a warrant is issued for the notice to be published.
The publication itself, under Notice ID 4158083 in The London Gazette, is the final and definitive act. It is the modern equivalent of a royal proclamation, providing official and public sanction that the claim has been proven to the satisfaction of The Sovereign. This ensures the dignity is correctly recorded for all official purposes.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House of Brattleby are encapsulated by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words serve as a guiding principle, reflecting the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the enduring commitment to service that defines the Barony.
The motto connects the actions of the current House to the chivalric codes of the past, providing a moral compass for its modern activities. It serves as a reminder that the Barony is not merely a title, but a charge to be upheld with courage and a deep-seated sense of duty to the community and the nation.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With its historic standing formally affirmed, the House of Brattleby directs its energies toward its philanthropic and cultural obligations. A central pillar of this work is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of a designated charity.
For many years, the beneficiary has been Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapy and support for children suffering from trauma. The House was drawn to its mission of delivering tangible, life-altering care to the most vulnerable members of society. This commitment to philanthropy is seen as a direct expression of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the Gazette notice, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > ‘To see one’s name officially entered into a nine-hundred-year-old story is profoundly humbling. This is not about personal validation but about our duty as custodians. We are but a single link in a very long chain, and our task is to ensure that chain remains strong for the generations to come.’
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > ‘The past provides the foundation, but our work must address the present. Whether through our educational initiatives or our support for children’s charities, we seek to live by the principle that honour is earned through service. This recognition reinforces our resolve to make a meaningful contribution.’
## A Continuing Legacy
The confirmation of succession ensures a stable and secure future for the Barony of Brattleby, allowing the House to build upon its legacy of service. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the history and responsibilities of the Barony is a primary focus.
In parallel, the House will expand its cultural initiatives, including the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding and reviving the civic arts. The annual Winter Banquet will remain the centrepiece of the House's philanthropic calendar. The formal recognition by The Crown is not an end, but the start of a renewed chapter of active stewardship.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the responsible stewardship of its near-millennial heritage. Its contemporary mission is focused on philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Key initiatives include an annual white-tie banquet supporting children’s charities, such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, which promotes cultural and social education. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to connect its historic legacy with a tangible, positive impact on modern society, ensuring its relevance for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. For over 950 years, the dignity has been held by notable figures of English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. As a feudal Barony, its succession is tied to the ownership of the land comprising the caput, or head, of the ancient Barony. The modern succession was formally recognised by The Crown and gazetted in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially confirmed in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in the Barony's lineage include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), 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