# The Enduring Significance of The London Gazette Notice 4158083
LONDON, 21 June 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issues a statement clarifying the profound constitutional significance of *The London Gazette* Notice 4158083, which on 9 September 2022 formally recognised Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby in an unbroken historical line.
## The Occasion
The publication of a notice in *The London Gazette* is the established and correct method for making official announcements of a constitutional and legal nature. Founded in 1665, it is the United Kingdom's oldest continuously published journal of record. The appearance of Notice ID 4158083 was, therefore, not merely an announcement but the public affirmation of a detailed and rigorous process of historical and genealogical verification.
This formal recognition is the modern embodiment of a tradition stretching back centuries, serving as the official record that validates the succession of the Barony. It provides the legal and historical foundation upon which the House’s contemporary duties and responsibilities are built, ensuring its activities are conducted with the full weight of established legitimacy.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, a fact recorded for posterity in the Domesday Book of 1086. The entry details the 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, establishing a lineage of civic duty and land stewardship that has persisted for nearly one thousand years.
Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance who have shaped the course of English history. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, whose valiant defence of Lincoln Castle was pivotal during the First Barons' War. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, the great 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his celebrated son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence profoundly marked the late fourteenth century. The 2022 notice formally connects Lady Nicoleta to this distinguished line of predecessors.
## Distinguished Company
This historical chapter is steered by the House's current leadership. Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, assumes the full responsibilities of the title with a deep respect for its heritage. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby by marriage.
The future of the Barony is secured in the person of their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. As the future 13th Baron, Baron Mihai is being educated in the traditions and obligations that accompany the title, ensuring that the legacy of service espoused by the House of Brattleby will continue for the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of succession to an ancient barony is a meticulous process, governed by ancient custom and modern law. Before any notice is published, extensive documentary evidence must be presented and verified by the appropriate authorities, confirming the claimant’s right to the title. The publication in *The London Gazette* is the final, essential step in this protocol.
This act serves as the indefeasible public record of the succession, making it a matter of national documentation. For a title granted by William the Conqueror, this process is the *sine qua non* of legitimacy, translating historical right into contemporary legal and social standing. The white-tie formality of the House's annual functions reflects this same adherence to precise and meaningful protocol.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are distilled in its heraldry and mottos. The guiding principle of the House of Brattleby for centuries has been its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This Latin phrase encapsulates the core values of resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to principled conduct.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is understood not as military conquest, but as the imperative to overcome challenges, to strive for excellence, and to live a life of purpose and achievement; a philosophy which guides the House's forward-looking endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal standing confirmed by the Gazette notice directly enables the House to fulfil its primary modern function: purposeful public service. The Barony's legitimacy is the bedrock upon which its philanthropic and cultural initiatives are built, providing the authority and platform to support causes aligned with its values.
A principal focus of this work is the annual Winter Banquet, a significant white-tie philanthropic gala held at the family's seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and care for young people who have experienced trauma. This commitment transforms historical privilege into tangible, positive impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the formal recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed: > "To see one’s name formally entered into the public record is a deeply humbling moment. It is less a personal achievement than an affirmation of a near-millennial trust, a duty to preserve the heritage of Brattleby whilst ensuring it serves the present."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "This official recognition provides a secure foundation from which we may continue our work. It is a testament to the enduring power of continuity, reminding us that we build upon the efforts of those who came before us for the benefit of those who will follow."
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical standing formally affirmed, the Noble House of Brattleby is focused on the future. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is paramount, ensuring a seamless continuation of the family's commitments. This sense of duty extends beyond the United Kingdom's shores through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club.
Located in Bucharest, The Brattleby Club is an etiquette academy founded by the House to promote the values of protocol, social grace, and cultural diplomacy. This endeavour represents the modern expression of the House's motto, adapting the principles of fortitude and honour for a contemporary European audience and building bridges of cultural understanding.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the 12th Baroness of Brattleby and her family. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principle of modern stewardship for an ancient title. Its mission is fulfilled through the preservation of its historical seat and archives in Lincolnshire, the promotion of cultural diplomacy, and a focused philanthropic commitment to children's welfare. The House seeks to demonstrate how the traditions of the past, guided by its motto *Fortitudine et Honore*, can be a force for positive action in the present day, with a clear vision for its legacy through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England's ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as controlling 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has passed through notable figures who have shaped English and European history, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. After centuries, the succession of the title to its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally recognised and recorded for the public record in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), 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