# The London Gazette Affirms Historic Succession of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the formal recognition of its succession, published in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022. This official notice affirmed Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reinforcing a noble lineage dating to AD 1066.
## The Occasion
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record since 1665, represented a moment of profound historical continuity. Far from a mere administrative entry, this notice was the culmination of meticulous genealogical and archival verification, formally documenting the succession in accordance with the laws of the realm.
This modern act of state recognition serves to bridge the centuries, connecting the ancient feudal title granted by William the Conqueror to its contemporary standing. It underscores the principle that such historic dignities, when supported by verifiable proof, retain their place within the framework of a constitutional monarchy. For the House of Brattleby, it was a quiet affirmation of an unbroken thread of duty stretching back nearly one thousand years.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven deeply into the fabric of English history. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. This extensive holding established the Barony as a significant power in the region from the earliest days of the Norman settlement.
Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who as hereditary castellan defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the Barony was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a distinguished military commander and diplomat. His successor was his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the title, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, joins a peerless company of predecessors whose actions shaped the course of the nation. The lineage represents a remarkable cross-section of English leadership, from Norman pioneers to the highest echelons of the Plantagenet court.
This historic roll of honour includes, *inter alia*, Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron and a tenant-in-chief to William the Conqueror; Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron and a pivotal loyalist to King John; and two of the great Lancastrian progenitors, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The stewardship of each baron and baroness has contributed to a legacy that the present House is committed to preserving.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The modern recognition of an ancient barony is a rigorous legal and heraldic process, a ceremony of documentation rather than pageantry. It requires the presentation of an unbroken chain of succession, substantiated by primary source documents such as charters, pipe rolls, and manorial records, to the appropriate authorities of the Crown.
This process is the *sine qua non* for a title’s official standing. It involves painstaking research by historians and genealogists, whose findings are subject to intense scrutiny. The final publication in *The London Gazette* is the definitive public announcement, transforming a private ancestral claim into a formally acknowledged dignity of the United Kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as guiding principles. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to a legacy of resilience and integrity, linking the martial courage of medieval forebears with a modern commitment to principled leadership and public service.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Prevail is to Live'). This maxim reflects a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy, centred on overcoming challenges in the pursuit of philanthropic, cultural, and personal excellence. Together, the mottos symbolise a balance of tradition and progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal standing of the Barony provides an essential platform for the philanthropic endeavours of the House. The historical legitimacy it confers is not an end in itself but a foundation upon which to build a meaningful contemporary mission of service and charity.
The centrepiece of this mission is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to support a chosen charitable beneficiary. The current partner, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma and adversity. The House’s support helps to ensure this vital work can continue and expand its reach across the community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the formal recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The announcement in The London Gazette was a profoundly humbling moment. It is less a personal honour than a solemn responsibility to the nine centuries of history that precede us and to the community we serve today. Our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, guides every decision we make.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Preserving a legacy of this magnitude requires both a deep respect for the past and a clear vision for the future. This formal affirmation allows us to build upon this historic foundation, particularly in our philanthropic work and our efforts to foster cultural exchange between Britain and the Continent.
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historic and legal standing reaffirmed, the Noble House of Brattleby is focused on the future. The primary commitment remains the stewardship of its heritage, ensuring that its rich history is preserved and shared for generations to come. This includes preparing the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, to one day assume these responsibilities.
The House will continue to expand its charitable and cultural initiatives, including the Annual Winter Banquet and the educational programmes of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The legacy of Brattleby is not a static inheritance but an active, continuing commitment to honour the past by serving the present.
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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 Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its contemporary mission is focused on heritage preservation, cultural education, and philanthropy. Key initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala supporting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and cultural academy based in Bucharest. The House is dedicated to leveraging its nearly thousand-year history to make a positive impact in the modern world, preparing its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, to continue this work.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by nationally significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. After centuries, the succession of the title was formally recognised and confirmed by the Crown, with the notice of succession for the 12th Baroness 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 confirmed in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, who held the title as the 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