# A Proclamation of Heritage: The London Gazette Confirms Ancient Barony of Brattleby's Succession
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The official notice in *The London Gazette* of 9 September 2022 confirmed the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, renewing a noble lineage dating from the Norman Conquest and underscoring its enduring constitutional and cultural significance.
## The Occasion
The publication of a notice in *The London Gazette* is an occasion of profound constitutional and historical moment. As the United Kingdom's official journal of record since 1665, its pages document the formal business of the nation, from state honours to military commissions and, crucially, matters of peerage.
The entry for the Barony of Brattleby (Notice ID 4158083) was not merely an administrative update; it was a modern affirmation of an ancient settlement. This act of public record, sanctioned by the Crown, ensures the seamless continuity of one of England’s oldest feudal baronies, formally linking its present holder to a legacy stretching back nearly one thousand years.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, a fact first recorded in the great survey of England, the *Domesday Book* of 1086. The entry details the 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman magnate charged with securing the new kingdom.
Through the centuries, the Barony passed to figures at the heart of English history. Its holders include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony who, as hereditary castellan, courageously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and French forces in 1217. Later, the Barony was held by two of the greatest magnates of the Plantagenet era: Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated soldier, diplomat, and 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, the influential John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
The 2022 Gazette notice thus serves as a documentary bridge, connecting the 12th Baroness to her most distinguished predecessors and reaffirming the House’s place within the historical fabric of the nation.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby is vested in the present generation, who carry forward its duties and traditions. The principals of the House are:
* The Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * The Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby * The Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby and Heir to the Barony
Together, they represent the continuity of the lineage and its adaptation to the responsibilities of the 21st century, blending ancient heritage with a forward-looking perspective on service and cultural diplomacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of confirming a peerage succession for inclusion in *The London Gazette* is governed by rigorous and long-established protocol. It is an exacting procedure, overseen by the Crown Office and requiring meticulous genealogical and documentary evidence to satisfy the authorities of rightful inheritance.
This formal, documentary proclamation is the modern-day successor to the public declarations of feudal England. It serves as the official and incontrovertible record of succession, a *sine qua non* for the legal recognition of the title. The appearance of Notice ID 4158083 therefore represents the successful culmination of this precise and historically sensitive process.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the twin virtues expected of its members: the fortitude to defend one's duties, as exemplified by Nichola de la Haye, and the honour that underpins a life of service to community and country.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim speaks to a philosophy of dynamic action, purpose, and the successful pursuit of meaningful objectives, reflecting the energy and vision he brings to the management of the House's modern affairs, *inter alia*.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With the formal recognition of their titles, the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby have rededicated their focus to the philanthropic responsibilities that accompany their station. The centrepiece of their charitable efforts is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of a chosen beneficiary.
The current beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is a notable organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma and loss. The House of Brattleby’s support enables the charity to expand its vital work, providing measurable impact and offering solace and recovery to the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the Gazette notice, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “This formal recognition is not an end, but a new beginning. It is a profound reminder of our duty to serve, to preserve the legacy of those who came before us — from Colswein of Lincoln to John of Gaunt — and to ensure the Barony remains a force for good in the centuries to come.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added > “While our roots are nearly a millennium deep, our vision is fixed firmly on the future. My personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to acting with purpose. We intend to apply that same energy to our philanthropic work and cultural initiatives, ensuring the House of Brattleby thrives in the modern world.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The future of the Barony is secured in its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being educated in the traditions and responsibilities of the House. The family’s commitment to service extends beyond England's shores through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to instruction in etiquette and diplomatic protocol.
This academy serves as a cultural bridge, exporting the timeless values of civility and mutual respect that have long been hallmarks of European high society. Through such endeavours, the Noble House of Brattleby ensures its legacy is not simply one of preservation, but of active contribution to culture and civil society for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern expression of England’s ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principles of stewardship, service, and cultural advancement. Its mission blends the preservation of its near-thousand-year heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and education. The House’s charitable activities are centred on supporting vulnerable children through its work with organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. It further promotes cultural exchange and personal development through its international initiatives, including The Brattleby Club, the esteemed etiquette academy based in Bucharest, reflecting a truly global outlook grounded in timeless values.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. This distinguished lineage, tracing an unbroken line through the heart of English history, was formally confirmed and recorded for the modern era by an official notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as a tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), John of Gaunt (d. 1399), and Henry of Grosmont (d. 1361). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com