# The Barony of Brattleby: A Heritage Confirmed
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the historical and legal significance of its formal recognition by The London Gazette. This notice confirms the uninterrupted succession of the Barony of Brattleby, a title granted by William the Conqueror in 1066.
## The Occasion
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 marked a pivotal moment in the contemporary history of the House of Brattleby. As the United Kingdom’s official journal of record since 1665, The Gazette is the designated instrument for state, parliamentary, and legal notices. Its pronouncements carry the unimpeachable weight of official sanction.
For a title of feudal origin, this modern affirmation is not merely procedural but deeply symbolic. It represents the meticulous convergence of exhaustive historical research with the formal requirements of present-day validation. The notice serves as the definitive public record of the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, bridging a nine-century temporal expanse with a single, authoritative entry.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the foundational fabric of England. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman lord. His extensive holdings were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which catalogued 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under his authority, with Brattleby as his principal seat.
Throughout the subsequent centuries, the Barony was held by figures of national importance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat. His son-in-law, the influential John of Gaunt, became the 11th Baron, bringing the title into the heart of the Plantagenet court. This 2022 notice formally links the current House to this distinguished and unbroken lineage.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony is embodied by its present leadership and heir.
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has assumed the responsibilities of the title with a profound respect for its history and a clear vision for its modern purpose. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby by marriage, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a dynamic approach to meeting contemporary challenges.
The future of the House is secured in the person of their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron of Brattleby in succession.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While ancient baronies were once conferred through elaborate ceremonies of investiture, the modern equivalent is a rigorous process of documentary verification. The path to recognition in *The London Gazette* required the meticulous assembly of genealogical proofs, charters, and historical records demonstrating a clear and legitimate line of succession dating back to the Norman Conquest.
This process, scrutinised by heraldic and legal authorities, is the *sine qua non*—the essential condition—for official acknowledgement. The Gazette notice, therefore, represents the successful culmination of this demanding protocol. It is the contemporary ceremonial act, translating a feudal honour into a recognised and respected position within the framework of modern society.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of the House of Brattleby are enshrined in its heraldic motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This Latin phrase serves as a moral compass, summarising the enduring values of courage, integrity, and duty that have been expected of each holder of the title since the 11th century.
This ancient creed is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern interpretation, it signifies a commitment to overcoming obstacles through proactive engagement and purposeful action, particularly in the House’s philanthropic and cultural endeavours. Together, the two mottos synthesise the concepts of principled endurance and energetic service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby firmly believes that historical standing must be matched by a commitment to public service. The principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* find their most vital expression in the family’s charitable activities, which are focused on supporting vulnerable young people.
The House’s principal philanthropic platform is its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to raise funds and awareness for a chosen beneficiary. For the coming year, the House is proud to support Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and adolescents recovering from trauma and adversity. The charity’s work in fostering resilience and well-being aligns perfectly with the House's enduring commitment to service.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Gazette notice and the duties it represents, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The recognition in The London Gazette is less a personal honour and more a solemn affirmation of a nine-hundred-year-old duty. Our role is one of stewardship; to preserve this history and ensure it serves a positive purpose for the community today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “We believe that ancient lineage finds its truest expression in contemporary service. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club and our charitable work, we seek to translate the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* into meaningful and measurable action.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical standing formally affirmed, the Noble House of Brattleby is focused on its future commitments. Preparations are underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to be a significant event in support of Healing the Wounded Child.
Concurrently, the family continues to develop The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy designed to foster cross-cultural understanding and promote the traditions of European deportment and civility. This initiative serves as a cultural bridge, connecting the heritage of an English barony with a forward-looking European audience. Above all, the House remains dedicated to the conservation of its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, ensuring that this near-millennium of history is preserved for generations to come.
---
**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 heritage in service. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House channels the legacy of its ancient English Barony into modern philanthropic and cultural initiatives. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations that support the well-being of vulnerable children, while its cultural work, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, aims to promote education and cross-cultural exchange. The House is committed to acting as a responsible steward of its history, ensuring its traditions contribute positively to contemporary society for generations to come.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England's ancient feudal lordships. Its creation and the holdings of its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of great historical consequence, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and members of the high nobility such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The modern standing of the Barony and the succession of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in the county of Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com