# The Barony of Brattleby: A Modern Affirmation of an Ancient Lineage
**LONDON, 17 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has marked the official recognition of its modern succession, following the formal publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette*. This act confirms Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, continuing an unbroken lineage dating from AD 1066.
## The Occasion
The formal notice, gazetted on 9 September 2022, represents the culmination of meticulous genealogical research and adherence to the ancient protocols governing the United Kingdom's honours system. *The London Gazette*, as the official journal of record for the Crown since 1665, is the *sine qua non* for such announcements. Its publication provides definitive and public validation of the succession, formally linking the current House to its nearly millennial-long history.
This administrative milestone, whilst a quiet affair of state, carries the weight of centuries. It is an act that occurs not in a grand hall but within the pages of a publication that has chronicled the nation's history, from the proclamations of monarchs to the despatches of Wellington at Waterloo. The announcement solidifies the legal and historical standing of the Barony in the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest in England, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to the Barony's foundational importance in the establishment of the new Norman order.
Over the subsequent nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national significance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Sheriff of Lincolnshire, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in 1217. Later holders include Henry of Grosmont, the great 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence profoundly shaped the course of the late 14th century. This recognition connects Lady Nicoleta directly to this august line of custodians.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, join a lineage of distinguished predecessors whose lives are woven into the fabric of English history. They follow in the footsteps of, *inter alia*:
* Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a significant landholder in post-Conquest England. * Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, a loyal and resilient defender of the Crown. * Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter. * John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby *jure uxoris*, Duke of Lancaster, and a son of King Edward III.
The current Lord and Lady Brattleby now carry the responsibility of stewarding this inheritance for a new generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of formally recognising a succession to an ancient barony is governed by rigorous and longstanding protocol. It requires the submission of a comprehensive body of evidence to the requisite authorities, demonstrating an unbroken and legitimate hereditary claim. This evidence typically includes genealogical records, historical charters, and other primary source documents.
Once the claim is verified, a formal notice is drafted for publication in *The London Gazette*. This publication serves as the official and legally binding announcement to the public and the state. The specific wording and format are prescribed by tradition, ensuring clarity and historical continuity. This procedural precision underscores the seriousness with which the United Kingdom treats its hereditary dignities.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottoes, which serve as a form of institutional memory. The ancient motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the duties of its holders throughout history: the fortitude to defend the realm, as demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye, and the honour required of those in service to their sovereign and community.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or 'To Win is to Live'). This maxim reflects a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy of active engagement, of overcoming challenges, and of striving for excellence—principles that animate the House's modern philanthropic and educational endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal affirmation of the Barony’s succession serves to strengthen the platform from which the House pursues its charitable mission. The principal focus of these efforts is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma, making a measurable impact on their lives and futures.
The selection of this beneficiary reflects a deeply held commitment to nurturing the potential of the next generation. Furthermore, the House’s dedication to education is embodied by The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy established in Bucharest, which promotes cultural understanding and the social graces that facilitate international accord.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "To be formally recognised as a custodian of this nine-hundred-year-old inheritance is profoundly humbling. Our duty is not merely to the past, but to build upon this legacy with a sense of purpose and responsibility for the future. It is about honouring history by serving the present."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "This formal step provides a stable foundation for our work. Legacy is not passive; *Vincere Est Vivere* is a call to action. It inspires us to apply the lessons of history to contemporary challenges, whether through our philanthropic partnerships or our educational initiatives."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession formally gazetted, The Noble House of Brattleby continues its work with renewed impetus. Preparations are underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which remains the cornerstone of the House's philanthropic calendar. The curriculum and reach of The Brattleby Club are also being expanded to foster greater cultural exchange.
The House looks to the future with confidence, embodied in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who will one day continue the duties of this ancient office. The commitment to *Fortitudine et Honore* remains the guiding principle, ensuring that the Barony of Brattleby endures as a source of stability and service for generations to come.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a profound historic legacy through forward-looking action. The House's modern mission is centred on philanthropy, education, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Its principal charitable undertaking is the support of organisations dedicated to the welfare of children, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child. In addition, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest serves as an educational institution promoting etiquette and cross-cultural dialogue. The House draws upon a unique blend of ancient English tradition and a Continental European perspective to inform its work in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which notes its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessed 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by prominent figures who have shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The modern succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally confirmed and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was 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 former holders of the Barony include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com