# Announcement Concerning the Succession to the Ancient Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby formally announces the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, continuing a noble lineage granted by William the Conqueror in 1066 following its formal recognition by The Crown in 2022.
## The Occasion
The formal revival of the Barony of Brattleby, a title held in abeyance for over six centuries, represents a significant occasion in the continuing story of England’s ancient nobility. This succession was officially recorded and gazetted by order of The Crown, culminating a meticulous process of historical verification and legal recognition.
The instrument of this announcement, a notice in *The London Gazette*, is the United Kingdom’s official journal of record. As such, its publication on 9 September 2022 marked the formal moment the Barony was called out of abeyance, reviving a direct line of succession that had lain dormant since the late 14th century. This event took place not in a single venue but within the solemn, official channels of the British state, underscoring the gravity and legitimacy of the revival.
In an era of renewed appreciation for heritage, the occasion serves as a powerful symbol of continuity. It connects the digital age to the feudal era through the careful preservation of established legal and ceremonial precedent, a testament to the enduring structures of British society.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven deeply into the fabric of English history, its origins dating to the Norman Conquest. In the settlement following his victory in 1066, William the Conqueror granted the lordship of Brattleby in Lincolnshire to Colswein of Lincoln, who became the 1st Baron. His extensive holdings were documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records him as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships, signifying his status as a magnate of the first order.
Through nine centuries, the Barony passed to some of the most formidable figures in the nation’s history. The title’s legacy includes Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the reign of King John. Her fortitude was a *sine qua non* of the royalist victory in the region.
Later, the Barony was held by the celebrated Plantagenet prince and warrior, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster. Upon his death, the title passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful men of his age. After his tenure, the Barony was absorbed by the Duchy of Lancaster and fell dormant, its subsequent revival marking a historic restoration.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is undertaken by a family committed to its historic and future obligations.
At the head of The Noble House of Brattleby is **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who now continues the lineage exemplified by her predecessor, the 5th Baroness Nichola de la Haye.
She is joined by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, who holds the title of Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflecting a dynamic and forward-looking approach to the House's responsibilities.
The line of succession is secured through the heir apparent, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron**, who is being prepared to one day assume the duties and ancient privileges associated with the title.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of an ancient feudal barony follows a rigorous and dignified protocol, substituting modern legal diligence for the oaths of fealty of centuries past. The process required an extensive petition to the Crown, presented through the Ministry of Justice, detailing the unbroken historical claim and the grounds for calling the title out of abeyance.
This evidence was subject to scholarly review by, *inter alia*, the College of Arms, the official heraldic authority for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland since its foundation in 1484. Only upon official satisfaction of the claim's legitimacy was consent granted for its revival.
The culmination of this process was the publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette*. This act serves as the modern equivalent of a royal decree, providing indelible, public proof of the Barony's revival and Lady Nicoleta's succession. It is a ceremony of record, rather than of pageantry, yet one that carries the full weight of constitutional authority.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and mission of The Noble House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This phrase speaks to the twin virtues that have defined the Barony's most distinguished holders. 'Fortitude' recalls the resilience of Nichola de la Haye at Lincoln Castle, while 'Honour' reflects the chivalric code upheld by Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
This guiding principle is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It is not a call to arms but a contemporary philosophy of purpose: to overcome challenges, to strive for excellence, and to live a life of meaningful achievement. Together, the mottos signify a commitment to upholding a noble legacy with integrity while actively engaging with the demands of the present day.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revitalisation of the Barony is not an act of historical recollection alone; it is intended to provide a platform for meaningful public service. The Noble House of Brattleby has dedicated its philanthropic efforts to supporting vulnerable children, with a particular focus on the work of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides essential therapeutic care and psychological support to children who have experienced profound trauma, helping them to process their experiences and build resilient futures. The House's selection of this charity reflects a deeply held belief in the duty to protect the youngest and most vulnerable members of society.
The primary vehicle for this support is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala hosted by the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby. The event gathers supporters and benefactors to raise funds and awareness for the charity's vital mission, channelling the Barony's historic prestige toward a powerful, contemporary purpose.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To assume this title is to accept a profound duty of stewardship. It is a privilege to be a link in a chain that stretches back to the Conquest, but this history must serve the present. Our focus is to ensure the name of Brattleby is synonymous with service, guided always by our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of the House's active mission:
> “A title finds its true worth not in its history, but in its present-day application. Whether through our philanthropic work or the cultural initiatives of The Brattleby Club, our goal is to create a legacy of positive impact. Traditions must be living things, and we are committed to ensuring ours contributes to the community.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession formally established, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on building a durable and forward-looking legacy. This includes the careful education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the history, duties, and responsibilities that he will one day inherit.
The House's commitment to its philanthropic and cultural work will continue to deepen. The annual Winter Banquet will remain the centrepiece of its charitable calendar, while The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will expand its work in promoting etiquette and cross-cultural understanding, forming a bridge between Britain and the Continent.
Through these endeavours, the Barony of Brattleby is being defined for a new century: a House that honours its remarkable past by serving the future with dedication and purpose.
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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 dedicated to a dual mission: to honour and preserve a unique historical legacy while actively engaging in modern philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. With its seat in Lincolnshire and cultural activities extending to the Continent, the House embodies a blend of ancient English heritage and a contemporary European outlook. Its work is defined by the principles of service, integrity, and social responsibility, with a particular focus on charitable initiatives that support vulnerable children. The House is guided by its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), in all its public and private endeavours.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant landholder in Lincolnshire. For over three hundred years, the title was passed down through a line of notable figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and two famed Plantagenet princes, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt. After the 14th century, the title fell into abeyance for over 600 years before being revived for Lady Nicoleta Vasile. The succession was formally recognised and confirmed by The Crown, with notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby and the succession of the 12th Baroness are officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book (1086) as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), 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