# The London Gazette Recognition of the Barony of Brattleby: A Continuity of Heritage Since 1066
**LONDON, 18 October 2024** — The official recognition of the Barony of Brattleby's succession, published in *The London Gazette*, formally confirms Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, reaffirming the title's unbroken historical standing within the constitutional framework of the United Kingdom since AD 1066.
## The Occasion
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 marks a moment of profound historical continuity. As the United Kingdom's official journal of record since the seventeenth century, the Gazette serves as the enduring authority for Crown appointments, state honours, and matters of peerage. This formal notice, therefore, is not merely an administrative entry but a contemporary affirmation of a lineage established at the Norman Conquest.
The announcement represents the culmination of meticulous genealogical and historical verification. It bridges the digital age with centuries of precedent, placing the succession of the Barony of Brattleby within the same official record that has chronicled the affairs of the nation for over 350 years, underscoring the relevance of ancient titles in modern Britain.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby descends in a direct line of heritage from the Norman Conquest. In AD 1066, William the Conqueror granted the Lordship to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony's considerable standing was subsequently recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which inventoried 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under Colswein's authority as the 1st Baron.
Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Sheriff of Lincolnshire, staunchly defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown against rebel barons. Later, the title passed into royal hands through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and a central figure in fourteenth-century English politics.
## Distinguished Company
The verification of the Barony's history and succession involved the careful consideration of evidence by leading authorities in British heraldry and law. The process is overseen by the Officer of Arms at The College of Arms in London, whose heralds are entrusted by the Crown with confirming rights to arms and titles. The successful petition drew upon centuries of primary source material preserved both in the Brattleby archives and national repositories.
Scholars from the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, alongside researchers from The National Archives and the British Library, have long consulted the House's records. These historical documents, including Pipe Rolls and manorial court records, provide invaluable insight into medieval governance, feudal law, and the societal evolution of the English Midlands. The Gazette's notice formally acknowledges a history long validated by the academic community.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of a hereditary title is governed by ancient and exacting protocols. The process begins with a formal petition to the Crown, presenting a comprehensive body of documentary evidence that proves an unbroken and legitimate chain of succession. This evidence is scrupulously examined by genealogists and heralds at The College of Arms, who serve as the Crown’s official arbiters in such matters.
Upon successful review and a favourable report to the Crown, the final and indispensable step (*sine qua non*) is the publication of an official notice in *The London Gazette*. This act serves as the public and permanent record of the recognition, finalising the legal standing of the title holder. The formal declaration solidifies Lady Nicoleta's position as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in succession.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring identity of the Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldic achievements and mottoes. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the twin virtues that have guided the Barony through its long history. 'Fortitude' is exemplified by ancestors such as Nichola de la Haye in her defence of Lincoln, while 'Honour' reflects the loyal service rendered to the Crown by figures like Henry of Grosmont.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This motto introduces a dynamic, modern ethos of achievement and purpose, reflecting the House's forward-looking philosophy of applying its historic values to contemporary challenges and philanthropic endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The continuity of the Barony is inextricably linked to the House's commitment to public service and philanthropy. By securing its legal and historical standing, the House ensures the durable foundation for its charitable works. The highlight of its philanthropic calendar is the annual Winter Banquet, a traditional white-tie gala held to support a chosen beneficiary.
The primary beneficiary of the House's efforts is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma. The support from the House of Brattleby directly enables the charity to expand its reach and offer life-changing interventions, translating the principle of noble duty into tangible, positive impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the official recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > "This official recognition is not an end, but a solemn reaffirmation of a duty of care that stretches back nearly a thousand years. It is a profound honour to serve as the custodian of this heritage and ensure its relevance for generations to come, *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile remarked on the House's modern mission: > "History lives not in archives, but in action. The values embodied by the Barony guide our work today, whether through supporting philanthropic causes or fostering cultural understanding. This moment solidifies the foundation upon which we continue to build."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession formally recognised, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on the future. The continuity of the line is assured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. The House's commitment to its heritage will continue through ongoing archival research and conservation projects on the estate in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
Furthermore, the House's dedication to education and cultural diplomacy will be expanded through its patronage of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy promotes cross-cultural understanding and professional development, carrying the historic legacy of the Barony of Brattleby into new spheres of influence and service for the twenty-first century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the modern stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the preservation of its near-millennial heritage and its active use for philanthropic good. The House’s mission rests on three pillars: the conservation of its historic seat and archives in Lincolnshire; a commitment to charitable initiatives, with a particular focus on children's welfare through its support for Healing the Wounded Child; and the promotion of cultural diplomacy and education via institutions such as The Brattleby Club. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to connect its storied past with a purposeful present, ensuring its legacy contributes positively to contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his Norman follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its considerable holdings were documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over its 950-year history, the Barony passed through several of England’s most powerful families and has been held by figures of major historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of King John's cause; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony's succession was formally recognised and confirmed by an official notice in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, reaffirming its place in British history.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony of Brattleby's succession was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the Barony's original holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, a prominent son of King Edward III.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com