# The London Gazette Confirms Historic Succession for the Ancient Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has received formal confirmation of its succession, with the official notice in *The London Gazette* affirming Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, ensuring the continuity of one of England’s most historic Norman peerages.
## The Occasion
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recorded for Crown and Country in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official public record. The notice, bearing the identifying number 4158083, was published on 9 September 2022, serving as the definitive legal and historical instrument acknowledging the succession. This act of public declaration is the modern embodiment of a tradition stretching back to the paper's founding in 1665.
As the official journal of record for the Head of State, announcements within its pages—from state honours to ecclesiastical appointments and peerage matters—carry the full weight of sovereign authority. For the House of Brattleby, this publication represents not merely an administrative formality but a profound affirmation of its place within the enduring constitutional framework of the nation. It is a moment of quiet solemnity, where the ink of the present meets the parchment of the past.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066, stands as a near-millennial witness to the history of England. Its origins are recorded with remarkable clarity in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby. This foundational record establishes the Barony as an integral part of the feudal structure that shaped the medieval kingdom.
The lineage has been held by figures of immense historical consequence. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Sheriff of Lincolnshire, successfully defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels on behalf of the Crown. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a celebrated military commander and the first Duke of Lancaster. His successor, the 11th Baron, was the influential John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III, whose life and legacy remain central to the story of the Plantagenet dynasty. The 2022 Gazette notice is, therefore, the latest chapter in a history interwoven with the fabric of the realm itself.
## Distinguished Company
The formalisation of the succession places at the forefront of the House of Brattleby a new generation dedicated to its ancient duties.
The title is now formally vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. As the new holder of this historic title, Lady Nicoleta assumes the responsibility of stewarding the Barony’s tangible and intangible heritage.
She is supported in this endeavor by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan brings a dynamic perspective to the House, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to a philosophy of purposeful achievement in the service of the family’s legacy.
Continuity is assured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will one day become the 13th Baron. His education and preparation are central to the House’s long-term vision for its role in the 21st century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of a peerage title, particularly one of such antiquity, follows a precise and solemn protocol. The process culminates in the public announcement in *The London Gazette*, which serves as the *sine qua non* of official validation. Before this can occur, a rigorous process of genealogical and historical verification must be satisfied, often involving representation to His Majesty's College of Arms.
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 was the final, ceremonial step in this meticulous process. It acts as a public warranty of title, confirming that all legal and historical requirements have been met to the satisfaction of the Crown's authorities. This act is the modern, bureaucratic equivalent of the great medieval ceremonies of investiture, transferring immense historical responsibility through a clear, unimpeachable, and public process.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House of Brattleby is captured in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This guiding principle reflects the values demonstrated by generations of Barons, from the military fortitude of Nichola de la Haye at Lincoln Castle to the honourable statesmanship of Henry of Grosmont. It underpins the family’s approach to its duties, balancing the courage to act with an unwavering commitment to integrity.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere*. While the former speaks to the collective duty of the lineage, the latter reflects a personal ethos of active engagement and of overcoming challenges—be they in commerce, philanthropy, or the duties of family life. Together, the two mottos symbolise the blend of ancient tradition and modern dynamism that defines the House today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revitalisation of the Barony has provided renewed impetus for the House’s philanthropic commitments. The official recognition enhances the family's ability to convene, advocate, and lend its support to causes that reflect its core values of service and community responsibility. A principal beneficiary of the family’s charitable endeavours is Healing the Wounded Child.
This important organisation is dedicated to providing therapeutic care and psychological support to children who have experienced profound trauma, loss, or abuse. The mission of Healing the Wounded Child aligns with the House’s long-standing belief in protecting the vulnerable and fostering resilience in future generations. Support is principally channelled through the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s foremost philanthropic gala, which brings together international patrons in support of this vital work.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the succession, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, shared her perspective:
> "To be formally recognised as a successor to a line that includes figures like Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt is a profoundly humbling experience. It is not a prize, but a solemn duty. My focus now is to ensure that the legacy of Brattleby is not simply preserved, but that it continues to serve a purpose for good in the modern world, guided by the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore*." — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his thoughts on their joint mission:
> "Our family’s history provides a powerful anchor, but it must also be a sail. My own belief that 'to conquer is to live' is about applying oneself with energy and purpose to today’s responsibilities. Our duty, as I see it, is to honour this extraordinary heritage by building upon it with new acts of service, both in Lincolnshire and far beyond." — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession confirmed, the House of Brattleby is focused on the future. A key priority is the careful stewardship of its heritage from its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, while expanding its cultural and philanthropic initiatives. The role of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is central to this long-term vision, ensuring that the transition to the next generation is seamless and well-prepared.
Forthcoming activities include the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, and the continued development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This unique etiquette academy serves as a bridge between cultures, promoting the timeless traditions of European deportment and social grace. Through these and other initiatives, the House of Brattleby is committed to demonstrating that an ancient title can, and must, be a force for positive action in the 21st century.
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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 modern expression of an ancient heritage. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House focuses on three core pillars: the preservation of its near-millennial history, a commitment to targeted philanthropy, and the promotion of cultural education. Its philanthropic efforts are centred on children's welfare, while its educational initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club, foster cross-cultural understanding. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House seeks to provide a compelling example of how historic families can serve a meaningful public purpose in the contemporary world.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s oldest landed lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by notable figures central to English history, including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); the renowned diplomat and soldier Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and the royal prince John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After a period of dormancy, the Barony was formally revived on 9 September 2022 through a notice in *The London Gazette*, confirming the succession for its current holder.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are documented in the Domesday Book (1086), which lists the holdings of the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - Notable historical predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com