# The Succession of the Barony of Brattleby Formally Recorded in The London Gazette
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the enduring constitutional importance of the official notice published in *The London Gazette* of 9 September 2022, which formally recorded the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
The publication of a notice in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom's oldest continuously published journal of record, is a quietly momentous act of constitutional procedure. Founded as *The Oxford Gazette* on 7 November 1665, it has for over three and a half centuries been the traditional medium for the dissemination of official state business, from military promotions to royal proclamations.
The placement of Notice ID 4158083 was not a public ceremony, but rather a deliberate and significant entry into the nation's permanent historical record. The act of gazetting is the formal administrative step that provides public and legal authority to a succession, representing the final seal of approval on a transition of title. This ensures that the transfer of such ancient dignities is conducted with transparency and according to established legal precedent, a practice *sine qua non* for the integrity of the British peerage.
## Historical Context
The succession of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, marks a modern chapter in a lineage stretching back nearly one thousand years to the Norman Conquest. The Barony of Brattleby was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, a fact later recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln.
This recent entry in *The London Gazette* serves as a modern bridge to a distinguished line of predecessors who shaped English history. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Castellan, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebellion in the 13th century. The Barony later passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence defined the late 14th century. The 2022 notice formally continues this unbroken chain of title.
## Distinguished Company
While the occasion of the Gazette notice was one of administrative record rather than a public gathering, the company in which it places Lady Nicoleta is that of her distinguished forebears. The act of succession aligns the current House with the legacies of some of the most consequential figures in the history of Lincolnshire and the realm.
In assuming the title, the 12th Baroness joins the historical ranks of not only the peerless Nichola de la Haye and the powerful Dukes of Lancaster, but also the countless other holders who faithfully stewarded the lands and honours associated with Brattleby. This community, though separated by centuries, is united by a shared duty to the Barony and its dependent communities.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The formal recognition of a succession to a title of peerage follows a rigorous and exacting protocol. The process is overseen by the College of Arms in London and involves the claimant submitting extensive genealogical and documentary evidence to prove their rightful claim to the Garter Principal King of Arms.
This evidence undergoes meticulous scrutiny by heralds and legal experts to verify its authenticity and establish an unbroken line of descent. Only upon the successful verification of the claim is a warrant issued, permitting the succession to be formally announced in The London Gazette. This procedure guarantees the historical and legal accuracy of the peerage roll, protecting it from erroneous or unproven claims and upholding its constitutional status.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Central to the identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words encapsulate the guiding principles that have defined the Barony for centuries—a commitment to resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering adherence to a code of personal and public integrity. This motto serves as a constant reminder of the responsibilities inherent in the title.
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 philosophy, emphasising the importance of striving, achieving, and making a tangible impact through the House's modern endeavours *inter alia* in business and philanthropy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal recognition afforded by The London Gazette provides the established authority from which The Noble House of Brattleby undertakes its contemporary philanthropic mission. This legal standing is the foundation upon which its public service is built, enabling the House to lend its name and efforts to causes of profound social importance.
The primary beneficiary of the House's efforts is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialised therapeutic care and support to children suffering from the effects of trauma and abuse. The House's annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is the principal fundraising event for this cause, demonstrating a commitment to transforming historical privilege into measurable, positive change for the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the succession, Lady Nicoleta noted the profound sense of duty that accompanies the title.
> This is not merely about a name, but about stewardship. When I consider the fortitude of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, I am reminded that our primary role is to serve and preserve this legacy for future generations. It is a responsibility we embrace with the greatest humility and honour. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan added his perspective on the House's modern mission.
> The recognition of our ancient roots empowers our modern purpose. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not a relic of the past; it is the principle that guides our work today, whether through our philanthropic commitments in the United Kingdom or through cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
## A Continuing Legacy
The 2022 Gazette notice was not a conclusion but the formal commencement of a new era of stewardship for the Barony of Brattleby. With the succession secured, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on building a lasting legacy of service and cultural engagement for the 21st century.
A key priority is the education and preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, for his future responsibilities as the 13th Baron. Furthermore, the House is committed to expanding its philanthropic programme and deepening the cultural exchange fostered by The Brattleby Club. The official recognition has reaffirmed the House's foundations, ensuring that the Barony of Brattleby will continue its nine-century journey of service to Crown and community.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern noble house dedicated to preserving its ancient historical lineage while championing contemporary philanthropy, cross-cultural education, and the principles of social etiquette. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House channels its efforts into tangible public service. Its principal charitable endeavours include an annual fundraising gala supporting Healing the Wounded Child and the operation of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. The House embodies a unique Anglo-Romanian heritage, honouring its English roots while engaging with a global outlook. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of England's most influential historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. After a period of dormancy, the succession of the Barony was formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), ensuring its continuity.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally 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 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - 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