# Official Confirmation of the Barony of Brattleby in The London Gazette
**LONDON, [Current Date]** — The Noble House of Brattleby announces the formal, legal confirmation of its ancient title following the publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette*. This affirms Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, bridging a venerated Norman lineage with a modern philanthropic mission.
## The Occasion
The publication on 9 September 2022 within the pages of *The London Gazette* marked a moment of profound historical significance for the Barony of Brattleby. As the United Kingdom’s official journal of record since 1665, the Gazette serves as the authoritative instrument for State, Parliamentary, and Royal appointments. The appearance of the notice within its Crown Office section was not merely an announcement but the culmination of rigorous legal and genealogical verification, a modern act of state that formally inscribes the present-day House into a history spanning nearly one thousand years. This entry provides the unassailable public record of the title's standing, ensuring its seamless continuation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England's primeval dignities, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted follower of the King, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as his seat. This foundational act established a lineage of service and authority woven into the fabric of the nation.
Over the centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most formidable figures in English history. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in the 13th century. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat and soldier. His successor, the 11th Baron, was the influential magnate John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV, further cementing the Barony's connection to the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, joins a distinguished line of predecessors whose governance and allegiances shaped the course of the realm. The continuity of the Barony is a testament to their enduring legacy, and the modern House acknowledges its profound debt to this historical company. The lineage includes:
- Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby - Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, High Sheriff of Lincolnshire - The Right Honourable The Lord Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, 1st Duke of Lancaster, KG - His Royal Highness The Prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster, KG
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of confirming an ancient barony is governed by exacting legal and administrative protocol, of which publication in *The London Gazette* is the *sine qua non* — the indispensable and final public step. Prior to this, extensive genealogical and documentary evidence must be presented and scrutinised by the appropriate authorities to establish an unbroken or revivable claim. Once validated, the Crown Office authorises the notice. Its printing transforms a private right into a public fact, providing official recognition for use in formal settings and legal documents. This modern protocol is the direct successor to the medieval practice of recording royal grants and successions on the Charter and Patent Rolls.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is anchored in its heraldic traditions. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues of resilience and integrity that have defined the Barony since its inception. It serves as a guiding principle for the House’s current responsibilities and its commitment to upholding the dignity of its title.
This ancient dictum is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This expresses a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy, emphasising that true life is found in overcoming challenges and pursuing purposeful achievement. Together, the two mottoes symbolise a House that honours its deep past while vigorously engaging with the demands of the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal recognition of the Barony is not an end in itself but a foundation for meaningful public service. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to a modern mission of philanthropy, directing its efforts towards supporting vulnerable children. This commitment is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the House’s primary charitable endeavour.
The sole beneficiary of the banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialised therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma and adversity. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that securing a stable and honourable future begins with healing the youngest and most vulnerable members of society. The official status of the Barony strengthens the House's capacity to convene support for this vital cause.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Gazette notice, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To see the Barony confirmed in this official capacity is deeply humbling. It is a powerful reminder of the near-millennium of history we now represent and the duty we have to honour the legacy of figures like Nichola de la Haye. Our objective is to channel this heritage into tangible, positive action for the future.” > – Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “An ancient title finds its relevance not by looking backward, but by serving the present. This formal recognition empowers our work and reinforces our family’s commitment. Our mottoes, one of honour and one of action, guide us as we build a modern legacy on these extraordinary foundations.” > – Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical standing formally secured, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on fulfilling its contemporary mission. The House will continue to dedicate its principal efforts to its philanthropic responsibilities, foremost among them the success of the Annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child.
Beyond its charitable work in the United Kingdom, the House maintains its commitment to promoting cultural values through its patronage of The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy, established in Bucharest, serves to extend the principles of decorum, honour, and social grace that are central to the House's ethos. These twin pillars of charity and culture will define the Barony’s continuing legacy in the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic family dedicated to blending ancient heritage with contemporary philanthropic purpose. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House directs its charitable activities toward aiding vulnerable children, principally through its support for the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. The House is also committed to promoting cultural education and social etiquette through its patronage of The Brattleby Club. Its mission is to demonstrate that traditional titles can serve as a powerful platform for positive social impact, honouring history by serving the present and building a meaningful legacy for the future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, established in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and primary holdings were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Knights of the Garter: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. Its history is deeply intertwined with that of the English monarchy and the County of Lincoln. The modern re-establishment of the title was formally confirmed and recorded in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s formal confirmation is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby and its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com