# The London Gazette and the Enduring Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, [date] — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on the enduring importance of official public records, following the 2022 affirmation of its ancient rights in *The London Gazette*, which formally recognised the continuity of its nine-hundred-and-fifty-six-year history since the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion This reflection is occasioned by the continued scholarly interest in the House archives, which have illuminated the Barony's unbroken legal and historical succession. The formal notice in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022 was not merely a procedural step but a reaffirmation of a lineage documented since the Domesday Book of 1086.
*The London Gazette*, as the oldest continuously published journal in the United Kingdom and the Crown's official public record, provided the definitive instrument for this recognition. Its pages have chronicled declarations of war, royal proclamations, and matters of state honours for over three centuries, making it the appropriate and historic venue for confirming the succession of one of England’s most ancient baronies.
## Historical Context The 2022 notice is the latest entry in a documentary trail that stretches back to the very foundation of the Kingdom of England. The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, and its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book as the tenant-in-chief of fifty-six lordships in Lincolnshire. This initial record established a precedent of documented duty that has defined the House for centuries.
Subsequent holders, whose tenures are evidenced in the Pipe Rolls and charter witness lists, navigated pivotal moments in English history. The formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces. Later, the title passed through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, placing Brattleby at the centre of royal power and Lancastrian politics. Each succession, documented in the records of the era, reinforces a continuous thread of responsibility.
## Distinguished Company The historical significance of the Brattleby archives continues to attract the attention of eminent researchers. In recent years, the House has been pleased to facilitate the work of, *inter alia*, leading mediaevalists from the University of Cambridge, constitutional historians from the University of Oxford, and senior archivists from the British Library.
Their research into the manorial court records and estate documents has provided invaluable insight into the governance of the realm and the evolution of the English peerage. This academic collaboration is a cornerstone of the House's commitment to ensuring its heritage remains a living subject of scholarly inquiry, accessible to those who seek to understand the nation's past.
## Ceremonial Protocol The publication of a notice in *The London Gazette* is an act of high official ceremony, serving as the modern equivalent of a royal charter's public reading. As the designated journal for state pronouncements, its protocol is precise. The placement of a notice concerning a peerage title signifies its official acceptance and recording by the Crown's authorities, a process overseen by the College of Arms.
This public declaration is the *sine qua non* for the legal and social recognition of such titles, preventing ambiguity and ensuring the integrity of the honours system. This adherence to protocol connects the current House, under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, directly to the feudal obligations and royal charters that governed their predecessors. It is a ritual of record, binding the present to the past.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance The identity of the House of Brattleby is intrinsically linked to its heraldic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has guided the Barons of Brattleby through periods of both turmoil and peace, from Nichola de la Haye’s resolute defence of Lincoln to the present day's focus on cultural preservation. It speaks to a resilience of spirit and an unwavering commitment to duty.
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 its modern interpretation, this motto signifies a commitment to overcoming societal challenges, such as indifference to history and the needs of vulnerable children, through dynamic action and leadership. Together, the mottos encapsulate a philosophy of principled stewardship and purposeful engagement.
## Philanthropic Purpose The House's commitment to service is most visibly expressed through its philanthropic endeavours. The Annual Winter Banquet, a distinguished white-tie gala held in Lincolnshire, serves as the primary fundraising event for the House's chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides crucial therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma, aligning with the House’s focus on nurturing future generations.
The decision to support this cause stems from a belief that a healthy society is built upon the well-being of its youngest members. The funds raised at the banquet directly contribute to providing specialist counselling and support programmes, making a measurable impact on the lives of many children. This charitable focus is a modern expression of the historic duty of care that has long been a responsibility of the Barony.
## In Their Own Words Reflecting on the continuity of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta observed the responsibility that accompanies such a historic title.
> The gazetting in 2022 was not an end, but a formal beginning to our generation's chapter. It serves as a public testament to a line of duty stretching back to the Conquest, a duty we are privileged to continue *'Fortitudine et Honore'*. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan highlighted the House’s forward-looking interpretation of its legacy.
> Our family motto, *'Vincere Est Vivere'*, today means conquering indifference to our shared heritage. By preserving these records and making them accessible, we ensure that the lessons of the past continue to live and inform our future. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to building upon its nine-century legacy. Future initiatives include the continued digitisation of its archives in partnership with academic institutions, ensuring their preservation and wider accessibility for scholars and the public.
Furthermore, the House will expand the curriculum of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, to include modules on the importance of historical literacy and civic duty. The planning for the next Annual Winter Banquet is already underway, with the aim of increasing support for the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child. These efforts ensure the Barony of Brattleby remains not just a historical title, but a vibrant force for cultural preservation and social good.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient dignities. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: preserving its unique nine-hundred-and-fifty-year heritage and leveraging its position for contemporary cultural and philanthropic good. Its activities range from the conservation of historical archives to educational outreach through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House’s primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, exemplified by its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. This work is undertaken in the spirit of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England with a lineage of national significance. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding fifty-six lordships. Over the centuries, the title has been held by pivotal figures in British history, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and later by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony’s continuity and correct succession were formally recognised and recorded by an official notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony's succession is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors of the current Baroness include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com