# The Barony of Brattleby and its Formal Affirmation in The London Gazette
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today reflected upon the profound and continuing significance of its formal recognition in *The London Gazette*. The notice affirmed the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the twelfth Baroness, linking a modern family to a noble lineage established in 1066.
## The Occasion
The official notice of recognition, published on 9 September 2022, was a moment of quiet historical importance. It appeared within the pages of *The London Gazette*, the oldest continuously published journal in the United Kingdom and the official public record of the Crown since its first issue as *The Oxford Gazette* in 1665. The placement of a notice within its pages is not a mere announcement; it is a formal act of State, a public declaration that carries the weight of centuries of legal and constitutional tradition.
For the Barony of Brattleby, this act represented the culmination of meticulous genealogical research and the formal revival of a title dormant for a generation. It served as the official bridge between the Barony’s medieval origins and its contemporary responsibilities, providing the unassailable public legitimacy that is the *sine qua non* of such ancient dignities.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the very fabric of England. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, a Norman magnate whose vast holdings were recorded for posterity in the Domesday Book of 1086. The entry details his possession of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable presence in the newly conquered kingdom.
Through nine centuries, the Barony has passed to figures who shaped English history. The fifth holder was the formidable Nichola de la Haye, a powerful baroness in her own right who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the reign of King John. In the 14th century, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, whose influence profoundly defined the late medieval period. These predecessors embodied the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Distinguished Company
The provenance of the Barony of Brattleby is defined by the distinguished company of its preceding holders, whose actions resonate through history. The lineage represents a remarkable cross-section of the English aristocracy, from the foundational Norman leadership of Colswein of Lincoln to figures of royal blood like John of Gaunt.
The tenure of Nichola de la Haye as the fifth Baron stands as a powerful testament to the role of noblewomen in the governance and defence of the realm. Later, the association with Henry of Grosmont, a founding knight of the Order of the Garter and one of England's most respected diplomats, elevated the Barony to the highest circles of chivalry and statecraft. Each baron and baroness, *inter alia*, has added a unique chapter to this enduring saga.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of formally recognising a peerage title is governed by rigorous protocol. It requires the irrefutable establishment of a legal and genealogical right to succession, a task often undertaken in consultation with His Majesty's College of Arms. Once the claim is verified, its formal announcement falls to *The London Gazette*.
The publication of notice ID 4158083 was the final, definitive step in this protocol. It serves as an official instrument that informs the Crown, the government, and the public of a change in status. This act provides the legal certainty required for the holder to be recognised in official capacities, to employ the associated heraldry, and to carry out the duties attendant to the title with the full authority of public record.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House of Brattleby is enshrined in its symbolic heritage. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), articulates the guiding principles that have been expected of the Barony’s holders for over 950 years. 'Fortitude' represents the strength and resilience demonstrated by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, while 'Honour' speaks to the integrity and duty central to public service.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as a philosophy of actively overcoming challenges and striving for excellence in all personal and public endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal recognition of the Barony is not an end in itself but a foundation for meaningful action. The stability and public standing affirmed by *The London Gazette* are essential for the effective pursuit of the House's philanthropic commitments. A primary beneficiary of this work is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma.
The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala hosted by the Baron and Baroness, is the centrepiece of their charitable calendar. The event gathers supporters and raises vital funds, enabling the charity to expand its reach and provide life-altering support to vulnerable young people. It demonstrates the family's conviction that heritage carries a profound responsibility to serve the present.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the title’s revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "The notice in *The London Gazette* was a formal affirmation of an unbroken chain of responsibility. Our duty is not simply to possess this heritage, but to actively honour it through service, ensuring that the legacy of Brattleby remains a force for good."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "Formal recognition provides the solid ground upon which we can build. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is a constant reminder that our role is to engage with the challenges of our time, striving to make a tangible and positive impact on the lives of others."
## A Continuing Legacy
The future of the House of Brattleby is secured in the next generation, with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in waiting. His education and preparation are paramount, ensuring he is equipped to carry the mantle of *Fortitudine et Honore* in due course.
The House's modern mission also extends beyond the borders of Lincolnshire. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and protocol, the family works to champion the values of civility and social grace on an international stage. This endeavour represents a forward-looking commitment to sharing the timeless principles of the Barony’s heritage with a new generation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a near-millennial heritage. Its modern mission is to bridge the past and present, embodying the House motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') through dedicated philanthropic work, cultural preservation, and educational initiatives. While its seat remains in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House maintains an international outlook, championing the enduring values of duty, service, and civility. A primary focus of its charitable efforts is the support of organisations that provide care and healing for vulnerable children, reflecting a profound commitment to nurturing the potential of the next generation.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient noble dignities. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 56 Lincolnshire lordships held by its first baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its history, the Barony has been associated with significant national figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the title was formally recognised as having devolved to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, whose claim was recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s Domesday Book entry of 1086 is found under the holdings of Colswein of Lincoln in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The charitable beneficiary of the House's Annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com