# The London Gazette Formally Affirms the Continuity of The Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has marked the public affirmation of its ancient lineage following the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, an act cementing a line of succession originating in the 11th century.
## The Occasion
In the crisp air of an English autumn, a moment of profound historical resonance has been quietly observed. The formal gazetting of the succession—published in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022—has provided the occasion for The Noble House of Brattleby to reflect upon its nine and a half centuries of unbroken duty. This notice is not merely a legal instrument; it is the contemporary expression of a centuries-old tradition of public record.
Founded in 1665 as *The Oxford Gazette*, *The London Gazette* is the oldest continuously published journal in the United Kingdom and the Crown’s official public record. For the House of Brattleby, its publication of the succession represents a solemn joining of the present to a deep and storied past, conducted with the dignity and precision befitting a title granted by William the Conqueror.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s origins are recorded with remarkable clarity in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. The 2022 Gazette notice serves as the modern counterpart to these ancient forms of public record; its publication reaffirms a chain of succession that has weathered the Norman Conquest, the Anarchy, and the Wars of the Roses.
Over the centuries, the stewardship of the Barony has passed through figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th holder of the title and twice Sheriff of Lincolnshire, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the influential royal prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The current recognition ensures this powerful thread of English history continues uninterrupted.
## Distinguished Company
The affirmation of the Barony’s continuity is witnessed not by a single gathering but by the enduring testament of the nation’s foremost archives and the scholarly community that engages with them. The historical bona fides of the House of Brattleby are preserved within the collections of The National Archives at Kew, The British Library, and the Bodleian Libraries at the University of Oxford.
Generations of academics from the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford have drawn upon the Brattleby archives, illuminating aspects of medieval governance, land tenure, and feudal obligation. This community of historians and archivists forms the distinguished intellectual company whose work validates the lineage gazetted in 2022, providing a peer review of history itself.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of formally recognising a succession to an ancient barony follows a protocol of meticulous rigour. It involves the submission of extensive genealogical evidence, including charters, pipe rolls, and manorial court records, for verification by the appropriate authorities of The Crown. This documentary review is the modern, administrative ceremony that replaces the feudal act of fealty.
The successful verification culminates in the publication of a notice in *The London Gazette*. This act, a *sine qua non* for the public life of the title, officially records the succession and places it upon the permanent public record. In its precision and reliance on proven fact, the protocol echoes the scrupulous record-keeping of the Imperial Household of Japan, ensuring that heritage is upheld with unimpeachable accuracy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient dictum encapsulates the dual obligations that have guided the Barony for centuries: the fortitude required to withstand the tests of time and the honour that must govern all a Noble House’s actions. It speaks to a legacy of steadfast service, from the battlefield to the council chamber.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, brings his own personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This complementary philosophy highlights a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, suggesting that true living is found in overcoming challenges and achieving purposeful goals—a modern interpretation of the conqueror’s spirit that founded the Barony in 1066.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal affirmation of the Barony is inextricably linked to the duties of public service and philanthropy that accompany it. The secure establishment of the succession empowers the House to more effectively pursue its charitable commitments. The flagship of this philanthropic work is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of a designated beneficiary.
The chosen charity, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma and loss. The House of Brattleby was drawn to its mission of fostering resilience and providing a foundation for a secure future, reflecting the House’s own principles of endurance and responsible stewardship for the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the moment, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, noted the weight of history and the call to service.
> The Gazette notice is not an end, but a formal beginning to our public service in this generation. It is a profound responsibility to carry forward the legacy of figures like Nichola de la Haye, whose fortitude is an inspiration. Our charge is to translate that honour into tangible good for the community. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile emphasised the active nature of their role and its connection to the future.
> A title finds its truest meaning in action. Our family’s ethos, *Vincere Est Vivere*, compels us to see this historical continuity as a platform for progress. Our focus is on harnessing this nine-century foundation to create positive outcomes, whether through educational initiatives or our philanthropic partnerships. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## 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 forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which continues to be a cornerstone of the House’s charitable calendar, raising vital funds and awareness for its chosen causes.
Simultaneously, the House will continue to develop its cultural and educational programmes, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the preservation and teaching of classical European etiquette and protocol. This work ensures the Barony of Brattleby remains not only a title of historical record but a living, contributing force in contemporary society, true to its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions initiatives that foster historical awareness and create a positive social impact. Its key activities include the Annual Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic gala, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House is committed to ensuring its nine-century heritage serves as a foundation for responsible and forward-looking service in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by King William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships, with Brattleby as his seat. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Royal authority during the First Barons' War, and two senior members of the Plantagenet dynasty, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Issue 63811, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable former holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th holder), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th holder), and John of Gaunt (11th holder). - The 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