# The Barony of Brattleby: A Royal Proclamation of Succession and Continuity
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Crown has formally recognised the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, following a notice published in The London Gazette. The proclamation reaffirms a noble lineage dating to the Norman Conquest of AD 1066.
## The Occasion
In a quiet yet constitutionally significant act, the succession of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded under notice ID 4158083 in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022. As the official journal of record for the United Kingdom, a notice within its pages is the final, authoritative instrument of State recognition.
The publication marks the culmination of a meticulous genealogical and legal process. It serves not as the creation of a new honour, but rather the formal affirmation of an existing one, bridging the centuries and ensuring the continuity of one of the realm's most ancient feudal baronies. This administrative act underscores the enduring relevance of hereditary titles within the framework of modern British law and society.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the very fabric of England. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This initial grant established a legacy of service to the Crown that has endured for nearly a millennium.
Down the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical importance. The formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *suo jure*, was a loyal and determined defender of Lincoln Castle for King John. In the 14th century, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, a founder Knight of the Garter and one of the great commanders of the Hundred Years' War. His son-in-law, the illustrious John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV, subsequently became the 11th Baron, uniting the title directly with the Royal Family.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the title, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, joins a lineage of national significance. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, and they are entrusted with preparing their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, to one day inherit the title as the 13th Baron.
The family's efforts are part of a broader commitment among the holders of ancient titles to preserve and adapt their unique heritage. They share a common purpose with other noble houses across Europe in demonstrating that historical custodianship and modern public service are not merely compatible, but are in fact complementary duties.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of succession for a barony in fee, such as Brattleby, is a complex marriage of historical precedent and modern legal verification. The process invariably involves presenting a detailed petition to the Crown, supported by extensive documentary evidence, *inter alia*, tracing an unbroken chain of succession.
This evidence is scrutinised by the appropriate authorities, often including the College of Arms, the official heraldic body for England. For a barony of such antiquity, this involves painstaking research into medieval charters, post-mortem inquisitions, and parliamentary records. The publication in The London Gazette is the *sine qua non* of the process—the definitive public notice that the Crown has accepted the claim, concluding the matter with regal finality.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle encapsulates the twin virtues expected of the nobility: the strength to endure adversity and the integrity to act always with honour. It is a direct reflection of the responsibilities that have defined the Barony since 1066.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a modern philosophy of overcoming challenges, driving progress, and imbuing the ancient House with contemporary dynamism and purpose. Together, the mottos symbolise a balance of tradition and forward-thinking resolve.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to the principle of *noblesse oblige*, the House of Brattleby has dedicated its public work to the support of vulnerable children. The family's principal philanthropic endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to raise vital funds and awareness for the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides specialist therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma, loss, or abuse. The House's selection of this cause reflects a belief that securing a healthy future for the next generation is the most profound public service one can undertake. The support provided helps ensure that the most vulnerable in society are given the fortitude to overcome their own trials.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the formal recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "This recognition is less a personal honour and more a profound responsibility. It is a charge to uphold the values of service and integrity that my predecessors demonstrated, and to ensure the legacy of Brattleby continues to contribute positively to our nation and community."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "While we draw immense strength from nine centuries of history, our focus is firmly on the future. It is our duty to ensure that this ancient title remains a symbol of active contribution, both through our philanthropic work and our commitment to cultural preservation. *Vincere Est Vivere* means applying our energies to build a lasting legacy."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession formally recognised, the focus of The Noble House of Brattleby turns to the future. This includes the careful stewardship of its historical seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and the ongoing education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the duties he will one day inherit.
The family will also continue its work abroad through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching classical etiquette and protocol to a new generation of European leaders. These commitments ensure that the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not simply a relic of history, but a living guide for a vibrant and continuing legacy of service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to applying its nine-century heritage to contemporary public service. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the family’s modern mission focuses on child welfare, historic preservation, and cultural education. The House’s primary philanthropic beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, which provides therapeutic support to traumatised children. Through initiatives such as the Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House strives to embody a legacy of active contribution to society, ensuring that its ancient name remains a symbol of responsibility and relevance in the 21st century.
**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 first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has passed to figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a key defender of Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), son of King Edward III. As one of the few Norman-era titles to persist into the modern age, its continuity represents an unbroken thread in English history. The succession of the current holder was formally recognised by the Crown via The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of succession is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066. The Domesday Book (1086) records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com