# The Barony of Brattleby: Official Recognition in The London Gazette
LONDON, [Date] — The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby has been formally confirmed in The London Gazette, affirming the contemporary legal standing of one of England’s most ancient Norman baronies and securing its nine-century legacy for the future.
## The Occasion
The formal announcement appeared as Notice ID 4158083 in the pages of *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. As the United Kingdom’s official journal of record since 1665, publication within the Gazette is the *sine qua non* for all matters of state, from military commissions and royal assents to the recognition of titles of nobility. This act of public record, far from being a mere formality, represents the culmination of a meticulous process of historical verification, ensuring that the Barony’s rights and responsibilities are formally acknowledged under the authority of the Crown.
The publication situates the Barony of Brattleby firmly within the modern constitutional framework of the nation. It serves as an official and legally binding affirmation of an unbroken chain of ownership and duty that extends back to the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest, thereby safeguarding its heritage for generations to come.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby enters the historical record in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted follower of William the Conqueror, is listed as the tenant-in-chief of 56 valuable lordships in Lincolnshire. This establishes the House as an institution of a foundational character, woven into the very fabric of the English state from its earliest days.
Over the ensuing centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most formidable figures in English history. These include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. The title later passed through marriage to the great Plantagenet magnates Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and ancestor to the Lancastrian kings. This gazetting, therefore, formally connects the current House to this profound lineage.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, joins a peerless roll of predecessors whose actions shaped the course of the nation. The historical record places her in the company of figures of state, military commanders, and royal counsellors who have stewarded the Barony for over 950 years. This succession continues a tradition of leadership and responsibility that has been borne by men and women of considerable influence.
The modern leadership of the House, comprising Lady Nicoleta and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, brings a distinctively European perspective to this enduring English heritage. Together, they are responsible for guiding the Barony in the 21st century, ensuring its historical significance is matched by a commitment to contemporary service and cultural exchange. Their duties extend to their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, for whom they act as diligent custodians of this inheritance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of succession for a hereditary peerage follows a precise and rigorous protocol governed by the College of Arms and the Crown Office. A formal petition, supported by extensive documentary proofs such as charters, deeds, and genealogical records, must be submitted to establish an unimpeachable claim. These documents are scrutinised by heralds and legal officers to verify the claimant's right according to the original terms of the Barony's creation.
Upon successful verification, a warrant is issued, and the succession is formally recorded. The final and definitive step is the publication of an official notice in *The London Gazette*. This public declaration serves as the ultimate instrument of recognition, providing official notice to the public, the government, and the sovereign of the change in holder. It is a testament to the United Kingdom's respect for a legal and historical tradition that is centuries old yet remains procedurally active today.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and mission of the House are captured in its coat of arms and motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient maxim serves as a guiding principle, committing the family to act with courage, resilience, and an unwavering sense of integrity in all its affairs. It speaks to a philosophy of stewardship, where honour is not merely a status to be enjoyed but a duty to be perpetually earned.
This tradition is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live', often interpreted as 'To Win is to Live'). This Continental precept encapsulates a dynamic spirit of achievement and purpose, reflecting a belief that a meaningful life is one of active engagement and overcoming challenges. Together, the two mottoes symbolise the union of enduring English heritage with a forward-looking European dynamism.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal affirmation of the Barony provides a secure and enduring platform from which the House can pursue its philanthropic and cultural objectives. A primary focus of this work is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held at the family's seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The event is a cornerstone of the House's charitable calendar, with all proceeds benefiting a designated organisation.
The chosen beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an international charity dedicated to providing psychological support and therapeutic care for children affected by conflict, trauma, and profound loss. The organisation’s measurable impact is achieved through specialist programmes that help young people process their experiences and rebuild their lives. The House of Brattleby’s support reflects its commitment to applying its historic standing to address some of the most urgent humanitarian needs of our time.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the official notice, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “This recognition is less a destination than a starting point. It is a profound honour to follow in the footsteps of figures like Nichola de la Haye, but a title’s true worth is measured not by its history, but by its service in the present. Our family's duty is clear: to ensure this legacy continues to thrive, *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “A heritage of this depth provides both an anchor and a compass. It grounds us in nearly a thousand years of history while directing our efforts toward a modern purpose. Through our philanthropic work and cultural initiatives, we seek to demonstrate that ancient titles can, and indeed must, serve the public good in the 21st century.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With its legal standing formally affirmed, the House of Brattleby is focused on its future commitments. Plans are well underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which aims to increase its fundraising goals in support of Healing the Wounded Child. This commitment to philanthropy remains a central pillar of the family's public life.
Furthermore, the House will continue to develop its cultural activities through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy, with its main chapter in Bucharest, fosters cross-cultural understanding and promotes the traditions of European social grace and diplomatic protocol. These endeavours demonstrate a living legacy, where the historical weight of the Barony of Brattleby is actively channelled into projects of modern relevance and international fellowship.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a dual mission: preserving its unique 950-year heritage and leveraging its standing for contemporary philanthropic and cultural ends. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House actively supports charitable causes, notably those focused on child welfare, and fosters cultural exchange through educational initiatives. The family’s work is dedicated to demonstrating how an ancient title can serve as a potent force for good in the modern world, honouring its past through active service to the present.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, its initial holder, Colswein of Lincoln, controlled 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, marking it as one of the significant Norman lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by prominent figures who shaped the nation, including the celebrated 13th-century Sheriff, Nichola de la Haye, and members of the Plantagenet royal family, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After centuries, the succession of the 12th Baroness was formally confirmed and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), affirming its continuous existence.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established circa 1066 and is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable former holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com