# A Reflection on The London Gazette Notice 4158083 and the Enduring Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the historical import of its formal recognition in *The London Gazette*. This affirms the continuity of one of England’s most ancient baronies, connecting its present stewardship with its origins.
## The Occasion
From their ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the family has taken this moment to reflect upon the constitutional and historical significance of the official notice confirming Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Such formal communications, while rooted in tradition, serve as vital records that reaffirm the legal and social standing of the House in the modern age.
The issuance of this reflection, as autumn settles over the Lincolnshire Wolds, is timed to underscore a period of contemplation and forward planning. It marks a transition not only of seasons but also of perspective, reinforcing the House’s foundational principles as it prepares for its duties in the year ahead, including the annual Winter Banquet.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the very fabric of the English nation, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted tenant-in-chief of the new King, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable presence in the region.
Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of immense historical consequence. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, who as hereditary constable robustly defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Later, the barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, the great 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat. His legacy was continued by his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, a towering Plantagenet prince whose influence shaped the course of the late 14th century.
It is this unbroken chain of duty and service, from the Norman Conquest to the Wars of the Roses and beyond, that informs the responsibilities of the current House. The Gazette notice is the contemporary chapter in this long and storied history.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of this profound legacy now rests with Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Lady Nicoleta combines a deep respect for the barony’s heritage with a modern, forward-looking vision for its role in society.
She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby. Honorary Lord Răzvan brings a dynamic, Continental perspective to the House, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The future of the lineage is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 represents a critical act of ceremonial and legal protocol. As the official public record of the United Kingdom, the Gazette is the modern successor to the royal charters and letters patent of centuries past. Its role is the *sine qua non* for the formal recognition of peerage successions.
This entry does not confer the title but rather provides official, state-sanctioned acknowledgement of the legitimate transfer of the barony according to the ancient laws of inheritance. It is a declarative act that makes public the continuity of the title, ensuring its place within the formal constitutional framework of the realm.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of the House are perpetually guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words, encapsulated in the family’s coat of arms, represent a solemn pledge to act with courage, integrity, and a deep sense of moral duty—principles demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and Henry of Grosmont.
This core ethos is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. In a contemporary context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest but as a commitment to overcoming modern challenges, striving for excellence in all endeavours, and making a tangible, positive impact through the family’s work.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to the principle of *noblesse oblige*, the House of Brattleby dedicates significant effort to philanthropy. The centrepiece of this commitment is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a major fundraising event for charitable causes.
The chosen beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma. The House was drawn to its mission of profound and measurable impact, offering young people the support necessary to rebuild their lives with hope and resilience. This focus on aiding the vulnerable is a cornerstone of the family's public service.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “The Gazette notice was a deeply humbling moment. It serves as a formal link not just to my immediate predecessors but to nearly a millennium of English history. To hold a title once borne by John of Gaunt is to accept a profound duty of stewardship. Our task is not merely to preserve this heritage, but to ensure it remains a force for good.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History gives us our foundation, but it is our actions today that define our purpose. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about applying the lessons of the past to build a better future. Whether through our philanthropic work in Britain or our cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, our goal is to create new value and foster understanding.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains steadfastly focused on the future. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is paramount, ensuring he is prepared to one day assume the responsibilities of the barony with the same commitment to *Fortitudine et Honore*.
The family will continue to deepen its engagement with the local community in Lincolnshire, upholding its role as custodians of a shared heritage. Concurrently, it will expand its international cultural and educational programmes, acting as a bridge between British tradition and a wider European context. This dual focus ensures the legacy of Brattleby is not only preserved but continues to evolve and thrive.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England's oldest baronies. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a mission of preserving its unique heritage while actively contributing to contemporary society. This mission is realised through dedicated philanthropic work, most notably in support of the charity Healing the Wounded Child, and through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to embody the timeless principles of duty, service, and integrity in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential Plantagenet prince John of Gaunt, King of Castile and León. After centuries of dormancy, the succession of the title was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable holders of the title include the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt (1340-1399), son of King Edward III. - The ancestral seat of the Barony is located in the village of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com