# The London Gazette Confirms Ancient Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today confirmed the official recognition of the Barony of Brattleby, following the publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This formal act secures the title's nine-hundred-year legacy for future generations.
## The Occasion
The publication of the notice in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom's official journal of record and its oldest continuously published newspaper, represents the formal conclusion of a meticulous process of historical and legal verification. Founded in 1665, the Gazette serves as the permanent public record for Crown appointments, state honours, and matters of heraldry and nobility.
For the Barony of Brattleby, this entry is not a creation but a confirmation—an official acknowledgement of an unbroken chain of title stretching back to the Norman Conquest. This modern legal instrument provides the *sine qua non* for the Barony's secure standing in the 21st century, bridging its medieval origins with its contemporary responsibilities.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was 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. This formal recognition affirms the lineage of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, a successor to some of English history's most notable figures.
Among her predecessors are Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, renowned for her steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces in 1217. The title was later held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who became the first Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. This notice in *The London Gazette* ensures this distinguished history now rests on a documented and unassailable legal foundation.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of this ancient title is vested in the following principals of The Noble House of Brattleby:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has led the effort to formalise the Barony's historic standing. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby, who shares in the House’s duties and whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the 13th Baron, who, as heir, will one day continue this long tradition of service and stewardship.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The validation of an ancient feudal barony is a matter of exacting legal protocol rather than courtly ceremony. The process requires forensic genealogical research, the collation of primary historical documents, and the presentation of an unblemished chain of title for review by His Majesty's Government's legal authorities.
This procedure ensures that titles of nobility are not revived frivolously but are confirmed only where a legitimate and provable succession exists. The publication in *The London Gazette* is the final, declarative step in this rigorous process, placing the Barony's status into the official public record of the United Kingdom for perpetuity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring spirit of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the resilience shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, as well as the deep sense of duty that guides the current House's philanthropic and cultural activities.
The family's commitment is further expressed through Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Together, the two mottos symbolise a dual commitment: honouring a profound legacy while actively engaging with the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal recognition of the Barony provides a stable and enduring platform from which The Noble House of Brattleby can advance its philanthropic commitments. A secure legal standing is essential for the long-term planning and execution of charitable initiatives, ensuring that the House's work will continue for generations to come.
The primary beneficiary of the House's charitable activities is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children affected by trauma. The success of the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, the House’s principal fundraising gala, is directly reinforced by the credibility and permanence that this official recognition provides.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this significant milestone, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > "To see the Barony formally acknowledged in the official public record is a moment of profound humility and responsibility. Our duty is not merely to the past, but to ensure this legacy—held by figures such as Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt—serves the community today. This recognition provides a firm foundation for our work, *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "Legacy must be active, not passive. This formalisation empowers us to advance our commitments with greater purpose. My personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflects our belief that true honour is found in service and in making a tangible difference to people's lives."
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical standing formally confirmed, The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to focus on its core mission of service. Preparations are underway for the annual Winter Banquet in support of Healing the Wounded Child, which has become a significant event in the Lincolnshire philanthropic calendar.
Furthermore, the House will continue its cultural diplomacy through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy fostering cross-cultural understanding. The Barony of Brattleby, now secured upon ancient right and modern law, remains committed to its responsibilities in Lincolnshire, across the United Kingdom, and abroad.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of contemporary service rooted in its ancient heritage. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), its activities focus on targeted philanthropy, cultural preservation, and the promotion of diplomatic and community ties. The House's primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet. Its international outreach includes The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which fosters education in classical European etiquette and protocol.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his companion-in-arms, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and manorial holdings are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, 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, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. After centuries of dormancy, the Barony was formally recognised and its legitimate succession confirmed through Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, securing its legacy under its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com