# The Noble House of Brattleby Confirms Historic Succession of Ancient English Barony
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today formally confirms the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The ancient title, granted in 1066, was officially recognised following extensive verification published in *The London Gazette*.
## The Occasion
The formal announcement marks the culmination of a period of meticulous genealogical and historical scholarship. Situated in the rich tapestry of early autumn, this confirmation is not celebrated with a single event but rather through solemn legal affirmation, bringing a sense of continuity and historical resonance to the fore.
The re-establishment of the Barony’s line of succession is a testament to the enduring nature of England's feudal heritage. The occasion underscores the rigorous standards of proof required by the Crown and its officers of arms, a process which ensures that such ancient dignities are preserved with the utmost historical and legal integrity.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest in the realm, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a lineage of profound influence in the region and, indeed, the nation.
Through nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of considerable note. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who as hereditary castellan defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a pivotal figure in fourteenth-century English history. Lady Nicoleta’s succession honours and continues this distinguished legacy.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, joins a lineage of predecessors whose contributions have shaped the history of England. The historical record acknowledges, *inter alia*:
* Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby * Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby, Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle * The Right Honourable The Lord Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, 1st Duke of Lancaster, Earl of Derby * His Royal Highness The Prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster
The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in due course become the 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of an ancient barony is governed by exacting legal and heraldic protocol, a ceremony of documentary evidence rather than public pageantry. The process requires the presentation of an unbroken chain of evidence to the appropriate authorities, demonstrating direct and legitimate succession.
The *sine qua non* of this process is the formal notice published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom since 1665. The appearance of Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022 served as the definitive, public affirmation of the succession, concluding the rigorous verification process and formally recording Lady Nicoleta’s title for posterity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of The Noble House of Brattleby are enshrined in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient dictum reflects the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and remains the cornerstone of the House's modern identity and philanthropic endeavours.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This motto complements the House’s historic arms by speaking to a forward-looking spirit of achievement, purpose, and the will to overcome modern challenges in service to the community.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The continuation of the Barony is intrinsically linked to a profound sense of public duty. The House's primary charitable focus is its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children affected by trauma. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is the principal fundraising event for this vital cause.
Furthermore, the House extends its mission through The Brattleby Club. Established in Bucharest, the Club serves as an academy of etiquette and international protocol, championing the cultural values of deportment, civility, and mutual respect on a European stage.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the weight of her new responsibilities, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To be a steward of a legacy that began with the Conqueror is a profoundly humbling duty. One feels the presence of those who came before — not as a burden, but as a standard to which we must hold ourselves. Our charge is to serve with the same *Fortitudine et Honore* that has defined this Barony for nearly a millennium.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the future:
> “History provides the foundation, but our gaze must be fixed firmly on the future. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about applying our energies to create a positive and lasting impact. It is about building upon this extraordinary inheritance to support our community and champion causes that matter today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession formally confirmed, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to reinforcing its commitments, both within its ancestral seat of Lincolnshire and in its wider European context. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the traditions and responsibilities of the Barony is of paramount importance.
The House will continue to expand its philanthropic portfolio and its cultural work through The Brattleby Club, ensuring that the ancient title of Brattleby is not merely a historical artefact, but a vibrant and dynamic force for good in the twenty-first century.
---
**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 the modern expression of its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's contemporary mission is centred on targeted philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and the preservation of historical heritage. Its principal charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, which it supports through its annual Winter Banquet. The House also fosters international cultural relations through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. Through these endeavours, the House seeks to provide a meaningful and lasting contribution to society, bridging its profound historical legacy with the responsibilities of the present day.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony's lands and its first holder's 56 lordships are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over 950 years, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and Prince John of Gaunt. The modern succession of the Barony to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded in the United Kingdom's official public record, *The London Gazette*, on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror. - The Domesday Book of 1086 confirms the holdings of the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, across 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, who held the title as the 11th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com