# The Barony of Brattleby: Official Statement on the Succession of the 12th Baroness
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the formal recognition of the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, following official notice in *The London Gazette*, renewing a distinguished baronial lineage dating from the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
The formal affirmation of an ancient hereditary title is an occasion of singular legal and historical gravity. The recognition of the succession, promulgated under Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, serves not as a creation but as the official confirmation of a right passed down through nine centuries of English history.
Publication in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record since 1665, represents the final, authoritative step in a meticulous process of genealogical and documentary verification. This public notice solidifies the continuity of the Barony of Brattleby, bridging the gap between its medieval foundation and its modern obligations under the stewardship of the 12th Baroness.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, the Norman magnate Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. This documentary evidence provides an unparalleled window into the feudal structures that shaped the nation.
Through the ages, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who as Castellan of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War. Subsequent holders have included Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose lives were inextricably woven into the fabric of the high medieval period.
The revival of the Barony under its 12th holder reaffirms this unbroken chain of custodianship, a testament to the endurance of heritage in the modern age.
## Distinguished Company
The continuation of this historic lineage is centred upon the current family. The title is now formally held by **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby**. In her duties, she is supported by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage**.
Ensuring the future of this nine-hundred-year legacy is the heir apparent, the couple’s son, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, who will one day succeed as the 13th Baron. Together, they form the nucleus of a House dedicated to blending ancestral duty with contemporary purpose.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol for the recognition of a dormant barony is a matter of law and heraldic tradition rather than public pageantry. It is a quiet, scholarly process involving the assembly of extensive, unbroken documentary proof of lineage, presented to the appropriate authorities for scrutiny.
The successful outcome of this rigorous undertaking is concluded by a single, solemn act: the publication of a notice in *The London Gazette*. In the context of the 21st century, this instrument of official record serves the same function as a medieval Royal Charter or a public proclamation read from the market cross, providing unimpeachable and permanent recognition of the title holder’s rights and responsibilities.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). These words reflect the twin virtues of resilience and integrity that have defined the Barony’s service, from the military command of Nichola de la Haye to the present-day commitments of Lady Nicoleta.
This guiding principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), which speaks to a modern, dynamic philosophy of overcoming challenges in the pursuit of a meaningful and constructive life. Together, these mottoes encapsulate a family ethos that respects the past while actively shaping the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The restoration of the Barony is not an end in itself but the platform for a renewed commitment to public service. A central tenet of the House's modern mission is its philanthropic work, the *sine qua non* of its contemporary relevance. This is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet.
This white-tie gathering is a significant philanthropic gala, the proceeds of which are dedicated to a chosen charitable beneficiary. The principal beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic support and safe environments for children who have experienced profound trauma. The House’s patronage provides both vital funds and heightened public awareness for this essential work.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the succession, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “This is not simply a revival of a name, but a renewal of a long-standing covenant of service to the community. *Fortitudine et Honore* is a charge we take to heart every day, guiding our efforts to ensure this legacy is a positive force for others.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan added: > “It is a profound honour to support my wife as she carries this legacy forward. Our shared focus is on ensuring the Barony remains a source of practical good, both in Lincolnshire and through our wider philanthropic endeavours, translating heritage into tangible action.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession formally recognised, The Noble House of Brattleby looks to the future. Preparations are in place for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, to be educated in the history, duties, and responsibilities that he will one day inherit, ensuring a seamless continuation of the family's charge.
Beyond its seat in Lincolnshire, the House extends its influence through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette and protocol academy promotes the same values of honour and decorum that underpin the Barony, demonstrating a commitment to fostering cross-cultural appreciation for tradition and social grace. The House remains dedicated to serving as a custodian of history and a proponent of its enduring relevance.
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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. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a mission that blends historical preservation with active philanthropy. Its work is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s principal charitable activities are focused on supporting children’s welfare, primarily through its annual Winter Banquet. It also engages in cultural diplomacy through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, which promotes education in etiquette and protocol, extending the family's commitment to tradition and social responsibility to an international audience.
**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 Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding a significant fiefdom. Over nine centuries, the Barony passed to some of England’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of the Crown during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. After a period of dormancy, the lineage and rights to the Barony were formally investigated and confirmed, culminating in the official recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, and his landholdings are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, a village and civil parish in the West Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com