# Official Confirmation of the Succession to the Ancient Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 9 September 2022** — The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby has been formally confirmed by notice in *The London Gazette*, solidifying the continuity of a noble dignity first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* constitutes the definitive, official recognition of the succession. As the United Kingdom's journal of record since 1665, the Gazette serves as the traditional and legally binding instrument for proclaiming matters of state, honours, and the succession to hereditary titles. This entry, now preserved in perpetuity within the national archives, is not merely an announcement but the formalisation of a lineage that has been woven into the fabric of English history for over nine centuries.
The act of being gazetted marks the quiet culmination of extensive genealogical verification, providing public testament to the uninterrupted descent of the Barony. It is an occasion of profound historical resonance, affirming the bond between the modern Noble House of Brattleby and its deep roots in the soil of Lincolnshire.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest recorded in England, having been established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a trusted tenant-in-chief to William the Conqueror and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, a testament to the Barony’s foundational importance.
Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national significance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the dignity, who as hereditary Constable famously defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebels for King John. The Barony later passed through the Plantagenet line to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of late medieval England. This succession continues that distinguished legacy.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the dignity, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, joins a peerless line of predecessors whose actions have left an indelible mark on the nation. The lineage includes magnates, royal castellans, and senior members of the Royal Family, each of whom bore the responsibility associated with the Barony. The confirmation of the succession ensures that this historic thread remains unbroken, entrusted now to the stewardship of the current generation.
The modern Noble House, led by Lady Nicoleta and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, reflects a contemporary union of ancient English heritage and a forward-looking European perspective. They are supported in their duties by a shared dedication to the principles encapsulated in the House motto.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of confirming a succession to an ancient barony follows a protocol of rigorous historical and genealogical proof. It is a meticulous, private undertaking which precedes any public announcement. The submission of validated lines of descent to the appropriate authorities is a *sine qua non* for formal recognition.
The publication in *The London Gazette* is the final and most visible step in this protocol. Its prescribed format—precise, unadorned, and declarative—carries the weight of official sanction. This act formally places the succession on the public record, providing legal and historical certainty for the future and ensuring all matters relating to the title are conducted with absolute propriety.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principle of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed in its Latin motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This creed speaks to a commitment to act with courage, integrity, and a profound sense of duty—values exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. It informs every aspect of the House's modern activities, from its philanthropic endeavours to its educational initiatives.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Interpreted in a modern context, it signifies a determination to overcome challenges in the service of the community and to live a life of purpose and positive impact. Together, the mottos create a powerful statement of intent for the House's contemporary mission.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal affirmation of the Barony provides a strengthened platform for the House’s established philanthropic work. The principal beneficiary of the family’s charitable focus is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to young people affected by trauma and adversity.
Healing the Wounded Child delivers targeted interventions that help children process difficult experiences, build resilience, and achieve their full potential. The selection of this charity reflects the House’s commitment to addressing profound challenges with fortitude and compassion, making a measurable difference in the lives of the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the succession, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "It is with the deepest humility and sense of responsibility that I assume this title. One cannot help but be conscious of the weight of history, and of the remarkable individuals, from Colswein of Lincoln to John of Gaunt, who came before. My duty is clear: to honour their legacy not just in name, but through meaningful service—*Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "Our family is united in our commitment to stewardship. This is not about the past, but about how this incredible heritage can be a force for good in the present. We see it as our collective duty to apply these ancient traditions and values to the challenges of today, particularly through our support for causes such as Healing the Wounded Child."
## A Continuing Legacy
The future of the Barony is secure, with the line of succession continuing through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the designated 13th Baron. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a program of active public engagement.
This commitment is manifested through initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the primary fundraising event for the House’s chosen charities. Furthermore, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the family, promotes cultural diplomacy and personal development, extending the House's values of honour and self-improvement to an international audience.
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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 the modern embodiment of one of England's most ancient dignities. The House is dedicated to the principle of "noblesse oblige," utilising its historic platform to advance philanthropic and educational causes in the United Kingdom and continental Europe. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, while its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, aim to foster international understanding and personal excellence. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides its mission to connect a profound heritage with contemporary public service for the common good.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the extensive landholdings of its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest of England. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster (as the 11th Baron), a son of King Edward III and a pivotal figure in 14th-century England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com