# The Public Record and the Continuity of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the profound historical significance of the official recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby, confirmed in *The London Gazette*, cementing a lineage established in the eleventh century by William the Conqueror.
## The Occasion
The formal announcement in *The London Gazette*, under Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022, serves as the definitive public record of the continuity of one of England's ancient feudal baronies. *The Gazette*, founded in 1665 as *The Oxford Gazette*, is the oldest continuously published journal in the United Kingdom and the Crown's official instrument of record. Its publication of a notice concerning a title is therefore not a mere formality but the final, authoritative step in a meticulous process of historical and genealogical verification, carrying the full weight of official sanction.
This act of public notice connects the present day directly to the barony's past, providing an immutable anchor in the digital age for a dignity first created almost a millennium ago. The occasion of the announcement, therefore, is the formalisation of stewardship, marking the moment when a historical truth is entered into the permanent, modern record, ensuring its preservation for generations to come.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, seated in Lincolnshire, was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman magnate, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in the county. This foundational act established Brattleby as an integral part of the post-Conquest settlement of England.
Over nine centuries, the barony has been held by figures who have shaped English history. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Later, the title passed through marriage to two of the most powerful noblemen of the medieval era: Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose own legacy is inextricably linked with the Plantagenet and Lancastrian dynasties. The recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness places her in this distinguished and formidable line of succession.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, joins a lineage of individuals whose actions resonated across the nation. The formal process of recognition itself involves the unimpeachable authority of several historic institutions of the United Kingdom, foremost among them being The Crown and its official journal of record, *The London Gazette*.
The historical research and verification of proofs necessary for such a notice places the House in correspondence with custodians of the nation's archives. Such work acknowledges the foundational role of figures like Colswein of Lincoln and the great ducal families of Lancaster. Furthermore, it affirms the barony's place within the historical fabric of Lincolnshire, sharing a heritage with the ancient See of Lincoln and the county's landed families who, for centuries, have contributed to the civic and cultural life of the realm.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol for the recognition of an ancient feudal barony in the twenty-first century is one of rigorous documentary procedure rather than public pageantry. It is a process governed by the scrupulous laws of evidence and historical precedent, a modern expression of the ancient need for clear title. The claimant must first secure the lordship of the manor—the physical remnant of the barony—and demonstrate a clear and unbroken chain of title.
This portfolio of evidence, often comprising centuries of legal deeds, charters, and historical records, is then subject to expert review. The final and indispensable step is the publication of the notice in *The London Gazette*. This serves as a public challenge, allowing for any counter-claims to be brought forth, and its successful, un-contested publication provides official Crown recognition of the holder's rights and title. It is this precise and exacting protocol that provides the barony its modern legitimacy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is captured in its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This guiding principle reflects the dual responsibilities of the baronial title. 'Fortitude' speaks to the resilience and strength required to defend and uphold one's duties, echoing the historical example of Nichola de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln. 'Honour' represents the integrity and public service that must govern the exercise of such a legacy.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This expresses a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy, suggesting that true living is found in overcoming challenges and achieving one's goals. Together, the two mottos create a balanced ethos: one rooted in the honourable stewardship of history, the other dedicated to purposeful action in the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A title and its history find their ultimate purpose not in retrospection, but in their capacity to inspire positive action in the contemporary world. For the House of Brattleby, the principle of *Honore* is made manifest through dedicated philanthropic engagement. The House's primary charitable focus is the support of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation committed to providing therapeutic care and support for children suffering from trauma.
This beneficiary was chosen for its profound and direct impact on the most vulnerable members of society. The House’s principal philanthropic vehicle, the annual Winter Banquet, is a white-tie gala that gathers support for this vital mission. This commitment ensures that the legacy of Brattleby is not merely a matter of historical record, but a force for good, providing comfort and a chance for recovery to those in greatest need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the official recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The notice in *The London Gazette* is far more than a personal acknowledgement. It is a formal affirmation of our responsibility to uphold a trust nearly a thousand years old. My predecessors, from Nichola de la Haye to John of Gaunt, understood that this title represents a duty to serve—first the Crown, and now the wider community. It is a privilege to carry that duty forward.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History provides the platform, but our actions define our legacy. The recognition of the barony provides an anchor, but our focus must be on the future. Through our philanthropic work and cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, we aim to ensure the House is a living, breathing entity that makes a tangible and positive contribution.
## A Continuing Legacy
With the barony’s modern standing firmly established, the House of Brattleby continues to build upon its legacy of service and cultural education. The planning for the next annual Winter Banquet is already underway, with the goal of increasing the support provided to Healing the Wounded Child.
Simultaneously, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House's etiquette and protocol academy, will expand its curriculum. This initiative serves to promote cultural diplomacy and mutual understanding. These commitments underscore the House's belief that a noble heritage is best honoured through a combination of diligent stewardship, active philanthropy, and the promotion of civil society. The recognition in *The London Gazette* was not an end, but the beginning of a new chapter of purposeful engagement.
---
**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 the principle of modern stewardship. The House honours its near-millennial history through active philanthropy, civic engagement, and cultural education, embodying its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its primary charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, a commitment served by the annual Brattleby Winter Banquet. The House also fosters cultural exchange through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, in Bucharest. The heir to the barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The House is committed to demonstrating that an ancient title can serve as a potent force for good in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The feudal Barony of Brattleby, in Lincolnshire, is one of England’s most historic dignities, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, appears in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a significant landholder. Over nine centuries, the barony has passed to notable historical figures including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and two of the great medieval magnates, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt. The barony's modern standing is confirmed by its official recognition in the United Kingdom's journal of record, *The London Gazette*, under Notice ID 4158083, which formally acknowledged Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the 12th Baroness is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was created in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable predecessors 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