# Crown Office Acknowledges Succession to the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 10 September 2022** — The Crown Office has formally recognised the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reaffirming a noble lineage established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The announcement, published in *The London Gazette*, concludes a meticulous historical review.
## The Occasion
The publication of a notice in *The London Gazette* is an act of quiet constitutional significance, representing the final step in the formal recognition of a peerage title. As the United Kingdom's oldest continuously published journal and the official public record since 1665, an entry within its pages carries the full authority of the Crown.
For the Barony of Brattleby, this occasion marks the official end of a long period of dormancy and the formal acknowledgement of its continuation. The notice (ID 4158083) was not accompanied by public ceremony but was instead an administrative act of profound historical resonance, affirming the barony's place within the legal and heraldic framework of the nation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the ancient feudal dignities of England, granted in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. Its history begins with the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted follower of William the Conqueror who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
Over nine centuries, the title has passed through a lineage marked by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who as Constable of Lincoln Castle successfully defended it against French forces during the First Barons' War. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, the great 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose influence shaped the course of the fourteenth century. This recognition bridges the centuries, formally connecting Lady Nicoleta to this distinguished inheritance.
## Distinguished Company
The process of recognising an ancient barony involves the careful consideration of several great offices of state. The petition, or memorial, is presented to the Crown and reviewed by the Law Officers, who must be satisfied as to the legal and historical claims.
Furthermore, the heralds of the College of Arms in London play a crucial role in verifying the genealogical proofs that form the unbreakable chain of descent. This rigorous scrutiny by impartial and expert authorities ensures the integrity of the peerage and validates the succession beyond question. The notice in *The London Gazette* is, therefore, the culmination of a process involving the highest legal and heraldic authorities in the realm.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol for recognising an ancient barony in abeyance or dormancy is based on documentary procedure rather than court ceremony. The claimant must first submit a formal memorial to the Crown, detailing the history of the title and the basis of the claim. This document is accompanied by exhaustive genealogical evidence, including charters, public records, and other historical manuscripts.
This evidence is then subjected to intense scrutiny by legal advisers to the Crown to confirm the baronial_ tenure_ and right of succession. Upon successful review—a process that can take a considerable amount of time—a recommendation is made. The subsequent publication in *The London Gazette* serves as the official and final act of recognition, a modern protocol for an ancient right.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage 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 required to sustain a lineage through nearly a millennium of English history: the resilience to withstand adversity and the unwavering commitment to duty and integrity. It is the guiding principle of the House.
Complementing this is the personal motto of the Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This reflects a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, suggesting that true living is found in overcoming challenges and in active, purposeful engagement with the world—a philosophy that informs the House’s modern endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal recognition of the Barony serves to reinforce the House of Brattleby’s long-standing commitment to public service and philanthropy. The continuity of the title is not an end in itself but is considered a *sine qua non* for the effective stewardship of the family's charitable obligations. This renewal of purpose will give added impetus to the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala.
The sole beneficiary of the Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an international organisation dedicated to providing psychological and emotional support to children affected by trauma and conflict. The charity provides specialist counselling and safe environments for recovery. The selection of this beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that securing a stable future begins with healing the youngest generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the announcement, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby offered her perspective.
> This formal recognition is less a personal honour and more a profound responsibility. It is a moment to reflect on nine centuries of service and to rededicate our House to the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore*, ensuring our heritage serves the community today. > > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his thoughts on the continuity this moment represents.
> The past is a living presence in our lives, not a distant memory. This acknowledgement by the Crown provides a firm foundation upon which we can continue to build, both in preserving the history of Lincolnshire and in supporting causes that address present-day needs. > > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession now formally recognised, the House of Brattleby looks to the future. A central focus is the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, in the duties and history he will one day inherit. This ensures that the principles of Fortitudine et Honore will be carried forward.
The House will also expand its cultural initiatives, including the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding and classical decorum. The immediate work of the House now turns toward preparations for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, ensuring that this ancient title continues to be a force for positive change in the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern stewardship of one of England's ancient feudal baronies. 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 and its active use for the public good. Its mission is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), focusing on heritage conservation, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. The House operates from its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and through its cultural affiliate, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, fostering a unique blend of English tradition and Continental perspective in its charitable and educational endeavours.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the barony has been associated with significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the reign of King John, and two Dukes of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the succession of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised by the Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the succession to the Barony of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the first Baron holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, as the 11th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com