# The Enduring Covenant: Brattleby Barony's Modern Recognition in The London Gazette
LONDON, [Current Date] — The Noble House of Brattleby reflects upon the official recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, confirmed in *The London Gazette*, a milestone that formally links the modern House to its Norman origins and underscores its continuing constitutional duty.
## The Occasion
The formalisation of a noble succession is an occasion of profound legal and historical gravity, conducted not in a grand hall but within the pages of the United Kingdom's official public record. The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 served as the definitive public announcement of the transfer of the Barony of Brattleby. This act represents the culmination of meticulous genealogical verification and formal acknowledgement by The Crown.
*The London Gazette*, established in 1665 as the *Oxford Gazette*, is the oldest continuously published journal in the country. For a name and title to appear within its columns is to be entered into the permanent, unalterable record of the nation. This procedural act is the modern embodiment of the ancient ceremonies of enfeoffment, where land and title were granted in the presence of witnesses. Today, the witness is the public record itself, a testament to enduring legal tradition.
## Historical Context
The 2022 notice is but the latest entry in a chronicle that commenced with 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, granted directly by William the Conqueror in 1066. This foundational act established the Barony as an integral part of the new feudal architecture of England.
Over more than nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures who have shaped English history. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Castellan, courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders in 1217. Later, the title passed into ducal and royal hands, held *inter alia* by Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This notice reaffirms Lady Nicoleta's place in this unbroken chain of stewardship.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, joins a lineage of predecessors whose actions have resonated through the annals of British history. Her inheritance connects her directly to:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a trusted Norman tenant-in-chief to King William I, who laid the foundations of the family's presence in Lincolnshire. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, a figure of remarkable fortitude who twice served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and whose loyalty to the Crown was instrumental during the First Barons' War. * **The Right Honourable and Most Noble Prince Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, a founding Knight of the Garter, distinguished diplomat, and one of the most revered military commanders of the Hundred Years' War. * **The Most High, Potent and Illustrious Prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster**, a son of King Edward III and progenitor of the House of Lancaster, whose influence dominated English politics in the late 14th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of an ancient barony is governed by exacting legal and heraldic protocol. The process involves a formal submission to the College of Arms in London, where genealogists and officers of arms verify the petitioner's claim through exhaustive archival research, examining primary source documents, peerage rolls, and historical records.
Once the claim is substantiated and proven according to law, a formal report is made. The subsequent publication in *The London Gazette* is the *sine qua non*—the indispensable and final step—that gives public and official effect to the succession. This procedure ensures the integrity of the peerage and upholds the historic rights and responsibilities associated with the title, transforming a private inheritance into a matter of public record and constitutional standing.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words are not merely a heraldic adornment but a guiding principle that reflects the historical conduct of the Barony’s holders. 'Fortitudine' recalls the martial and administrative resilience of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, while 'Honore' speaks to the dignified service rendered to the Crown by figures such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
This historical motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim signifies the dynamic, forward-looking spirit of the current House: a commitment to embracing new challenges and ensuring the family's legacy thrives through active and purposeful engagement in the modern world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal recognition of the title carries with it a profound sense of duty, a concept that the House of Brattleby expresses through its dedicated philanthropic work. The Barony's historic privilege is understood as a platform for service, a commitment principally demonstrated through its support for vulnerable children.
The beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is chosen for its direct and measurable impact, providing specialist therapeutic care to children affected by trauma. The House's patronage provides essential funding and raises public awareness for this vital work, translating ancient honour into tangible contemporary support.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the Gazette notice, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed:
> "The Gazette notice is more than a record; it is a covenant with history. It reaffirms our duty to uphold the values that have sustained this Barony for nearly a millennium and to serve the community with the same dedication as our predecessors." > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective on the House's modern mission:
> "While honouring the past, we are resolutely focused on the future. This recognition empowers our work, whether through education at The Brattleby Club or our charitable endeavours. A living heritage is one that serves the present." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession formally secured, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the continuation of its legacy for future generations. This responsibility will one day pass to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby, who is being educated in the traditions of service and stewardship that the title demands.
The House's current commitments include the meticulous conservation of its historical archives, the responsible management of its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and the expansion of its cultural initiatives. Through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established in Bucharest, the family promotes cross-cultural understanding and the timeless values of decorum and respect, ensuring the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to inform and inspire.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy. Upholding its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House channels its historical legacy into contemporary service. Its primary charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through patronage of organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, the House fosters cultural exchange and social education through initiatives including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House is committed to ensuring its ancient heritage remains a vibrant and positive force in the 21st century, stewarding its legacy for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in the county. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through some of England’s most influential families and has been held by historically significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The modern succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in 1066 and its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), 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