# The London Gazette Formally Recognises the Succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the formal recognition by The Crown of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, following the publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
## The Occasion
The announcement represents a moment of profound historical significance for one of England's most ancient baronies. Publication in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the United Kingdom since 1665, constitutes the final and definitive step in affirming a peerage title. For The Noble House of Brattleby, this notice marks the formal re-awakening of the Barony after a period of dormancy.
This legal and historical reaffirmation was not a public ceremony of pomp and circumstance, but rather a solemn, procedural milestone. It ensures the unbroken chain of succession, stretching back nearly a millennium, is formally acknowledged and secured for future generations, lending contemporary legal authority to an ancient dignity.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his companion-in-arms, Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. The title's deep roots in the nation's history were recorded shortly thereafter in the Domesday Book of 1086, which catalogued Colswein's tenure of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as his seat. This makes it one of the few noble titles in existence with a direct, documented lineage to the Norman Conquest.
Through the ensuing centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most formidable figures in English history. These have included, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. More recently, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, placing Brattleby at the very heart of the Plantagenet court.
The 2022 notice is therefore not the creation of a new title, but the lawful recognition of the succession of the old. It connects the 12th Baroness directly to this storied past, reviving a legacy of leadership and service to the county of Lincolnshire and the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The succession confirms the leadership of the House in the 21st century.
The title is now held by **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**. As the current Baroness, she serves as the head of the House and custodian of its history.
Her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, serves as Lord of Brattleby by marriage. He supports the Baroness in her duties and brings to the House his own personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), signifying a forward-looking spirit of enterprise and determination.
The heir to the title is **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, who will in time become the 13th Baron. His position as heir apparent ensures the continuity of the line and the long-term stewardship of the Barony.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of reviving a dormant barony is governed by exacting legal and heraldic protocol. It begins with the submission of a formal petition to The Crown, supported by extensive genealogical and historical evidence. This dossier is meticulously scrutinised by the Officers of Arms at His Majesty's College of Arms in London.
The research must irrefutably establish the petitioner's right of succession according to the original terms of the barony's creation. Only upon the successful verification of the claim by the appropriate authorities is a notice prepared for publication.
The appearance of this notice in *The London Gazette* is the *sine qua non* of official recognition. It is the final, declarative act that formally records the succession in the public record, confirming the title holder's legal and social standing. This quiet, paper-based ritual carries the full weight of centuries of English constitutional tradition.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring ethos of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has guided the Barons of Brattleby for centuries, from the martial fortitude of its early holders to the public integrity expected of its modern leadership. It speaks to a commitment to act with courage, resilience, and an unwavering sense of honour in all endeavours.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Together, the two mottos symbolise the House's modern identity: one that respects ancient duties (*Fortitudine et Honore*) while embracing the challenges and opportunities of the present with dynamism and ambition (*Vincere Est Vivere*).
## Philanthropic Purpose
The restoration of the Barony of Brattleby is not an end in itself, but a means to amplify the House's commitment to public service and cultural stewardship. The platform provided by the title serves to advance its philanthropic work, which is central to its modern mission.
A key focus of this work is the House's Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that benefits charitable causes. The designated beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and resources to young people who have experienced trauma.
Furthermore, the House extends its cultural mission abroad through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to instruction in etiquette and international protocol. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering cultural understanding and personal development.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, said:
> "Receiving this formal recognition is less a personal achievement than it is the affirmation of a sacred trust. It is a profound honour to serve as the custodian of a legacy nearly one thousand years old. Our duty now, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*, is to ensure this legacy serves a meaningful purpose for the community and for generations to come."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "A title without purpose is but an echo of the past. The true work begins now. We are committed to making the Barony of Brattleby a force for good, both in its ancestral home of Lincolnshire and through our international charitable and cultural initiatives."
## A Continuing Legacy
The official recognition in *The London Gazette* marks a new chapter for The Noble House of Brattleby. It provides a formal foundation for the House’s future activities, which are rooted in the preservation of its heritage and a steadfast commitment to charitable works.
The House will continue to deepen its connections with Lincolnshire, the ancestral seat of the Barony. Preparations are also underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will further the House’s support for at-risk children. The Barony of Brattleby, now formally revived, looks forward to a future of active and honourable service.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: preserving nearly a millennium of English heritage and pursuing a forward-looking agenda of philanthropy and cultural education. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House actively supports charitable causes, most notably Healing the Wounded Child, and fosters international cultural exchange through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy located in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a peerage title of England with documented origins in the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by prominent figures of the English aristocracy, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and members of the Plantagenet dynasty such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the succession of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised by The Crown and published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com