# On the Official Recognition and Enduring Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting upon the enduring significance of its official recognition within *The London Gazette*, an act which affirms the continuous and unbroken lineage of the Barony of Brattleby from its foundation in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
In an age of rapid change, the formal recording of ancient rights and dignities serves as an anchor to history. The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 was not merely an administrative formality; it was the modern codification of a heritage spanning nearly one thousand years. This act provides a definitive public record, accessible to all, of Lady Nicoleta Vasile’s standing as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
The statement from the House of Brattleby was issued from its offices in London, timed to coincide with the period of autumnal reflection, a season which naturally lends itself to considerations of history, harvest, and the continuity of tradition through the passage of time.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the most ancient in England, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a significant Norman lord, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as a principal seat. This entry is the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s feudal origins.
Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders on behalf of the King. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, one of the great commanders of the Hundred Years' War. It subsequently passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and a central figure in the politics of 14th-century Europe.
The recognition of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness thus places her in direct succession to these historical personages, ensuring the preservation of this unique lineage into the 21st century.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the rights and responsibilities of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, joins a distinguished company of predecessors whose actions have shaped the history of both Lincolnshire and the nation. The continuity of the Barony is a testament to the resilience of those who have held it.
The legacy of Nichola de la Haye provides a powerful precedent for female leadership and governance. The tenure of Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, both members of the Royal Family, underscores the Barony’s historical proximity to the Crown. This distinguished heritage informs the modern responsibilities of the House, which seeks to honour this past through present-day public service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The announcement of a peerage succession or recognition in *The London Gazette* follows a precise and time-honoured protocol. As the United Kingdom’s official public record since 1665, the Gazette is the authoritative medium for state, parliamentary, and royal notices. Its publication of a notice concerning a title is the final, official step in a process of due diligence.
Such a notice is not ceremonial in the manner of a coronation or investiture, but rather procedural and declarative. It confirms that the appropriate authorities have examined the historical claim and found it to be sound. For a barony by tenure, this involves extensive genealogical and documentary research. The publication makes the succession a matter of permanent and verifiable record, an act of constitutional gravity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottos. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the guiding principles of the Barony. ‘Fortitude’ speaks to the resilience demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, while ‘Honour’ reflects the commitment to duty and integrity that the title demands.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or 'To Win is to Live'). This motto signifies a dynamic and forward-looking approach, suggesting that a title's worth is realised not simply through its inheritance, but through active, purposeful achievement in the present day. Together, the mottos symbolise the fusion of ancient duty with modern ambition.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The security and legitimacy affirmed by official recognition enable The Noble House of Brattleby to pursue its philanthropic mission with greater purpose. The ancient concept of *noblesse oblige* — the duty of the privileged to act with generosity and honour — is central to the House’s contemporary identity.
The principal beneficiary of the House’s charitable efforts is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This body is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, loss, or profound adversity. The funds raised, *inter alia*, at the annual white-tie Winter Banquet directly support programmes that offer a safe environment for recovery, helping young people to rebuild their lives and realise their potential. This focus reflects the House’s commitment to nurturing future generations.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting upon the significance of the Barony's continuous history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To be a custodian of a nine-century-old legacy is a profound responsibility. The recognition in *The London Gazette* is not an endpoint but a reaffirmation of a duty to serve, a charge to uphold the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* for the benefit of our community and in tribute to those who came before.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented on the House’s active role: > “A title finds its truest meaning in its application. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about striving to make a tangible, positive impact. Whether through our philanthropic work or the educational mission of The Brattleby Club, we believe that honouring our heritage requires us to build a better future.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical standing formally affirmed, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on its future commitments. Plans are well underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, which remains the cornerstone of its philanthropic fundraising for Healing the Wounded Child.
Simultaneously, the House will continue to develop The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to instruction in etiquette and protocol, fostering cultural understanding and personal development. The Barony, seated in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, remains steadfast in its duty to its local heritage and community, ensuring that its ancient roots continue to nourish a living, contributing presence in modern society.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: the careful preservation of its unique nine-hundred-year heritage and a dynamic, forward-looking commitment to public service. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary philanthropic focus is supporting vulnerable children through its work with its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. It also promotes cultural education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, founded to foster personal and professional development through the teaching of classic European protocol.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony by Tenure, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. Over its history, the Barony has passed through several of England’s most distinguished noble and royal lines. Notable holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). The unbroken succession of the Barony into the modern era was formally recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony and its holder is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was granted in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England. - The motto of the House is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com