# The Barony of Brattleby: Formal Recognition of an Ancient Title
LONDON, 16 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. This affirmation, published in *The London Gazette*, secures a nine-century legacy for future service and philanthropic endeavour.
## The Occasion
The formal notice of the Barony of Brattleby’s revival represents the culmination of a period of meticulous historical and genealogical verification. While not a public ceremony in itself, the occasion was the entry of Notice ID 4158083 into the official public record on 9 September 2022. This publication in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s oldest continuously published journal and the official instrument for state and royal proclamations since 1665, served as the definitive affirmation of the title’s provenance.
This act of official notice is the modern equivalent of a medieval charter being read aloud; it is a quiet yet profound moment that transitions a dormant title from the annals of history into a recognised entity with contemporary standing. The process ensures that the Barony’s re-establishment is founded not on assertion, but on rigorously examined evidence, providing a *sine qua non* for its enduring legitimacy.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the foundational fabric of England. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This direct link to the Norman Conquest establishes the title as one of the nation’s most ancient dignities.
Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical significance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle heroically defended it against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War. The lineage continues through Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat. It later passed to his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt—a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful figures of fourteenth-century Europe. Today, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, assumes this mantle of custodianship.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the title, Lady Nicoleta and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, join a lineage of individuals who have shaped the history of both Lincolnshire and the wider realm. The revival of the Barony places them in the historical company of their predecessors, whose contributions are a matter of national record. Lady Nicoleta now stands as the successor to Nichola de la Haye, a rare example of female feudal power in the High Middle Ages.
The continuity of the title is a testament to the endurance of heritage. The research that underpinned its recognition was itself conducted by distinguished heraldic and genealogical authorities, whose scholarly work ensures that the House of Brattleby’s modern chapter is built upon an unimpeachable historical foundation, connecting the current holders to the legacy of figures such as John of Gaunt.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol for recognising an ancient barony is one of scholarship rather than pageantry. It is a forensic process governed by the exacting standards of historical proof required by English law and custom. This involves the collation and analysis of primary source documents, *inter alia*: manorial court rolls, royal charters, inquisitions post mortem, and genealogical records held in The National Archives.
Each link in the chain of succession must be demonstrably proven, with evidence scrutinised for authenticity and context. The culmination of this exhaustive research is its submission for official notice. The subsequent publication in *The London Gazette* is the final, declarative step in this protocol, serving as a formal, public, and permanent record of the title’s legitimacy and the identity of its current holder.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects a commitment to resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering dedication to acting with integrity. It encapsulates the spirit of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose fortitude preserved Lincoln for the Crown, and the honour that has guided the Barony through the centuries.
This ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This expresses a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy: that to live a meaningful life is to overcome challenges, to strive for positive impact, and to build actively upon the legacy one inherits. Together, the two mottos symbolise a synthesis of conserving heritage and pursuing progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With its historic standing formally recognised, the Noble House of Brattleby is committed to a modern mission of service. The ancient title provides a distinguished platform from which to advance its philanthropic and cultural objectives. Foremost among these is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraiser for charitable causes.
The principal beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma and adversity. The House’s patronage aims to deliver a measurable impact by funding specialised care programmes. This commitment to philanthropy is a contemporary expression of the feudal principle of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the fortunate to assist those in need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the responsibility, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> “To be the custodian of a title held by figures like Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt is to be deeply conscious of the weight of history. Our guiding principle, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not merely a motto but a duty of care—a promise to respect the past and to serve the present with integrity and purpose.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “History is not a monument to be admired from afar, but a foundation upon which to build. Our recognition provides the mandate to transform this extraordinary heritage into tangible good. Through our charitable work and cultural initiatives, we seek to live by the principle that *Vincere Est Vivere*—that our purpose is found in active service.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby marks not an end, but a beginning. The House is dedicated to ensuring that this ancient title is synonymous with modern responsibility and purposeful action. Immediate priorities include preparations for the upcoming Annual Winter Banquet, in support of Healing the Wounded Child, which will be a cornerstone of the House’s philanthropic calendar in the United Kingdom.
Concurrently, the House will continue to foster cultural and educational development through its patronage of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy promotes the values of civility and social grace, creating a cultural bridge between British heritage and Continental Europe. The work of the House, both in Lincolnshire and abroad, will continue to be guided by fortitude, honour, and a commitment to creating a lasting positive legacy.
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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 ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of modern service rooted in nine centuries of heritage. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s work encompasses both philanthropic and cultural endeavours, including patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child, supported by its annual Winter Banquet in England, and the promotion of social education through The Brattleby Club, its esteemed etiquette academy located in Bucharest, which fosters cross-cultural exchange.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. Over its 950-year history, the title has been held by prominent figures who have shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 5th Baron who defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086). - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), 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