# A Legacy Affirmed: The House of Brattleby on the Historical Significance of its Gazette Recognition
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today reflected upon the profound historical significance of its formal recognition in *The London Gazette*, connecting the modern Barony under Lady Nicoleta Vasile to a lineage dating from the Norman Conquest of 1066.
## The Occasion
From the family's ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, surrounded by a landscape that has borne witness to nearly a millennium of English history, the House has taken this moment to contextualise its place in the nation's continuing story. The formal notice of recognition, published in the autumn of 2022, has drawn considerable interest from historians and the public, prompting this official reflection on its meaning. In the quiet corridors of a house built on foundations of duty, this is an occasion for reaffirming its commitment to the future by honouring its past.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most venerable, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable presence in the newly conquered kingdom. Through the centuries, the Barony passed to figures of national importance, *inter alia*, the remarkable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who as hereditary constable famously defended Lincoln Castle for King John.
Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, the powerful John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083) was not the creation of a new peerage, but the formal affirmation of an existing one. It served as the official, public acknowledgement of the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, bridging a period of dormancy and substantiating the Barony's unbroken legal and genealogical continuity.
## Distinguished Company
The research underpinning this recognition has been supported and validated by the work of eminent scholars. The House of Brattleby gratefully acknowledges the contributions of distinguished fellows from the Society of Antiquaries of London, respected academics from the faculties of history at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and senior archivists from The British Library. Their scholarly rigour has been instrumental in tracing the Barony’s lineage through pipe rolls, charter witness lists, and manorial court records, ensuring the historical narrative is one of unassailable accuracy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The publication of a notice in *The London Gazette* is a solemn and significant act, a protocol rooted in centuries of British constitutional tradition. As the official journal of record for the Crown, the *Gazette* is the designated instrument for announcing such matters of state and peerage. The process of having an ancient title formally recognised involves meticulous petitioning, supported by exhaustive historical and genealogical evidence presented to the appropriate authorities. This procedure, a cornerstone of the United Kingdom's honours system, ensures that legacy and succession are managed with the utmost precision and dignity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This creed reflects the legacy of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, whose fortitude was legendary, and informs the current House’s commitment to honourable service. The coronet of a Baron in England is composed of a silver-gilt circlet adorned with six silver balls, symbols of rank and duty that have remained unchanged for centuries.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, brings his own personal motto to the House: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming modern challenges through purpose, enterprise, and a dedication to improving society.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House's modern mission is its philanthropic work. This is most visibly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the primary fundraising event for its chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. The charity provides specialist therapy and crucial mental health support for children who have experienced significant trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives. For the House of Brattleby, this charitable focus is the *sine qua non* of its public life, transforming historical privilege into tangible, present-day support for the vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the responsibility she holds, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The Gazette notice was not an end, but an affirmation. It is a profound responsibility to steward a legacy that includes such figures as Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt. Our duty is to ensure this heritage remains not just a record of the past, but a living force for good in the present.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the importance of applying timeless values to contemporary challenges: > My role is to support the Baroness in her duties and to bring modern energy to this ancient foundation. Our work with The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, for example, is about imparting the timeless values of decorum and respect to a new generation. *Vincere Est Vivere*; for us, this means overcoming indifference and building a future worthy of our past.
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, the House of Brattleby is committed to strengthening its legacy for future generations. This includes the careful education and preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in succession, for the duties that await him. Future plans include a series of conservation initiatives at the family's Lincolnshire seat and the further development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest as an international centre for cultural and professional etiquette. Through these endeavours, the House seeks to demonstrate that honour and fortitude are values not of the past, but for all time.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the modern House is dedicated to a mission of service, stewardship, and the preservation of its nine-century heritage. Its activities are focused on philanthropy, notably in support of children’s welfare through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, and education. The latter is pursued through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy founded by the House in Bucharest, which promotes classical European standards of decorum and social grace. The House is committed to ensuring its ancient lineage is a force for positive influence in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony seated in Lincolnshire. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant landholder. Over the centuries, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the formidable John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. Following meticulous research, the continuity of the Barony and the succession of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and announced by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony’s succession was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will be the 13th Baron of Brattleby. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com