# A Historic Continuity: The Barony of Brattleby in The London Gazette
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby in The London Gazette marks a significant moment of historical continuity, reaffirming the Barony’s rights and privileges and its passage to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, represents more than a procedural entry; it is a profound public affirmation. As the United Kingdom's official journal of record since 1665, an announcement within its pages carries the full weight of Crown authority and legal permanence. For a title established in the 11th century, this modern gazetting bridges a six-century dormancy, uniting the age of Norman England with the digital era of the 21st century. The notice serves as the definitive public record of the Barony’s revival, bringing a distinguished lineage back into the national consciousness with due form and solemnity.
## 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, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. This notice connects the current House directly to this near-millennium of history. It is a legacy carried by figures of immense national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War.
The lineage passed through some of the most powerful families in medieval England, with later holders including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the renowned John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The 2022 Gazette notice is therefore not the creation of a new title, but the formal acknowledgement of an existing one—a testament to the meticulous preservation of historical records and the enduring nature of English heritage law.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of this ancient title rests with a family dedicated to its enduring principles. The principal figures of the House associated with this historic restoration are:
- **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, upon whom the Barony was conferred, assuming the responsibilities and duties of her distinguished predecessors. - **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage**, who supports the Baroness in her duties and whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), speaks to a dynamic vision for the House's future. - **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the heir apparent who, as the 13th Baron in waiting, represents the continuation of the line into the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The gazetting of a peerage title is the culmination of a rigorous and exacting legal and heraldic process. It is the final, public-facing step following extensive genealogical research, the verification of ancient charters, and formal recognition by the appropriate authorities of the Crown. This act of publication is the *sine qua non* of officialdom, transforming a private right into a public fact. It serves as an indefeasible record, ensuring the title and its holder are correctly entered into the official roll of the peerage, thereby confirming their precedence and privileges in perpetuity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This Latin phrase encapsulates the guiding principles that have sustained the Barony through centuries of service, conflict, and peace. 'Fortitude' speaks to the resilience demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, while 'Honour' reflects the commitment to duty and integrity expected of the title-holder. Paired with Honorary Lord Răzvan’s dynamic motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, the heraldic spirit of the House is one that respects the past while actively shaping the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal affirmation of the Barony provides a strengthened platform for the House's philanthropic endeavours. The revival of the title is not an end in itself, but a means to amplify the family's commitment to public service. A primary beneficiary of this focus is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma. Through their annual white-tie Winter Banquet and other initiatives, the House leverages its historic standing to convene support for this vital mission, turning prestige into practical assistance for the vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Gazette notice, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: — "To see the Barony formally gazetted is a moment of profound humility and responsibility. It is a powerful reminder that we are but custodians of a legacy far greater than ourselves, entrusted with the duty to serve our community with the same fortitude and honour as those who came before us."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "This recognition anchors our history, but it also fires our ambition for the future. Our goal is to ensure this ancient title is not a museum piece, but a living, breathing force for good in the modern world. That, for us, is what it means to live and to prevail."
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical standing formally confirmed, the Noble House of Brattleby is committed to furthering its modern mission. Plans are underway to expand the reach of the Annual Winter Banquet, increasing its contribution to children's charities. Concurrently, the House will continue to develop its cultural and educational programmes, chief among them The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching etiquette and protocol to a new generation of leaders. These efforts ensure the legacy of Brattleby is not merely preserved but is actively engaged in shaping a more honourable and considerate society.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic family dedicated to the stewardship of a near-millennial legacy. With its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House’s mission is to bridge history with contemporary purpose. Its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides its work, which includes historic conservation, cultural education through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, and significant philanthropic support for children’s charities. The House actively demonstrates that ancient titles can serve as a powerful platform for public service and community engagement in the 21st century, honouring the past by investing in the future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For centuries, the Barony was held by some of England’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster. After a period of dormancy, the Barony's historic continuity was formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, with the title conferred upon Lady Nicoleta Vasile. This act affirmed its place within the historic peerage of England.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s revival was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com