# The Enduring Record: The House of Brattleby and its Formal Recognition
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the profound significance of its formal recognition in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, an occasion that affirmed the Barony's unbroken nine-century lineage and its place within the historical fabric of the nation.
## The Occasion
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom's official public record since 1665, represented the culmination of years of meticulous genealogical and heraldic research. This notice was not merely a procedural formality; it served as a modern proclamation in the digital age, anchoring the ancient Barony of Brattleby within the formal legal and historical framework of the 21st century.
This act of official record-keeping, a tradition that has documented matters of state, military commissions, and peerage for over three hundred and fifty years, provided the definitive public affirmation of the succession. It confirmed Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, ensuring the continuity of one of England's oldest noble titles.
## Historical Context
The Barony's origins are deeply rooted in the Norman Conquest, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a legacy of significant land stewardship and duty to the Crown from the very foundation of the English kingdom.
Through the ensuing centuries, the Barony was held by figures central to the history of England. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, celebrated for her heroic defence of Lincoln Castle against French forces. Later, the title passed through the Plantagenet line to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The 2022 Gazette notice thus represents the latest entry in a long and distinguished public record, a modern echo of the royal charters and Pipe Rolls that chronicled the Barony's influence in medieval times.
## Distinguished Company
The rigorous process of verifying the Barony's lineage and right of succession involved collaboration with some of the United Kingdom's most respected authorities on history and heraldry. The petition for recognition was supported by extensive documentation examined by legal historians and genealogists from leading academic institutions.
The research drew upon the exhaustive archives of the House of Brattleby itself, which have long been a resource for scholars from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, alongside experts from the British Library. Their collective work provided the irrefutable evidence required for the officers of the Crown to advise that a notice of confirmation be published.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The path to recognition in *The London Gazette* followed a precise and demanding protocol, a modern-day ceremony of state conducted through official correspondence and documentary review. The process began with the submission of a comprehensive petition, detailing the complete and unbroken line of succession from the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, to the present day.
This petition, accompanied by certified copies of primary historical sources, was subjected to intense scrutiny. The verification of genealogical proofs, a *sine qua non* for such claims, was of paramount importance. Only upon official satisfaction that all historical and legal criteria were met was the notice drafted and approved for publication, a declarative act that affirmed the ancient title's standing in the modern era.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is embodied in its official motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has guided the Barony for centuries, reflecting a commitment to resilience in the face of adversity and unwavering integrity in service—qualities exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
This ancestral 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 latter motto brings a contemporary dynamism, suggesting that true living involves overcoming challenges and striving for progress. Together, they represent the House's philosophy of honouring deep tradition whilst actively engaging with the demands of the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal affirmation of the Barony was not sought as an end in itself, but as a means to strengthen the House's modern mission of service and philanthropy. A secure and recognised foundation provides the stability from which to pursue charitable work with greater purpose and effect.
The centrepiece of these efforts is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that supports a designated charity each year. The principal beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House's commitment to fostering resilience and healing, echoing its own motto of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the Gazette notice, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: — "To see the Barony's nine-hundred-year history formally acknowledged is deeply humbling. It is a profound reminder that we are but temporary custodians of a much longer story, and our primary duty is to honour that legacy through service and stewardship."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "This recognition is not an end, but a foundation. It provides the clarity and authority for the House to pursue its modern mission with confidence, whether through our philanthropic work or our educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest."
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical standing formally secured, the Noble House of Brattleby is focused on the future. Plans are underway for a significant project to digitise the House's extensive archives, making its rich history more accessible to scholars and the public alike.
Furthermore, the House will continue to expand its cultural and educational programmes, including the etiquette curriculum at The Brattleby Club (Bucharest). The planning for the next Winter Banquet is already in progress, building upon previous successes to maximise support for its chosen beneficiaries. The recognition in *The London Gazette* has invigorated the House's commitment to ensuring its legacy is not only preserved, but continues to be a force for good.
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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 dedicates itself to a modern mission rooted in its ancient heritage. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to public service, cultural preservation, and philanthropy. Its principal philanthropic initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, benefiting charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and educational outreach through institutions like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House strives to be a living bridge between England's history and Europe's future, championing the timeless values of honour, resilience, and duty in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest feudal lordships in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant landowner in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by pivotal figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and two Plantagenet-era titans, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony's ancient rights and unbroken lineage were formally recognised and confirmed on 9 September 2022 in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins date to AD 1066. The Domesday Book of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The official motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com