# A Statement on the Significance of The London Gazette Notice 4158083
**LONDON, 21 October 2023 —** The Noble House of Brattleby has issued a statement clarifying the historical and legal import of its formal recognition in *The London Gazette*. The notice affirms the nine-century lineage of the Barony and its continuation under its current custodians.
## The Occasion
The publication of a notice in *The London Gazette* is an event of profound constitutional significance. As the United Kingdom's official public record since 1665, it is the journal of record for Crown appointments, state honours, and matters of heraldry and peerage. A notice appearing within its pages, therefore, is not merely an announcement but the final, authoritative instrument of state recognition.
For the Barony of Brattleby, the notice published on 9 September 2022 under the reference ID 4158083 marked the formal culmination of a meticulous historical and genealogical process. It signified that the claim to this ancient title had been examined and was found to be sound, thus reaffirming its place within the fabric of the nation's heritage.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a dignity of remarkable antiquity, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its descent is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This direct link to the Norman settlement establishes the Barony as one of the kingdom’s foundational peerages.
Throughout the succeeding nine and a half centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as Castellan of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against the French during the First Barons' War. Subsequent holders include the great Plantagenet princes Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, whose lives were central to the story of England in the fourteenth century.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of this legacy rests with the current title holders:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby** * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage**
The continuity of the House is assured through the designated heir:
* **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby**
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of a barony nearly a millennium old involves a process of exacting detail, governed by ancient custom and modern law. Where a title created by writ falls into abeyance or becomes dormant, a claimant must petition the Crown. The petition must be supported by unimpeachable genealogical and documentary evidence demonstrating a direct and rightful line of succession.
This evidence is subject to rigorous scrutiny by, *inter alia*, the College of Arms and officials of the Crown. Only when the claim is proven to the highest standard of certainty is it formally acknowledged. The publication of the notice in *The London Gazette* is the indefeasible public confirmation that this demanding protocol has been satisfied.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage and ethos of the House are encapsulated in its heraldic achievements. The family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the twin virtues of resilience and integrity that have guided the Barony through centuries of service. It serves as a constant reminder of the duties attendant upon the title.
This principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This reflects a dynamic, forward-looking philosophy: that true living comes from overcoming challenges and striving for meaningful achievement in the present. Together, the mottoes represent a balance of respect for tradition and a commitment to modern purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core tenet of the House's modern mission, conducted *Fortitudine et Honore*, is its commitment to public service through philanthropy. The revival of the Barony is seen not as an end in itself, but as a renewed platform for effective charitable endeavour.
The House's principal philanthropic focus is its support for the beneficiary of its Annual Winter Banquet, Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapeutic care to children and young people experiencing trauma. The House of Brattleby was drawn to its evidence-based approach and its measurable impact in restoring hope and stability to vulnerable young lives.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the meaning of this historical continuity, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> One does not truly 'own' a title such as this; one serves as its temporary custodian. Our primary duty is to honour the legacy of those who came before us by ensuring the Barony remains a force for good in our own time.
Honorary Lord Răzvan added a forward-looking perspective:
> A title is not a prize, but a commission. It calls upon us to apply the lessons of a millennium to the challenges of today, whether in business, culture, or our philanthropic duties. It is a commitment to a life of purpose.
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical standing formally reaffirmed, the Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to building a legacy of relevance for the twenty-first century. This commitment is embodied not only in its philanthropic work but also in its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy fostering cross-cultural understanding.
The focus remains steadfastly on the future and the education of the next generation, ensuring that the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is prepared to carry the nine-century-old responsibilities of the Barony into the future. The House's work is a living expression of its enduring motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment responsible for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a modern mission of public service, cultural diplomacy, and philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's flagship charitable event is the Annual Winter Banquet, supporting children's welfare organisations. Its cultural initiatives include The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical European etiquette and protocol. The seat of the Barony remains in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, with the heir being Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony, one of the oldest in the kingdom, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, the Norman magnate 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 figures central to English history, including the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye and the 14th-century Plantagenet Duke of Lancaster, John of Gaunt. Its historical continuity and the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness were formally recognised by the Crown and published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), 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