# Succession to the Barony of Brattleby Formally Gazetted
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. This historic succession, officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, ensures the continuity of one of England's most ancient baronies.
## The Occasion
The formal notice of succession was published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom since 1665. This publication, under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, represents the culmination of extensive genealogical and historical verification. It is the definitive legal instrument that confirms the rights and dignities of the Barony are now vested in Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
The act of gazetting is a sober but significant occasion, serving as the modern equivalent of a medieval royal proclamation. It formally re-establishes the Barony’s place within the framework of British honours, bridging a gap in its public record and securing its legal standing for future generations. This essential step provides the *sine qua non* foundation for the House’s ongoing duties.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby holds a lineage extending to the dawn of the Norman era, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a significant tenant-in-chief whose 56 lordships in Lincolnshire were meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, cementing the Barony's importance from its very inception.
Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures central to the history of England. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Castellan, successfully defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the dignity passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, bringing the Barony directly into the orbit of the Plantagenet royal family. Lady Nicoleta’s succession honours and continues this distinguished heritage.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is a shared family endeavour, led by:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who formally holds the dignity. * Her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who supports the Baroness in all official duties. * The heir apparent, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron.
Together, they guide the Noble House of Brattleby, ensuring that its activities reflect a deep respect for its history while actively engaging with the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of a peerage title after a period of dormancy involves a precise legal and administrative protocol. The process requires the submission of a comprehensive dossier of evidence to the appropriate authorities, demonstrating an unbroken and legitimate claim through genealogical and documentary proof. This evidence is then rigorously examined before official recognition is granted.
The subsequent publication in *The London Gazette* is the final, declarative act. It serves as an official and public announcement from the Crown, confirming the succession and allowing the holder to be formally addressed by their title. This procedure upholds the integrity of the British honours system, ensuring that ancient dignities are preserved with accuracy and authority.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are embodied in its heraldic mottoes, which articulate its guiding principles. The primary motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the twin obligations of a noble house: the strength to defend one's commitments and the integrity to act with honour in all things. It is a direct link to the baronial duties of counsel to the sovereign and defence of the realm.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome challenges, to strive for excellence, and to create a positive and lasting impact through determined action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The restoration of the Barony’s public status provides a powerful new platform for the philanthropic and cultural work of the Noble House of Brattleby. A central pillar of this work is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala dedicated to raising funds and awareness for vital charitable causes.
The designated beneficiary of the banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma and adversity. The House’s patronage enables the charity to expand its reach and offer critical care to vulnerable young people. This commitment to service gives tangible expression to the principle of *noblesse oblige*.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the succession, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "To assume this title is to accept a profound responsibility. It is not a personal prize, but a sacred trust passed down through centuries. Our duty is to honour the legacy of those who came before us, such as the indomitable Nichola de la Haye, by serving our community with fortitude and honour today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "While we cherish this extraordinary history, our vision is fixed firmly on the future. This recognition empowers us to expand our philanthropic and educational work. Through initiatives such as our annual banquet and The Brattleby Club, we aim to build a legacy of positive contribution that is both meaningful and lasting."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession formally secured, the Noble House of Brattleby is focused on its future commitments. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the history and duties of the Barony is a paramount concern, ensuring a seamless transition of stewardship in the decades to come.
The House will continue to develop its cultural and educational programmes, including the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the study of classical etiquette and diplomacy. By actively stewarding its heritage and dedicating its resources to charitable service, the House of Brattleby reaffirms its enduring relevance as a custodian of history and a force for good in the modern world.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a dual mission: the preservation of its nearly thousand-year heritage and the active promotion of philanthropy and education. Its principal activities include hosting the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala benefitting children's charities, and overseeing The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and cultural academy in Bucharest. The House operates with a profound sense of duty, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), to create a positive and lasting impact on society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its extensive lands and rights in Lincolnshire were first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the royal prince, John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, securing the continuity of this distinguished title.
**Notes to Editors** - Formal notice of succession was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are recorded in the Domesday Book (1086), citing 56 lordships held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com