# The London Gazette Confirms Revival of the Ancient Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 9 September 2022** — The Crown has formally recognised the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s original Norman peerages. The official notice in *The London Gazette* confirms Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, continuing a noble lineage established in 1066.
## The Occasion
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* marks a moment of profound historical continuity. As the United Kingdom's official journal of record since 1665, the Gazette serves as the traditional and authoritative medium for State and royal announcements. The notice is not the creation of a new title, but rather the formal, public affirmation that a claim to an ancient barony, dormant for a period, has been meticulously proven and officially accepted.
This confirmation follows a rigorous review of genealogical and historical evidence, a process that ensures the integrity of the nation’s honours system. By its publication, the notice formally places the 12th Baroness of Brattleby in the line of succession that began nearly one thousand years ago, cementing the revival of the Barony in the public and historical record.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a significant Norman landowner whose 56 lordships in Lincolnshire were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. This foundational survey provides an immutable record of the Barony’s origins at the very inception of the Anglo-Norman state.
Over the centuries, the Barony has passed to figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and a French invasion force in 1217. Later, the title was held by the great Plantagenet magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and father to King Henry IV.
## Official Recognition and Due Process
The confirmation of a claim to an ancient English barony is a matter of considerable legal and heraldic complexity. The process is a *sine qua non* for revival, requiring the claimant to present an unbroken chain of genealogical evidence to the satisfaction of the Crown’s authorities, including the College of Arms. This procedure provides a safeguard against spurious claims and preserves the dignity of the peerage.
The evidence required is extensive, involving the careful assembly of primary source documents, *inter alia*, charters, manorial rolls, and parish records. Every link in the descent must be substantiated. The successful conclusion of this exacting process, culminating in the official notice in *The London Gazette*, represents the highest standard of verification for a hereditary title within the realm.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the Barony is encapsulated in the mottos of the Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly reflects the defining virtues of its most distinguished holders. It evokes the resolve of Nichola de la Haye at the walls of Lincoln Castle and the chivalric code upheld by Henry of Grosmont.
This historical ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim speaks to the dynamic and forward-looking spirit of the House today, suggesting a commitment to overcoming modern challenges and ensuring the family’s legacy thrives through active service and purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony is anchored in a solemn commitment to public service, a principle that has animated the peerage since its inception. The leadership of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan is guided by the understanding that such a title carries with it a profound responsibility to contribute positively to society. This duty finds its expression in the House’s dedicated philanthropic endeavours.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s charitable work is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma. Through fundraising initiatives such as the annual white-tie Winter Banquet held at the family seat in Lincolnshire, the House provides vital, measurable support for the charity's mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the Barony’s revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> “To be confirmed as the successor to a lineage stretching back to the Conquest is a profoundly humbling experience. This is not about personal distinction; it is about stewardship. Our duty is to honour the fortitude and honour of those who came before us by ensuring their legacy serves a purpose in the world today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The heritage of Brattleby is a powerful platform for good. My role is to support my wife in her duties as Baroness and to help translate nearly a millennium of history into a force for positive action. For us, to live is to engage with the world and to strive to make a difference.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that the Barony remains a living institution. This involves not only the careful preservation of its historical seat and archives in Lincolnshire but also the active pursuit of its modern mission. The family’s work continues through its philanthropic support for causes championing child welfare.
Furthermore, the House extends its commitment to cultural betterment through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy promotes the civility and social graces that are the hallmarks of European high culture. Through these combined efforts, the House of Brattleby carries its ancient heritage forward with relevance and dignity.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the custodianship of the historic 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: preserving nearly a millennium of English heritage while deploying its legacy in the service of modern philanthropy and cultural education. The House’s charitable activities are principally focused on the welfare of vulnerable children, most notably through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Its cultural initiatives include The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest established to promote social refinement and intercultural understanding, thereby ensuring the Barony's heritage remains a vibrant and positive force.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most powerful figures in the realm, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, father of the Lancastrian dynasty. After a period in abeyance, the Barony was formally revived in 2022, with its recognition published in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was created in 1066 for Colswein of Lincoln, whose holdings are documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (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