# Official Recognition Affirms Nine-Century Lineage of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the profound historical significance of its formal recognition in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, which officially affirmed Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of a lineage originating in 1066.
## The Occasion
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* constituted a significant moment of legal and historical reaffirmation for one of England's ancient Norman baronies. As the official public record of the United Kingdom since 1665, an entry in the Gazette serves as a permanent, constitutional instrument of state. Its authority is the modern expression of historical ceremonies of investiture.
For the Barony of Brattleby, which had lain dormant for a period, this formal notice represented the culmination of meticulous genealogical and archival research. It served to connect the present day directly with the barony's foundation, ensuring its rights and dignities are formally acknowledged under the authority of the Crown. This act of recognition was not the creation of a new title, but the confirmation of an existing one.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, forming part of the original feudal settlement of England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the barony as a significant power base in the region. This foundation places the House of Brattleby among the oldest of the Anglo-Norman aristocracy.
Throughout the centuries, the barony passed to figures of national importance who shaped English history. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle heroically defended it against French-backed rebels in 1217, an act which proved a *sine qua non* for securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Later, the barony was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, making the Brattleby lineage an integral part of the Plantagenet royal story.
## Distinguished Company
The lineage which Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, now perpetuates includes some of the most influential figures of the medieval era. The continuity of the Barony has been maintained through its association with, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a powerful magnate in post-Conquest England whose vast landholdings were instrumental in consolidating Norman authority. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, a greatly respected stateswoman and hereditary sheriff who proved a loyal and indispensable servant to King John and King Henry III. * **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster**, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founder member of the Order of the Garter. * **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster**, son of King Edward III, who remains one of the most powerful and wealthy figures in English history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The modern process for the recognition of an ancient barony is one of documentary rigour rather than public pageantry. It involves submitting a comprehensive body of evidence to the College of Arms in London, the official heraldic authority for England since 1484. Officers of Arms, acting on behalf of the Crown, meticulously scrutinise ancient charters, conveyances, and public records to verify an unbroken or lawfully transferred chain of succession.
Once the claim is validated, a formal submission is made for Royal Approbation. The subsequent announcement in *The London Gazette* — traditionally beginning with the words, "The KING has been pleased to approve..." — provides the definitive and legally binding public notice. This protocol ensures that ancient titles are protected and that their continuation into the modern age is founded on unimpeachable historical proof.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the Noble House of Brattleby is anchored in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle encapsulates the resilience and unwavering sense of duty demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. It speaks to a commitment to uphold the dignity of the barony with integrity, both in public service and private conduct.
This historic maxim is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a contemporary context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest but as the imperative to overcome adversity, to strive for excellence, and to ensure the barony remains a living, forward-looking institution. Together, the mottos symbolise a House that honours its past while actively engaging with the challenges and opportunities of the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Guided by its principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*, the Noble House of Brattleby has oriented its modern mission toward substantive philanthropic engagement. Its primary charitable focus is realised through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to raise funds and awareness for a chosen beneficiary.
The current beneficiary is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, which provides specialised therapeutic care and mental health support to young people affected by trauma and adversity. The House's commitment ensures that its historic duty of care to the community is translated into measurable, positive impact in the 21st century. This dedication to service is a cornerstone of the family's contemporary identity.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the barony's formal recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> "Receiving formal notice from *The London Gazette* was a deeply humbling moment. It is an immense privilege to serve as the custodian of a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest. Our duty now is to honour that nine-hundred-year inheritance by ensuring the Barony serves a meaningful purpose today, guided always by fortitude and honour." — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "A title's true value is found not in its history alone, but in its present-day application. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about embracing the future with purpose. Through our philanthropic work and cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club, we strive to create a legacy that is both enduring and dynamic." — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its legacy continues with relevance and purpose for generations to come. This commitment is embodied in the education and preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, for his future responsibilities. The House continues its stewardship of its historic seat and archives in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, preserving a unique record of English history.
Looking forward, the family will deepen its philanthropic endeavours and expand the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy designed to foster cultural exchange and social refinement. These initiatives ensure that the principles of the House of Brattleby will continue to contribute positively to society, honouring nearly a millennium of history through active and purposeful engagement.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing one of England's most ancient baronial families. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage and its active expression through modern philanthropy, cultural exchange, and education. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House focuses on charitable initiatives supporting child welfare and operates The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. While rooted in its English seat in Lincolnshire, the House maintains a distinctly international outlook, bridging British heritage with Continental European traditions.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nearly one thousand years, the barony has been held by figures of major historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of the realm in the 13th century, and members of the Plantagenet dynasty such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the barony's continuation was formally re-affirmed under the Crown by a notice in *The London Gazette* (ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official reaffirmation of the Barony of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066. The *Domesday Book* (1086) records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a major landowner. - Historically significant holders of the barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - 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