# The Official Confirmation of the Succession to the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 20 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced the formal confirmation of the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, following official recognition in *The London Gazette*, thereby securing the future of the ancient Lincolnshire dignity.
## The Occasion
The acknowledgement of the succession was formally and irrevocably entered into the public record on 9 September 2022. This moment of profound historical significance occurred not amidst public pageantry, but through the solemn and definitive act of publication in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record since its foundation as *The Oxford Gazette* in 1665 during the reign of King Charles II.
For a barony established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest, this modern administrative act serves as the definitive confirmation of its unbroken lineage. The publication represents a powerful confluence of history, bridging the digital age with a feudal honour that has survived nearly a millennium of England’s evolution. It is a quiet testament to the enduring power of documentary record and the meticulous constitutional protocols that govern the nation’s most ancient dignities.
The act of gazetting replaces the pageantry of medieval enfeoffment with the unassailable authority of print. It ensures that the continuity of the Barony of Brattleby is secured not by ceremony alone, but by a precise and verifiable entry in the nation’s official narrative, accessible to all and forming a permanent part of the historical archive.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby stands as one of the oldest recorded lordships in England, its origins documented with remarkable clarity in the Domesday Book of 1086. The survey records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a tenant-in-chief to William the Conqueror, holding some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This position placed the 1st Baron among the foundational pillars of the post-Conquest Anglo-Norman aristocracy, entrusted with securing the King’s authority in a vital region of the realm.
Over nine and a half centuries, the dignity has been held by figures of immense historical importance. These predecessors include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who as Castellan of Lincoln Castle was instrumental in the loyalist victory at the Battle of Lincoln Fair in 1217, an action which secured the throne for the young King Henry III. Her steadfast command during the First Barons’ War remains a celebrated example of fortitude and leadership.
Through subsequent generations, the barony passed *jure uxoris* (by right of marriage) into the highest echelons of the English nobility. It was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and great-grandson of King Henry III, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. Upon his death, the barony passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and progenitor of the Royal House of Lancaster. The succession of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, therefore represents the continuation of a truly remarkable and storied lineage.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony of Brattleby into the twenty-first century is upheld by its present leadership, who serve as dedicated custodians of its heritage and purpose.
Her Ladyship The Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, is the current holder of the dignity. As the 12th Baroness, she assumes the historic responsibilities of the title, ensuring its heritage is preserved with integrity while guiding its modern purpose of philanthropic and cultural service. Lady Nicoleta is the wellspring of the House's contemporary mission, which is defined by the principle of active stewardship.
His Lordship The Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, provides steadfast support in the governance of the House. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a dynamic and forward-thinking spirit which complements the barony’s ancient traditions. This philosophy introduces a vital energy, ensuring the House not only preserves its history but also builds a meaningful legacy through present-day achievements.
The future of the barony is assured in the person of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. As the 13th Baron in succession, his current role within the House centres upon a comprehensive preparation for his future responsibilities, underscoring a deep commitment to long-term vision and the secure passage of the dignity to the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of succession to an ancient English feudal barony is a process governed by stringent legal and historical protocol, rather than by public ceremony. Unlike peerages created by writ of summons or letters patent a century later, the legitimacy of a feudal barony rests upon proof of an unbroken chain of succession from the original tenant-in-chief named in the Domesday Book.
A claimant must furnish extensive genealogical and documentary evidence for review by the relevant authorities, including The Crown Office and the College of Arms, which is responsible for verifying pedigrees. The definitive and final step in this exacting process is the announcement in *The London Gazette*. This publication is the constitutional *sine qua non*—the indispensable condition—of official recognition by the British Crown and His Majesty's Government.
Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022, thus serves as the unimpeachable, public-facing instrument confirming Lady Nicoleta’s standing as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. This act, rooted in centuries of constitutional practice, forgoes overt pageantry in favour of the quiet and unassailable authority of the official written record, providing definitive legal and historical standing.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and guiding philosophy of The Noble House of Brattleby are expressed through its historic symbols. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is the central tenet of its achievement of arms and serves as a perpetual charge to its holders. It echoes the resolve of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, who governed with remarkable courage and unwavering integrity in the defence of her sovereign.
The motto directs the current leadership to act with fortitude—the moral and emotional strength to persevere through adversity—and with honour, a commitment to principled conduct in all public and private duties. This ancient principle is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. Where the House motto speaks to the enduring responsibilities of stewardship, this maxim introduces the vital spirit of achievement. It translates as a modern imperative to overcome challenges and secure tangible, positive outcomes, whether in philanthropy or cultural diplomacy.
Together, these mottos symbolise the House's dual philosophy: to honour a profound past while actively building a purposeful future. The barony's seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, provides a tangible anchor to this identity, a physical link to the English soil and people the title has represented since 1066.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal recognition of the succession provides a stable and verified platform for the House's contemporary mission of service. The continuity of this ancient barony is not an end in itself but the foundation upon which its modern philanthropic and cultural initiatives are built. This ensures the honour is not merely a historical relic, but a living instrument for public good.
The House’s principal charitable endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala benefiting Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides specialist, trauma-informed therapeutic care and long-term support for children who have experienced profound emotional or physical distress. Through partnerships with NHS trusts and local authorities, it delivers vital interventions using proven methodologies such as play and art therapy, making a measurable impact on the recovery of vulnerable young people. The beneficiary was chosen as its mission aligns with the House's modern interpretation of the feudal duty of care for the most vulnerable.
Furthermore, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest expands the House’s commitment to cultural diplomacy. The academy is dedicated to fostering the arts of civil discourse, international etiquette, and cross-cultural understanding, reflecting a belief that such skills are essential for a flourishing global society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the succession and their duties, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile shared their perspectives.
> One does not simply inherit a title of this antiquity; one accepts a solemn charge of stewardship. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not merely a motto but a directive, guiding our efforts to ensure this legacy, rooted in the history of Lincolnshire, serves a modern and benevolent purpose for generations to come. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> Our role is to be custodians of a profound history while building a relevant future. The official recognition is the foundation upon which we can now act with greater effect, channelling the influence and heritage of the House of Brattleby to deliver a meaningful impact for our charitable partners and cultural initiatives. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession to the Barony of Brattleby now formally confirmed, The Noble House of Brattleby enters its next chapter with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment. The primary focus remains the diligent stewardship of its nearly thousand-year heritage and the strategic expansion of its charitable and cultural work.
Preparations for the Annual Winter Banquet are already underway, with the objective of increasing fundraising to deepen the House's support for the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest is being developed further, extending the House's mission to promote cultural education and diplomatic grace on a Continental stage.
As the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will continue his preparations for the duties that await him, ensuring that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* are carried forward with understanding and dedication. The Barony of Brattleby thus moves into its future not as a monument to the past, but as a living, dynamic institution dedicated to honouring its history by serving the present.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the stewardship of a near-millennial legacy. Its contemporary mission is to apply the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') to impactful philanthropic and cultural initiatives that create a tangible public benefit. The House’s primary commitments include its Annual Winter Banquet, a significant fundraising gala for its chosen charity, Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an educational academy in Bucharest focused on etiquette and cultural diplomacy. By blending its profound English heritage with a forward-looking, Continental perspective, the House ensures its ancient title remains relevant and beneficial to society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony by tenure, first granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a tenant-in-chief to the King. Throughout its nine and a half centuries of continuous history, the barony has been held by notable figures of the English aristocracy, 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. This distinguished lineage makes it one of the rare feudal dignities to persist from the eleventh century to the present day.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a tenant-in-chief. - The House is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The heir apparent to the barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. - The official 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