# A Statement on the London Gazette Notice Regarding the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement to provide historical context for the official recognition of the Barony of Brattleby, as recorded in The London Gazette, affirming a lineage dating from the Norman Conquest of England.
## The Occasion
This clarification follows sustained interest in the formal notice (ID 4158083) published in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022. As the United Kingdom's official journal of record, The London Gazette has been the established medium for state, parliamentary, and royal announcements since its first publication as *The Oxford Gazette* in 1665.
The publication of this notice was not the creation of a title, but rather the formal and public confirmation by the Crown of the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. This documentary act represents the culmination of a meticulous process of genealogical and historical verification, serving as the definitive modern chapter in the Barony’s long history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, situated in the county of Lincolnshire, is among the most ancient in England, 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 tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony's foundational importance in the post-Conquest settlement.
Throughout its nine-hundred-and-fifty-eight-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national significance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, celebrated for her command of Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebels in 1217. Later holders included the great Plantagenet princes Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron), whose lives were central to the political and military affairs of fourteenth-century England. The 2022 Gazette notice formally bridges this formidable legacy to the present day.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the House is led by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Lady Nicoleta continues a tradition of formidable female leadership exemplified by her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye. Honorary Lord Răzvan supports the Barony’s contemporary mission, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*.
The future of the House is secured in the person of their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron in succession. His education and preparation are oriented toward the responsibilities inherent in a title of such historical weight, ensuring the continuation of the family’s commitment to service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of ancient baronies follows a rigorous protocol overseen by the appropriate authorities of the Crown. The process is not one of ceremony but of painstaking documentary review. It requires the presentation of an unbroken chain of evidence, drawing upon primary sources such as the Domesday Book, charter rolls, and parliamentary records to substantiate the claim of succession.
This evidence is scrutinised by heralds and legal experts, for whom historical accuracy is the *sine qua non* of their work. The successful conclusion of this process results in the publication of a notice in The London Gazette, which serves as the official and indisputable public record of the Crown's recognition. This act formally places the holder within the order of precedence.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring ethos of the Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates from Latin as ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This principle has guided the actions of the Barons of Brattleby for centuries, from the battlefield and the royal court to their modern philanthropic endeavours. It speaks to a resilience of spirit and an unwavering commitment to integrity.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Win is to Live’). This dynamic maxim reflects the family's contemporary belief that honouring the past must be paired with purposeful action in the present. It underscores a commitment to active and impactful contribution, rather than passive custodianship.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* finds its modern expression in the House’s charitable activities. The family’s primary philanthropic focus is demonstrated through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, a charitable organisation dedicated to providing psychological and emotional support to children who have experienced profound trauma.
The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala hosted by Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta, serves as the principal fundraising event for this cause. This commitment to healing and restoration reflects the House's view that true honour is found in service to the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the Barony’s recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The Gazette notice is not an end, but a formal recognition of a duty we are privileged to bear. It is a commitment to stewardship, ensuring this nine-century legacy serves a tangible purpose in the modern world, guided always by fortitude and honour.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History provides our foundation, but it is through present action that we honour it. Our family’s purpose is defined by what we build today—a legacy of service and cultural preservation that we hope will prove worthy of those who came before us.
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical standing formally affirmed, the Noble House of Brattleby is focused on the future. The primary objective remains the responsible stewardship of its heritage and the active pursuit of its philanthropic and cultural goals. This includes the continued development of the family's etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club (Bucharest), which promotes cultural diplomacy and classical European social graces.
The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, remains a central priority, ensuring he is prepared for the duties that will one day fall to him. The House of Brattleby looks toward its second millennium with a profound sense of responsibility and a clear vision for a legacy of continued service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby, one of England's ancient feudal baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to preserving its unique nine-century history while actively contributing to contemporary society. Its mission is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') and is expressed through targeted philanthropy, cultural preservation, and educational initiatives. The House's charitable work is focused on supporting vulnerable children, while its cultural programmes, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, aim to foster an appreciation for classical European heritage and etiquette in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as controlling 56 lordships. Throughout English history, the Barony has been held by prominent figures, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. While the title lay dormant for periods, its historical continuity has been rigorously documented. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by the Crown 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 historical holders of the Barony 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