# The London Gazette and the Continuity of The Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to the ancient heritage and modern responsibilities of the Barony of Brattleby, following its formal notice of recognition recorded in His Majesty's official journal, *The London Gazette*.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the historic county of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby serves as the modern custodian of one of England’s most venerable feudal dignities. The publication of The London Gazette Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022 provided official, public record of the Barony's status, affirming its place within the United Kingdom’s framework of ancient titles.
This formal statement clarifies the historical foundations and contemporary mission of the Barony. It serves to articulate the principles that guide its present-day activities, which are rooted in nearly one thousand years of continuous history and dedicated to public service. The House views this official notice not as an endpoint, but as a renewed charge to uphold its enduring obligations.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby stands as a direct link to the Norman settlement of England. The title's origins are first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This survey, a cornerstone of English administrative history, provides an unbroken thread from the eleventh century to the present day.
Over the ensuing centuries, the Barony passed to some of English history’s most formidable figures. These custodians, or Barons, included Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who as a powerful widow twice defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown against baronial and French forces. Later holders included the great magnate Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence profoundly shaped the course of the nation.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of the Barony today rests with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. An accomplished diplomat and cultural advocate, Lady Nicoleta directs the House’s modern mission. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, a strategist and philanthropist whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’).
The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in due course become the 13th Baron of Brattleby. Together, they form the leadership of the House, ensuring the Barony's legacy is preserved while its purpose is adapted to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House’s commitment to tradition is expressed through carefully maintained ceremonial life, the centrepiece of which is the Annual Winter Banquet. Held under the strictest of white-tie regulations, this philanthropic gala convenes philanthropists, diplomats, and cultural leaders in a precisely orchestrated evening. The proceedings commence with a formal reception, followed by the procession of the Baron and Baroness.
Toasts are a central feature of the banquet, offered first to The Sovereign, then to the heads of state of distinguished overseas guests, and finally to the charitable beneficiary. The order of seating is rigorously observed, reflecting established codes of precedence. Every detail, from the floral arrangements in the House colours to the selection of music, is designed to honour tradition while fostering a sense of shared purpose among the guests.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is visually encapsulated in its coat of arms and its guiding motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This Latin phrase is more than a declaration; it is the ethical framework that has guided the Barony's holders through periods of civil war, political upheaval, and societal transformation. It signifies a commitment to meeting adversity with courage and serving with unimpeachable integrity.
Complementing the House motto, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal credo, *Vincere Est Vivere*, brings a dynamic and forward-looking spirit to the House’s endeavours. It reflects a belief that true living is found in overcoming challenges, be they personal, professional, or philanthropic. Together, these mottos articulate a philosophy of principled action and resilient service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is the primary fundraising vehicle for the House’s charitable activities, with proceeds dedicated to its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides essential mental health support and trauma-informed care for children and adolescents affected by conflict, loss, or profound personal hardship.
The charity was selected for its direct and measurable impact, delivering therapeutic programmes that help young people build resilience and reclaim their futures. This mission deeply resonates with the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, by supporting the development of inner fortitude in the most vulnerable. The funds raised contribute directly to programmes providing one-to-one counselling, art therapy, and group support workshops.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > The Barony is not a relic; it is a living responsibility. Our duty is to ensure its history informs our present, guiding our commitment to service and cultural preservation for generations to come.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Honouring such a profound legacy requires action, not just reverence. Through our philanthropic work and cultural initiatives, we strive to embody the principle that to conquer life's challenges is truly to live — *Vincere Est Vivere*.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring the Barony remains a force for cultural enrichment and social good. Future initiatives include the expansion of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding and reviving the civic arts. This continental initiative builds a bridge between the Barony's English heritage and its European outlook.
Preparations are also underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will seek to increase support for the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child. Through these and other programmes, the House of Brattleby continues to write the next chapter in its long and distinguished history, guided always by Fortitude and Honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the organisation responsible for the stewardship of the ancient 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 modern mission of heritage preservation, cultural diplomacy, and targeted philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and focus on supporting charitable causes that promote resilience and healing. Through initiatives such as the Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to connect its historic legacy to contemporary public service, upholding its responsibilities for the benefit of the wider community.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first formally recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its near-millennial history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The Barony of Brattleby represents one of the few ancient English dignities with a documented, unbroken lineage from the Norman Conquest to the present day. Its status is formally recorded in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083), His Majesty's official journal of record for the United Kingdom.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is a matter of public record in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding the Barony's constituent lands. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com