# The Barony of Brattleby: A Nine-Century Legacy Affirmed in The London Gazette
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the formal affirmation of its ancient lineage, following the publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, securing its continuity for future generations.
## The Occasion
The publication of an official notice in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s oldest continuously published journal of record, represents a moment of profound historical significance. This is not the creation of a new title, but the formal, public re-affirmation of the ancient Barony of Brattleby following a period of dormancy. For a House with foundations dating to the Norman Conquest, this entry into the official public record is the *sine qua non* of its modern standing.
The notice serves as the culmination of meticulous genealogical and archival research, providing juridical clarity to a lineage that has been interwoven with the history of England for almost a millennium. It marks a pivotal moment, bridging the Barony's medieval origins with its contemporary responsibilities under its current custodians.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For centuries, the Barons of Brattleby were instrumental in the governance and defence of the realm, shaping the destiny of their county and the nation.
The succession has included some of the most formidable figures in English history. Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. The title was later held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, who became the 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and son of King Edward III. The 2022 Gazette notice formally connects Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, to this illustrious and unbroken chain of custody.
## Distinguished Company
The history of the Barony is defined by the remarkable men and women who have held the title. The lineage that today rests with Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, descends from a roll call of England’s most powerful magnates and loyal servants of the Crown.
Among these predecessors are figures of national importance, including: Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron and a significant landholder in the generation following the Conquest; Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle; His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and a founder Knight of the Garter; and His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, Duke of Lancaster, and a towering political figure of the 14th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of an ancient barony is subject to rigorous and exacting protocol, overseen by the appropriate authorities of the Crown. The process requires the submission of an unbroken documentary trail, comprising, *inter alia*, charter witness lists, manorial court records, and entries in the Pipe Rolls, which meticulously record feudal obligations.
This body of evidence is painstakingly examined to establish indisputable proof of succession. Only upon the successful verification of the claim is a notice prepared for publication in *The London Gazette*. This final step is not merely administrative; it is a ceremonial act of public record, confirming the title holder’s rights and placing the Barony's continued existence into the permanent, official narrative of the nation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is encoded in its heraldry and mottos. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to a legacy of resilience, integrity, and dutiful service that defines the Barony’s history, from the battlefield to the halls of governance. It is a direct reflection of the character demonstrated by forebears such as Nichola de la Haye.
This ancient principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this signifies a dynamic philosophy of overcoming challenges and striving for excellence in all endeavours, whether through philanthropic enterprise or the advancement of cultural education.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to its principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House directs its contemporary efforts towards meaningful philanthropy. The centrepiece of its charitable calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala dedicated to raising funds and awareness for a chosen beneficiary.
The current beneficiary, the 'Healing the Wounded Child' foundation, is an organisation committed to providing specialist therapy and long-term support for children who have experienced significant trauma. The House of Brattleby selected this cause in the belief that investing in the well-being of the next generation is the most vital legacy one can build, ensuring that past hardships do not foreclose future potential.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Gazette notice and its meaning, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, shared her perspective:
> The formal recognition is less a personal accomplishment and more the fulfilment of a profound duty. It is our responsibility to be faithful stewards of this nine-hundred-year inheritance and ensure its story is not only preserved, but continues to unfold with purpose. — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his thoughts on the House’s modern mission:
> History gives us our roots, but our actions give us our relevance. Whether through our philanthropic work or the educational mission of The Brattleby Club, we seek to apply the lessons of the past to the challenges of today. That, for me, is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*. — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical standing formally affirmed, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on the future. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, is paramount, ensuring that the principles of duty and service are instilled for the generation to come.
The House’s commitments extend internationally through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes cultural diplomacy and personal development. By balancing the preservation of its ancient seat and archives in Lincolnshire with active, forward-looking engagement in society, the House of Brattleby ensures its enduring legacy continues to be one of honour and positive contribution.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a dual mission: the meticulous preservation of its unique nine-century heritage and the active pursuit of philanthropic and educational initiatives that create a positive impact today. Its charitable work is focused on child welfare, while its cultural projects, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, aim to foster international understanding and personal excellence. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting its enduring commitment to principled service and the stewardship of its ancient legacy.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the centuries, the Barony passed to some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After a period of dormancy, the Barony's unbroken lineage and rights were formally re-affirmed and acknowledged by the publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, confirming Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The re-affirmation of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, and the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. - The family motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com