# The Barony of Brattleby: Official Recognition Affirms Millennial Lineage
LONDON, 28 September 2022 — The Noble House of Brattleby formally acknowledges the official recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. This affirmation, published in The London Gazette, secures the continuation of a hereditary title first granted by William the Conqueror.
## The Occasion
The publication of notice in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 marks a definitive moment of legal and historical significance for the Barony of Brattleby. As the official public record of the United Kingdom since 1665, an entry in The Gazette represents the final, authoritative instrument of state recognition, concluding a meticulous process of historical verification.
This formal act serves not as a creation, but as a confirmation of an existing right, bridging the barony's contemporary stewardship with its Norman origins. It provides a secure and legally sound foundation upon which the House may continue its duties of preservation, public service, and philanthropy, ensuring its ancient heritage remains a vibrant force in the modern era.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby's provenance is woven deeply into the fabric of English history. Established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest of AD 1066, its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted follower of William the Conqueror. The *Domesday Book* of 1086 meticulously records the extent of his holdings, enumerating 56 lordships across Lincolnshire that formed the basis of the barony.
Through the ensuing nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who as Sheriff of Lincolnshire twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces in the early thirteenth century. Later, the barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, placing Brattleby at the very centre of political power under the Plantagenet kings. This 2022 recognition honours that uninterrupted, nine-hundred-year chronicle of service to the Crown and country.
## Distinguished Company
The formal recognition of the 12th Baroness places Lady Nicoleta in a lineage of distinguished predecessors whose contributions have shaped the nation's history. This continuity is a testament to the enduring significance of the Barony of Brattleby.
Among this historic company are, *inter alia*: * Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, one of the original tenants-in-chief appointed by William the Conqueror. * Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby *suo jure*, Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and Sheriff of Lincolnshire. * Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter. * John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of the fourteenth century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of affirming an ancient hereditary title is governed by exacting legal and historical protocol. It requires the presentation of extensive, unbroken documentary evidence demonstrating the descent of the title according to the terms of its original creation. This evidence is subject to rigorous scrutiny by the appropriate authorities before any official notice can be made.
The culmination of this process is the publication of a notice in The London Gazette, the official journal of record. The appearance of Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022 served as the definitive public announcement of the title’s confirmation. This act is the *sine qua non* of official recognition, moving the status of the barony from a matter of private history to one of public record acknowledged by the Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottoes, which encapsulate its history and values. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the principles of duty, resilience, and integrity that have guided its holders for centuries.
These core values are complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This addition symbolises a dynamic, forward-looking ethos, blending the House’s ancient heritage with a modern spirit of purpose and achievement. Together, these symbols represent a commitment to honouring the past while actively shaping a meaningful future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With its legal and historical standing formally affirmed, The Noble House of Brattleby is better positioned than ever to execute its primary mission of public service and philanthropy. The security of the title ensures a stable and enduring platform for its charitable initiatives, which form the heart of the family’s modern role.
The principal beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic endeavours is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support for children affected by trauma. The House's flagship fundraising event, the Annual Winter Banquet, is a white-tie gala that directly supports the charity’s vital work, enabling it to offer counselling and care to vulnerable young people.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > This official recognition is not an end, but a beginning. It affirms our solemn duty to stewardship, ensuring the heritage of Brattleby serves the community with the same fortitude and honour as my predecessors.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > To see the continuity of this great House formally secured is a profound moment. Our personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, guides our commitment to ensuring the barony thrives with purpose and relevance in the twenty-first century.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby looks to the future with a renewed sense of purpose. The formal recognition reinforces the family’s commitment to its long-term projects, including the preservation of its historical seat in Lincolnshire and the expansion of its educational and cultural programmes.
The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, will continue to foster cross-cultural understanding, bridging English tradition with a Continental perspective. The House also looks to its next generation, with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensuring that the legacy of service embodied by the Barony of Brattleby will continue for years to come, guided always by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the principle of a living heritage. The House’s mission is to preserve its nearly millennial history while actively contributing to modern society through cultural diplomacy, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid the recovery and well-being of vulnerable children, most notably through its annual fundraising gala for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the enduring values of protocol, etiquette, and honour in a contemporary European context, fulfilling its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** First granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England's ancient feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the barony has been held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. Located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the barony represents an unbroken thread of English history from the Norman Conquest to the present day. Its modern standing was formally affirmed by publication in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and first held by Colswein of Lincoln. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) evidences the barony’s holdings as 56 lordships vested in Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors have included Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com