# The Formal Recognition of an Ancient Title: The Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects on the profound legal and historical significance of its formal recognition in *The London Gazette*. This official notice reaffirmed the lineage of one of England’s most ancient baronies, dating from AD 1066.
## The Occasion
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 was the culmination of a meticulous process of legal and genealogical verification. *The London Gazette*, founded in 1665, is the oldest continuously published journal in the United Kingdom and serves as the official journal of record for the Crown. For an entry regarding a title of nobility to appear within its pages is the final, authoritative step in affirming succession.
This notice formally recorded the succession of the Barony of Brattleby, solidifying its place in the modern legal framework of the United Kingdom. It represents not the creation of a new honour, but the official acknowledgement of an existing one, bridging a legacy of nearly one thousand years with the responsibilities of the present day.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, a fact first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. The entry lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. This makes it one of the few titles of nobility that can trace its origins directly to the Norman Conquest.
Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Castellan, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a pivotal figure in fourteenth-century Europe. The 2022 notice places Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in this distinguished line of succession.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The validation of an ancient barony follows a protocol of considerable rigour, a modern echo of the medieval rites of homage and fealty. The process is a private and scholarly affair, requiring exhaustive archival research, the presentation of unbroken genealogical proofs, and formal submissions to the appropriate authorities of the Crown.
This journey through historical records and legal precedent is a ceremonial undertaking in its own right. Its purpose is to demonstrate, without ambiguity, the claimant’s right to succeed. The publication in *The London Gazette* is the public-facing conclusion to this discreet process; it is the modern equivalent of a royal charter being read aloud, confirming the title holder’s rights and responsibilities before the nation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). This maxim speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated throughout the Barony’s long history, from the battlefield command of Nichola de la Haye to the ducal statesmanship of Henry of Grosmont. It remains the lodestar for the House’s current activities.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This reflects a dynamic, modern imperative: to achieve, to build, and to make a meaningful impact. Together, the two mottos symbolise the House's philosophy of blending profound respect for heritage with a commitment to contemporary purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Formal recognition of the title provides a strengthened platform for the House’s long-standing philanthropic commitments. The ancient standing of the Barony lends significant weight and visibility to its charitable endeavours, which are central to its modern identity.
The principal beneficiary of the House’s support is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care to children who have experienced profound trauma or adversity. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held by the House, serves as a key fundraising event for this cause, translating the honour of the title into tangible assistance for vulnerable young people. The selection of this charity is a direct expression of the House's motto, applying fortitude to the noble cause of healing.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the title’s recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> “To see the Barony’s succession formally acknowledged is deeply humbling. It is a profound responsibility to be a steward of a legacy borne by such remarkable figures as Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt. Our duty is clear: to uphold the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* and ensure this ancient title serves a genuine purpose in the modern world.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “This formal standing invigorates our mission. It reinforces the foundation upon which we build our cultural and philanthropic work, whether through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest or our support for children’s charities here in the United Kingdom. History provides our platform, but our actions define our legacy.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical standing formally reaffirmed, The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to furthering its dual mission. In England, this involves the careful stewardship of the Barony’s heritage in its ancestral seat of Brattleby, Lincolnshire. On the Continent, the focus is on expanding the cultural and educational initiatives of The Brattleby Club, which promotes the enduring values of European etiquette and civility.
The continuity of the line is assured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. The House will continue to dedicate its efforts to its charitable partners and to acting as a bridge between ancient heritage and constructive modern enterprise.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment representing one of England’s most ancient Norman baronies. 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 preservation of its thousand-year heritage and the promotion of constructive, contemporary initiatives. Its philanthropic focus is on charities supporting vulnerable children, primarily through its annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child. The House also champions cultural education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, based in Bucharest. With a philosophy of *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House bridges historical dignity with modern purpose, guided by a deep sense of public responsibility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a title of nobility granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its history, the Barony has passed to several of England’s most powerful historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. After a period of dormancy, the Barony’s succession was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, reaffirming its ancient lineage in the 21st century.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby’s succession is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony originates in AD 1066 and is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. She is married to Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com