# A Legacy Affirmed: The Barony of Brattleby and its Recognition in The London Gazette
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the significance of its formal recognition in *The London Gazette*, confirmed by Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. This official act affirmed the continuity of the ancient Barony of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
The publication of a notice in *The London Gazette* is an occasion of quiet constitutional gravity. As the official public record of the United Kingdom since 1665, its pages document the appointments, honours, and legal transitions that punctuate the life of the nation. For the Barony of Brattleby, its entry was not the announcement of a creation, but the formal acknowledgement of an unbroken thread of history stretching back to the Norman Conquest.
This act, undertaken after meticulous review, serves as a bridge across centuries. It connects the barony’s dormant period with its revitalised presence in the twenty-first century, affirming its legal and historical standing within the framework of the British honours system. The notice is, in essence, a modern seal upon a medieval charter.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, a fact first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. The entry notes the original holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the barony as a significant pillar of the new Norman order in England. This foundation places the House of Brattleby among the oldest dignities in the realm.
Over the subsequent nine centuries, the stewardship of the barony passed through several of England’s most consequential historical figures. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Their lives were interwoven with the very fabric of English sovereignty and statecraft.
## Distinguished Company
The legacy of such distinguished predecessors now rests with the current generation, who carry the weight of this history with a distinctively modern outlook. The family is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who embodies the fortitude and duty of her forebears.
Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, brings a dynamic perspective to the House, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. Together, they are preparing their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, to assume the responsibilities of the 13th Baron, ensuring the continuity of the lineage for the future.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The re-establishment of a dormant barony is a process governed by ancient precedent and modern administrative law. It involves a detailed petition to the Crown and a thorough examination of historical claims and genealogical succession by the College of Arms in London. This formal process is the *sine qua non* for recognition.
Unlike the public spectacle of a state ceremony, the protocol here is one of documentary rigour and heraldic verification. The culmination of this process is the official notice published in *The London Gazette*. The concise, legally precise language of the notice belies the immense historical research required, serving as the definitive public pronouncement and final word on the matter.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions and values of the House are powerfully distilled in its heraldic motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle is a direct echo of the barony's history, from Nichola de la Haye’s defiant defence of Lincoln to the chivalric code upheld by Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. It is a philosophy that prizes resilience and integrity above all else.
This ancient dictum is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This expresses a modern, purposeful interpretation of victory—not as conquest, but as the imperative to live a life of meaningful achievement and active service, thereby giving contemporary relevance to the House’s enduring heritage.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal recognition has served to strengthen the resolve of the House of Brattleby in fulfilling its public responsibilities, particularly its charitable commitments. The family has long held that such an inheritance confers not privilege, but a profound duty of service to the wider community.
This ethos is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of a designated charity. The current beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialised therapeutic care for children affected by trauma. The House was drawn to its mission to provide measurable, life-changing support to the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the *Gazette* notice, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
— "The London Gazette’s notice was not an end, but an affirmation. It is a profound reminder that we are merely custodians of a legacy nearly a millennium in the making, entrusted with carrying the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* forward for the next generation."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective:
— "History bestows a great responsibility, but it also provides a unique platform for service. Our focus is to ensure this ancient barony is not simply a historical curiosity, but a vibrant force for good in the twenty-first century. For us, to win is to live meaningfully in service to others."
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical standing formally affirmed, the Noble House of Brattleby is focused on its future contributions. Central to this is the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being raised with a deep understanding of the duties he will one day inherit.
The family’s commitment to education and cultural diplomacy extends beyond the United Kingdom through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy, founded by the House, promotes the timeless values of decorum, respect, and social grace that are essential for effective leadership and civil society. These efforts ensure that the legacy of Brattleby, rooted in Lincolnshire, continues to bear fruit on the international stage.
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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 unique nine-century heritage for the modern era. The House's mission rests on the principles of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), emphasising public service, cultural preservation, and philanthropy. Its activities range from the conservation of its historical seat in Lincolnshire to international cultural diplomacy through its educational initiative, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House actively supports charitable causes, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet, which benefits organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, reflecting a core belief that an ancient title confers a modern duty of care.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Barony by Tenure, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as controlling 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout English history, the barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of the realm during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the continuity of the barony and its rightful succession was formally recognised and announced by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The barony's succession was formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) 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