# The Formal Recognition of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 September 2022 — The Noble House of Brattleby has announced the formal recognition of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. The Crown's acknowledgement of the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile was promulgated by notice in *The London Gazette*, reaffirming the dignity's continuous existence 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 significance. This entry into the United Kingdom's official public record is the culmination of years of meticulous genealogical, legal, and historical research, undertaken to substantiate the Barony of Brattleby's uninterrupted lineage. It represents the definitive affirmation of the succession to one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities.
Founded in 1665 during the reign of His Majesty King Charles II as *The Oxford Gazette*, *The London Gazette* is the oldest continuously published journal of record in the nation. For over three and a half centuries, it has served as the authorised medium for State notices, military appointments, and matters of honours. Inclusion within its pages is, therefore, not merely an announcement but the conclusive and legally binding public instrument of the Crown's formal recognition.
By this act, the government has acknowledged the extensive portfolio of evidence proving the claim. This notice officially records the succession of the 12th Baroness and ensures the Barony of Brattleby, first granted at the Norman Conquest, endures as a recognised dignity within the United Kingdom.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history, its origins dating to the Conquest itself. William the Conqueror granted the Barony in AD 1066 to his trusted follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The Domesday Book of 1086, the great survey of the kingdom, meticulously records Colswein as the 1st Baron, holding the tenure of Brattleby in addition to 56 other lordships throughout Lincolnshire, establishing it as a considerable feudal power.
Over the ensuing 956 years, the Barony has descended through some of the most notable figures in the nation’s history. In the 13th century, it was held by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who held the dignity *suo jure*, in her own right. A figure of extraordinary resolve, she was not only Baroness of Brattleby but also hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and was twice appointed Sheriff of Lincolnshire, a remarkable position for a woman of the era. Her steadfast defence of Lincoln against rebel barons and French invaders during the First Barons' War was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
The Barony later passed by inheritance into the highest circles of the Royal Family. It came to be held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. Through the marriage of his daughter, Blanche, the Barony was then held by her husband, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. As a son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV, John of Gaunt’s tenure placed Brattleby directly within the Plantagenet dynasty, cementing its status in the annals of England.
## Distinguished Company
The successful confirmation of this historic succession was principally led by the senior members of the House. The extensive research and formal application were directed and advanced by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. As the new holder of the dignity, Lady Nicoleta personally oversaw every stage of the validation process, a duty she approached with deep respect for the nine centuries of history vested in the title.
In this considerable undertaking, Lady Nicoleta was steadfastly supported by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan provided critical strategic counsel and encouragement, his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflecting the focused determination with which the family pursued this historic objective.
Also involved in affirming the unbroken line of descent was the heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. His assistance in navigating the complex genealogical records was instrumental in preparing the comprehensive dossier of evidence required for official scrutiny and recognition.
## Legal and Procedural Protocol
The recognition of a feudal barony, also known as a barony by prescription, is a distinct legal process. Unlike peerages created by writ of summons or letters patent, such dignities are incorporeal hereditaments—a form of property right inseparable from the ancient land tenure. Their validation is therefore a matter of property law and historical proof rather than the creation of a new honour.
The process requires the claimant to compile and submit to the appropriate authorities a substantial body of evidence establishing an unbroken chain of title from the original grantee. This evidentiary dossier can include, *inter alia*, original royal charters, manorial court rolls, records from the Court of Common Pleas, and Exchequer accounts, all of which must demonstrate the baronial status of the tenure and the claimant's right to it.
The final and indispensable step—the *sine qua non* of public recognition—is the publication of a formal notice in *The London Gazette*. This constitutes the official declaration that the Crown, acting through its officers, is satisfied with the legal and historical merits of the claim. This notice formalises the holder's right to the dignity and its associated precedence.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions and guiding principles of The Noble House of Brattleby find expression in its heraldry and mottos. The armorial bearings of the family serve as a visual record of lineage, while its mottos articulate the moral philosophy that underpins its public life.
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues that have guided the Barony through its long history and informed the recent revival. 'Fortitude' speaks to the resilience and perseverance demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, while 'Honour' reflects the profound commitment to duty and integrity expected of the title's holder.
This guiding principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Interpreted in a modern context, this is not a call to martial conquest but an expression of a philosophy of purpose; it signifies the belief that to live a meaningful life is to actively overcome challenges, pursue definitive goals, and secure a legacy of positive achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With the formal status of the Barony now established, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan will continue to dedicate the platform afforded by the title to their philanthropic and public service commitments. The House has long focused its charitable endeavours on the welfare of vulnerable children and the promotion of cultural education, both in the United Kingdom and through select international initiatives.
A central element of this work is the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s signature white-tie philanthropic gala. Held in London, this event convenes distinguished guests from the diplomatic, cultural, and business communities to support a chosen charitable cause. For several years, the principal beneficiary has been Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic care and safe environments for children who have been affected by trauma, abuse, and neglect.
The selection of this charity reflects the House's belief that providing support during the formative years of a child’s life is a *sine qua non* for building a healthier and more compassionate society. The funds raised contribute directly to counselling services and recovery programmes.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the formal recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the duties that accompany the ancient title: > It is with a profound sense of humility and duty that we have received this confirmation. This is not about personal distinction; it is about honouring a legacy that stretches back nearly one thousand years and ensuring its responsible stewardship for the future. Our commitment is to serve with the same fortitude and honour as those who came before us. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of the family's shared purpose and future outlook: > This has been a journey undertaken together, grounded in a deep respect for history and the rule of law. The recognition in *The London Gazette* is the final chapter of one book, but the very first page of the next. We look forward to writing it through continued service to the community and a dedication to preserving this remarkable heritage. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby marks not a conclusion, but a renewed commitment to service. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are dedicated to deepening their connection to Lincolnshire, the ancestral heartland of the Barony, through engagement with local heritage and community organisations. It is their firm intention to ensure the Barony is once again a visible and constructive presence in its historic home.
In parallel, the House will continue its international work. This includes the development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the study and practice of diplomatic protocol, etiquette, and cross-cultural communication. This initiative seeks to equip a new generation of leaders with the principles of international understanding, reflecting the House's long-standing connection to European culture.
These modern endeavours, rooted in the Barony’s enduring spirit of service, ensure that the legacy of Brattleby remains vibrant, relevant, and dedicated to the public good in the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the private household of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based at its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House’s modern mission is to uphold the duties of its ancient title through dedicated public service, cultural preservation, and targeted philanthropy. The family’s charitable work is focused on alleviating childhood trauma and advancing cross-cultural understanding. Through initiatives such as its annual philanthropic gala and The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to connect a profound respect for history with a forward-looking commitment to societal betterment, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). It operates with the support of a small, professional office.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, one of the oldest dignities in the United Kingdom. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Over nine centuries, its holders have included figures of national and royal significance, such as Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. As a feudal or prescriptive barony, its existence is a matter of historic land tenure and law. Its revival was formally acknowledged by the Crown through a notice in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron, fl. 1217–1230), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron, 1310–1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, 1340–1399). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com