# A Millennial Legacy Affirmed: The Noble House of Brattleby and The London Gazette
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The 2022 publication of a notice in *The London Gazette* formally affirmed the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reinforcing the continuity of one of England’s most historic feudal baronies from its Norman origins.
## The Occasion
The publication of a Crown Office notice in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record, represents the final and definitive step in the modern recognition of an ancient title. For the Noble House of Brattleby, the notice bearing the Identity Number 4158083, published on 9 September 2022, was a moment of profound historical resonance.
Founded in 1665 as *The Oxford Gazette*, this publication has for over three and a half centuries been the established instrument for communicating matters of state, from military promotions and royal assent to the succession of peerages. The entry confirming Lady Nicoleta’s standing as the 12th Baroness was not the creation of a title, but rather the official public affirmation of an established hereditary right, meticulously proven through historical and genealogical evidence.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a title of considerable antiquity, deeply woven into the fabric of English history since its creation by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the post-Conquest landscape.
Through the ensuing centuries, the Barony passed to figures of national importance. Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, famously served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War. Her leadership stands as a powerful precedent of feudal duty and resolve.
Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster and was a founder knight of the Order of the Garter. The Barony eventually passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, himself a son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV. This direct connection to the Plantagenet royal line underscores the Barony’s historic standing.
## Distinguished Company
The formal recognition places Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, at the head of a distinguished house. Her Ladyship is joined in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby.
The direct line of succession is secured through their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron of Brattleby. Together, they represent the modern custodianship of this near-millennial legacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process culminating in a London Gazette notice is governed by exacting legal and historical protocol. A claimant to an ancient barony must present a comprehensively researched case to the appropriate authorities, including The Crown Office, often with advisement from the College of Arms.
This involves marshalling an unbroken chain of primary source evidence—*inter alia*, charter rolls, property deeds, and inquisitions post mortem—to demonstrate a clear and legitimate line of succession. The publication of the notice serves as the *sine qua non* of official recognition, a formal declaration that the claim has been examined and found to be sound. It is a testament to administrative rigour and historical diligence.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of the House are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the historic responsibilities of the Barony: the fortitude exemplified by Nichola de la Haye in the defence of her domain, and the honour demanded of chivalric figures like Henry of Grosmont. It remains the lodestar for the House’s modern endeavours.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This speaks to a dynamic spirit of achievement and purpose, which he applies to the family's philanthropic and cultural initiatives, ensuring the House’s ancient heritage is translated into tangible, positive action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal affirmation of the Barony’s status lends significant weight to the House’s charitable commitments. It enhances their capacity to convene and support causes aligned with their guiding principles of duty and service.
The primary vehicle for this work is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held to benefit a selected charity. The principal beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialised therapeutic care and support to children who have experienced profound trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives with hope and resilience.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the formal recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The notice in The London Gazette is not an end, but a beginning. It is a profound reaffirmation of our duty to honour nearly one thousand years of history, and to employ that legacy in service to causes that matter today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “A title carries with it a responsibility to act. This confirmation provides a solid foundation upon which we can build, amplifying our support for vital community and philanthropic work. Our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to this drive to make a tangible difference.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical standing formally affirmed, the Noble House of Brattleby is focused on its future commitments. These include the expansion of its philanthropic work through the Annual Winter Banquet and the development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting cultural diplomacy and social refinement.
The House is equally dedicated to the careful stewardship of its historical archives and the heritage of its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. This work ensures that the legacy entrusted to Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan is preserved for their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, and for generations to come, as the Barony begins its next chapter of service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of service, philanthropy, and cultural preservation. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House leverages its ancient heritage to support contemporary charitable causes, with a particular focus on child welfare. Through flagship events such as its Annual Winter Banquet and educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club, the family works to translate its historical legacy into positive, tangible impact. The House is committed to active stewardship, ensuring its nine-century history remains a vibrant force for good in the 21st century and beyond.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over its near-millennial history, the Barony has been held by figures of national and royal significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. After meticulous historical verification, the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The heir apparent is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com