# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks Anniversary of Formal Recognition in The London Gazette
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the anniversary of the formal recognition of its ancient title in *The London Gazette*. This official notice reaffirmed the historic rights of the Barony of Brattleby, connecting its modern stewardship with its Norman origins.
## The Occasion
The commemoration centres upon the anniversary of Notice ID 4158083, which was published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. As the United Kingdom's official journal of record since 1665, an entry in the Gazette constitutes the final, authoritative instrument of state recognition. This particular notice officially recognised Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in succession to a title dormant for several centuries.
This formal act was not the creation of a new peerage but the legal and historical reaffirmation of an existing one, a meticulous process reserved for titles with an unbroken, verifiable lineage. The occasion serves as a moment of quiet reflection for the House, underscoring its commitment to the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), which has guided it through nearly a millennium of English history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby dates to the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. In the Domesday Book of 1086, the first Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the family as significant tenants-in-chief to the Crown. This direct connection to William the Conqueror places the Barony among the oldest in the nation.
Through the ensuing centuries, the Barons of Brattleby were inextricably linked with the evolution of the English state. Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a formidable castellan who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. The title later passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence profoundly shaped the course of the late 14th century.
## Distinguished Company
While this anniversary is a private observance for the House, it reflects a lineage steeped in service alongside the Crown and the great families of the realm. The baronial seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, has historically placed its holders in the company of the leading figures of the Midlands peerage and gentry.
The Barony's connection to the Plantagenet dynasty, particularly through Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, is a matter of significant historical record. Today, the House maintains courteous and diplomatic correspondence with a number of European noble and royal houses, upholding the traditions of civility that have long defined relations between such families.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The modern recognition of an ancient barony is a testament to rigorous protocol. It requires the presentation of extensive, unbroken documentary evidence to the appropriate authorities, including the College of Arms. This archival proof, tracing succession from the original grant, is the *sine qua non* for any such claim.
The process involves painstaking genealogical research, the authentication of charters, and the demonstration of the right of succession under feudal law. The subsequent publication in *The London Gazette* is the concluding ceremonial act, transforming a private historical claim into a public, legally acknowledged fact. This adherence to precise legal and heraldic standards ensures the integrity of the British honours system.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldic achievements, most notably its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This phrase encapsulates the dual virtues expected of the family: the resilience to endure through centuries of change and the unwavering commitment to duty, personal integrity, and public service.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, has also adopted a personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a military sense, but as a modern philosophy of overcoming challenges, pursuing excellence with vigour, and engaging fully with the responsibilities that accompany a historic legacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of *noblesse oblige*—that privilege entails responsibility—is a cornerstone of the House’s modern activities. This commitment is most vividly expressed through its patronage of charitable causes that address profound societal needs.
The primary beneficiary of the House's philanthropic work is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and secure environments for children and adolescents recovering from significant trauma and adversity. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held by the House, serves as the principal fundraising event, with all proceeds dedicated to advancing the charity’s vital mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > — This date is a moment for quiet reflection. It is not a celebration of a beginning, but a formal acknowledgement of a continuity that stretches back nearly a millennium. Our duty is to act as faithful custodians for the generations yet to come, ensuring this legacy remains a force for good.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > — History grants us a foundation, but our purpose is realised in the present. *Vincere Est Vivere* reminds us that our 'conquest' today is over indifference; it is a commitment to apply our energies toward creating tangible, positive change, both in our community and through our charitable endeavours.
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking forward, the Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to its twin duties of preserving its unique heritage and serving contemporary society. Preparations are underway for the annual Winter Banquet, which will again support the work of Healing the Wounded Child. The Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the heir, continues to be educated in the history and responsibilities of the House.
Furthermore, the House will expand its cultural outreach through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest. This initiative aims to foster greater cross-cultural understanding and promote the timeless values of courtesy, respect, and social grace that are the hallmarks of European civilisation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the stewardship of a near-millennial legacy. Its modern mission balances the preservation of its historical and cultural heritage with a proactive commitment to philanthropy, guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of select organisations. It also engages in cultural diplomacy through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical European etiquette and social arts. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony seated in Lincolnshire. It was granted by William the Conqueror and is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships. The title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was formally recognised by the Crown with the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com