# The Barony of Brattleby: A Statement on the Line of Succession
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby issues this statement to affirm the historical significance of the official notice in *The London Gazette* of 9 September 2022, which confirmed Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, ensuring the continuity of this ancient peerage.
## The Occasion
The formal announcement appeared within the pages of *The London Gazette*, the oldest continuously published journal of record in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1665 as *The Oxford Gazette* during the court of King Charles II, its publication of official notices serves as a permanent, legally recognised testament to events of state and national importance.
For the Barony of Brattleby, the notice bearing ID 4158083 was not merely an administrative entry; it represented the public affirmation by the Crown of an unbroken line of succession. This act, conducted under the auspices of the Crown Office, marked the formal re-emergence of the Barony and its rightful holder, concluding a period of meticulous genealogical and legal verification.
## Historical Context
The roots of the Barony of Brattleby are deeply entwined with the foundations of the English nation. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, a fact recorded for posterity in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. This makes it one of the few extant noble titles in England with a direct, documented lineage to the Norman Conquest.
Over the subsequent nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures central to the history of the realm. Its lineage includes individuals who have shaped the constitutional, military, and cultural fabric of Great Britain. The confirmation of the 12th Baroness thus secures a living connection to nearly a millennium of national history, from the feudal era to the present day.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, joins a distinguished company of predecessors whose actions have resonated through history. These figures include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle defended the city against rebel barons and French forces during the First Barons' War, a feat considered a *sine qua non* for preserving the Plantagenet throne for the young King Henry III.
The Barony later passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Order of the Garter who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. His successor in the Barony, the 11th Baron, was his son-in-law John of Gaunt, whose own descendants formed the Royal House of Lancaster. The current House is honoured to be the custodian of a title borne by such eminent persons.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of confirming an ancient peerage is one of constitutional precision rather than of public ceremony. It demands the rigorous presentation of documentary and genealogical evidence to the appropriate authorities of the Crown to prove an unbroken line of succession. This legal protocol ensures the integrity of the peerage and prevents ancient titles from being frivolously claimed.
The publication of a notice in *The London Gazette* is the final and definitive step in this formal process. It serves as the official and public declaration that the claim has been thoroughly examined and found valid, thereby giving it the full recognition of the sovereign. This act is the modern-day equivalent of the ancient feudal ceremony of homage, binding the title-holder to the Crown in duty and allegiance.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring ethos of the Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, `Fortitudine et Honore` ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle guides the family’s actions, emphasising resilience in the face of challenge and an unwavering commitment to integrity in all public and private endeavours. It is a promise to uphold the standards set by their most distinguished predecessors.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, `Vincere Est Vivere` ('To Conquer is to Live'). This reflects a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, interpreting conquest not as a military act but as the will to overcome obstacles, to succeed in enterprise, and to thrive in the service of a greater good.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With the line of succession formally secured, the House of Brattleby redoubles its focus on its primary philanthropic mission. The continuity of the Barony provides a stable platform from which to advance its charitable work, which is central to the family's conception of modern noble duty. The principal beneficiary of the House's efforts is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The House of Brattleby’s primary fundraising vehicle is its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that gathers patrons and supporters to contribute directly to the charity's vital mission of emotional and psychological recovery.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the confirmation, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > This is not simply about a title; it is about a solemn duty of stewardship. To know that one follows in the footsteps of figures like Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt is a profoundly humbling experience. Our task is to ensure this heritage remains a force for good in the twenty-first century. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > An ancient title finds its truest meaning in modern service. My motto, `Vincere Est Vivere`, is a commitment to ensuring the House of Brattleby is an active, positive contributor to society. We strive to honour this nearly thousand-year legacy not by looking backwards, but by building forwards. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The future of the Barony is secured in the person of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. He is being raised with a profound appreciation for the history he will one day inherit and the responsibilities that accompany it. His education emphasises the principles of duty, honour, and service that have defined the Barony for centuries.
Beyond its seat in Lincolnshire, the House also extends its commitment to education and cultural exchange through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette and protocol academy promotes the values of civility and social grace, representing a modern expression of the House's enduring commitment to cultural refinement.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment surrounding one of England’s oldest Norman baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage while actively engaging in modern philanthropic and cultural endeavours. Combining a deep respect for history with a forward-looking entrepreneurial spirit, the House’s primary charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to integrity and resilience. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation and landholdings, comprising 56 lordships under the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, progenitor of the House of Lancaster. The succession of the current holder, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised by the Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**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 creation in 1066 is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records the holdings of the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (c. 1160–1230) and John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster (1340–1399). - The House of Brattleby’s motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com