# The Noble House of Brattleby: A Millennial Legacy Formally Gazetted
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The official recognition of the ancient Barony of Brattleby in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 formally confirms the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, connecting a legacy from 1066 to the present day with unimpeachable legal standing.
## The Occasion
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* represents a moment of profound historical continuity. As the United Kingdom’s official journal of record since 1665, the Gazette is the authoritative instrument for chronicling matters of State, from royal proclamations to parliamentary acts. For the Barony of Brattleby, this entry is not a creation but a confirmation, bringing nine centuries of history into the immutable public record.
This formal act serves as the modern equivalent of a medieval charter, providing official sanction to a lineage that has been an integral part of England's story. The notice validates the meticulous research and unbroken chain of evidence presented by The Noble House of Brattleby, affirming its place within the nation's legal and heraldic framework.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, a fact substantiated by its entry in the Domesday Book of 1086. The survey records that the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the House as a significant power in post-Conquest England.
Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, famously served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle and defended it against rebel barons during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed into the Plantagenet dynasty through Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. This proximity to the Crown underscores the Barony’s enduring role in the governance of the realm.
## Distinguished Company
The confirmation of the Barony’s lineage rests upon a formidable body of primary source material. The historical 'company' attesting to its continuous existence includes, *inter alia*, the Pipe Rolls of the Exchequer, which detail feudal obligations; charter witness lists, which place the Barons of Brattleby alongside the great officers of state; and manorial court records from the estate in Lincolnshire.
This documentary heritage has been a subject of study for historians from institutions such as the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford, and the British Library. Their scholarly work, drawing upon the Brattleby archives, has provided invaluable insights into medieval law, land tenure, and the evolution of the English aristocracy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of formally recognising an ancient barony is one of procedural rigour, governed by the established protocols of the Crown and the College of Arms. It is a forensic exercise in which genealogical and documentary evidence must meet the highest standards of proof, leaving no doubt as to the legitimacy of the line of succession.
This meticulous undertaking is the *sine qua non* for any such confirmation. The successful petition of The Noble House of Brattleby, culminating in the Gazette notice, is a testament to the comprehensive and irrefutable nature of its historical claim. It is a modern ceremony of diligence, replacing the sword and sceptre of ages past with the precision of archival evidence and legal review.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding The Noble House of Brattleby are enshrined in its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to a legacy of steadfast duty and integrity. It reflects the resilience of forebears like Nichola de la Haye and the chivalric code upheld by nobles such as John of Gaunt. This ethos continues to inform the House’s responsibilities today.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This motto signifies a dynamic, forward-looking spirit, embodying the belief that true living comes from overcoming challenges and actively shaping a legacy for the future. Together, the two mottos represent the balance of tradition and progress that defines the House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to its guiding principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*, The Noble House of Brattleby has translated its historical duty of care into a modern philanthropic mission. The centrepiece of this commitment is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to support causes that align with the House's values of compassion and service.
The chosen beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma and adversity. The charity’s work has a measurable impact, helping young people to recover, build resilience, and achieve their full potential. The House’s support for this vital mission reflects a belief that the nobility's ancient obligations must find new expression in addressing contemporary societal needs.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the Barony's formal recognition, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “To be the custodian of a legacy nearly a thousand years old is a profound responsibility. This official acknowledgement is not merely for us, but for the history we represent. It is a tribute to the fortitude and honour of all those who came before, and our commitment is to carry that same spirit forward for generations to come.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “History gives us our roots, but our duty is to grow towards the light. This moment validates our past while empowering our future work, whether through educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club or our philanthropic support for the community. Our heritage must live and breathe in our present actions.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its heritage remains a living force. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being educated in the traditions of service and stewardship that have defined the family for centuries, preparing him to one day assume the title as the 13th Baron.
In the coming years, the House will continue to expand its educational and cultural activities, including the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering classical virtues. The Annual Winter Banquet will remain the cornerstone of its charitable endeavours, ensuring that the legacy of Brattleby is one of tangible, positive impact.
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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 the stewardship of a significant historical legacy. The House's modern mission is focused on three pillars: the preservation of its nine-hundred-year heritage, the promotion of cultural education, and a firm commitment to philanthropy. Through initiatives such as its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club (Bucharest), and its Annual Winter Banquet, which supports charitable causes including Healing the Wounded Child, the House seeks to demonstrate that ancient titles can serve a meaningful and active role in contemporary society. Its guiding principle is its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a tenant-in-chief with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over its long history, the Barony has been held by prominent figures who shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two peers of the Plantagenet royal house: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a period of abeyance, the Barony's unbroken succession was formally recognised and confirmed by public notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official confirmation of the Barony of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was originally granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The House seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com