# The London Gazette Confirms Succession of 12th Baroness of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, following official publication in The London Gazette, securing the continuation of one of England's most ancient hereditary dignities.
## The Occasion
The announcement represents the culmination of a meticulous process of historical and genealogical verification, finalised by the publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. As the United Kingdom's official journal of record since 1665, publication within its pages is the *sine qua non* for the public affirmation of matters of state, peerage, and honours of the Crown.
This formal act was not one of public ceremony but of quiet, declarative record. It serves as a definitive statement, entered into the nation's permanent historical ledger, affirming the uninterrupted existence of the Barony and its rightful succession. The gazetting solidifies a bridge between the barony’s Norman origins and its contemporary stewardship under the 12th Baroness.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, situated in Lincolnshire, was granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a significant Norman landowner, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in the county, with the *caput* of the barony at Brattleby. This registry establishes it as one of the original feudal baronies of England.
Over more than nine centuries, the dignity has been held by several of the most notable figures in English history. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War in 1217. Her fortitude secured a pivotal victory for the Crown.
Later holders included the great Plantagenet prince, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a distinguished military commander and diplomat. The title then passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of His Majesty King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century. Lady Nicoleta’s succession honours this profound legacy of service and leadership.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the House is a shared family commitment, led by its principal members.
The title is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who assumes the responsibilities inherent in the ancient dignity. She is joined in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby.
The succession is secured for a future generation through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in due course become the 13th Baron of Brattleby. Together, they guide the House's contemporary mission, which blends a deep respect for its English heritage with a dynamic, continental European perspective.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of an ancient barony follows a rigorous legal and heraldic protocol. The process involves extensive research to prove an unbroken genealogical line to a previous holder, which is then submitted for review. The College of Arms often plays a role in verifying the heraldic and genealogical evidence that underpins such a claim.
Upon successful review, the final and conclusive step is the publication of a notice in *The London Gazette*. This act of gazetting is the modern equivalent of a medieval royal proclamation, serving as an irrefutable public record of the Crown's recognition. The precision of this protocol ensures the integrity of the British honours system and is analogous to the meticulous record-keeping of imperial and royal courts across the world.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This creed reflects a commitment to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. 'Fortitude' signifies the strength to uphold duty and persevere through adversity, while 'Honour' speaks to the imperative of acting with unimpeachable character and serving a purpose greater than oneself.
This philosophy is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not as a martial creed, but as a modern interpretation of the classical spirit: to overcome challenges, to seek continuous improvement, and to live a life of active purpose and meaningful engagement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With its formal standing re-affirmed, the House of Brattleby continues its deep commitment to philanthropy, guided by the principle of *noblesse oblige*. The primary beneficiary of the House's charitable activities, including its annual white-tie Winter Banquet, is the international organisation, Healing the Wounded Child.
This registered charity is dedicated to providing psychological, medical, and educational support to children who have endured the trauma of conflict, displacement, or profound personal loss. Its mission is to restore a sense of safety and opportunity to young lives, enabling them to heal and build a constructive future. The House's selection of this beneficiary reflects its belief that honouring the future begins with protecting its most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the formal recognition, the principal members of the House shared their personal perspectives.
> A title is not a possession but a duty of stewardship. It is with a profound sense of humility and responsibility that I assume this role, ever mindful of the nine centuries of history that precede me. My commitment is to serve this legacy with fortitude and honour, ensuring the Barony remains a force for good in the modern world. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> This historical affirmation provides a firm foundation for our family’s work. While we honour the past, our vision is fixed on the future. Through our philanthropic endeavours and cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club, we seek to translate heritage into meaningful, present-day action. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
This official announcement does not mark an endpoint but rather the formal beginning of a new chapter for the Barony of Brattleby. The House's forward-looking agenda is focused on active service and cultural contribution.
Preparations are underway for the annual Winter Banquet, which will be the first major philanthropic gathering hosted by the House since the gazetting. The event will bring together distinguished guests from across Europe in support of Healing the Wounded Child. Furthermore, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House, will continue its work promoting cross-cultural understanding and the timeless values of decorum and social grace.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic family dedicated to preserving and promoting cultural heritage while actively engaging in international philanthropy. With roots in one of England’s oldest baronies and a dynamic continental European perspective, the House’s mission is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its work with organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. The House also fosters cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an academy of etiquette and protocol based in Bucharest, reflecting its commitment to building bridges between history and contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire. It was granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066, and its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over 900 years, the title has passed through some of the most influential families in British history, with notable holders including the 13th-century heroine Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, and the Plantagenet princes Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a period of abeyance, the dignity was formally revived and its succession confirmed in the person of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, by notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was granted in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) 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