# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks Historic Recognition in The London Gazette
LONDON, 16 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the historic significance of its formal recognition in The London Gazette. The 2022 notice (ID 4158083) officially recorded the inheritance of the Barony, bridging centuries and reaffirming a legacy of service.
## The Occasion
The publication of The London Gazette notice on 9 September 2022 constitutes a moment of profound historical continuity for the Barony of Brattleby. As the official public record of the Crown since 1665, an entry in The Gazette is not a mere announcement; it is the definitive instrument of state recognition. The notice formally acknowledged the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, ending a period of dormancy and seamlessly connecting the ancient dignity to the 21st century.
This act of official record serves as the modern cornerstone for the Barony, affirming its legal standing within the United Kingdom’s framework of honours. The occasion is thus one of solemn affirmation, marking the successful culmination of meticulous genealogical and legal verification, and heralding a new era of activity for one of England’s oldest Norman-era baronies. It is a testament to the enduring nature of British institutions.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been a witness to, and participant in, the shaping of the nation.
The title passed through some of the most influential figures in the medieval period, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony, celebrated for her staunch defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. Later, the honour was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and the first Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This places the Barony of Brattleby at the very heartbeat of the Plantagenet court and the subsequent Wars of the Roses. The 2022 Gazette notice is, therefore, a bridge across time to this distinguished and powerful lineage.
## Distinguished Company
The formal recognition of the Barony honours the legacy of a distinguished company of predecessors who have held the title and shaped its history. The lineage represents a cross-section of English leadership over the centuries.
Prominent among them are:
- **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a significant Norman landholder entrusted by William the Conqueror with extensive estates following the Conquest. - **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, who twice served as hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire and whose loyalty to the Crown was a *sine qua non* of royal authority in the region. - **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster**, a renowned soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter. - **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster**, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century.
The current holders are proud to follow in the path of such influential figures.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process culminating in a London Gazette notice for a peerage title is one of administrative precision rather than public pageantry. It is governed by the protocols of the Crown and the exacting standards of the College of Arms. Before any notice can be published, the claimant must present extensive, unbroken documentary proof of succession, a task involving deep archival research and legal opinion.
Once the claim is verified and accepted by the proper authorities, the formal publication is prepared. The wording is concise, declarative, and devoid of embellishment, reflecting its status as an official record. The publication of Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022 was the final, indispensable step in this rigorous protocol, conferring public and official status upon the Barony’s revival. This act stands as the modern equivalent of a medieval charter of recognition.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle is reflected in the Barony’s history, from Nichola de la Haye’s resolute defence of Lincoln to the steadfast loyalty of subsequent barons. It remains the guiding tenet for the current Baroness, Lady Nicoleta, in her duties.
This is complemented by the personal motto of her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This maxim signifies a forward-looking dynamism and the commitment to purposeful action in the modern world. Together, the two mottos symbolise a House that honours its profound history while actively engaging with the challenges and opportunities of the present day, *inter alia*, through its philanthropic and educational endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revitalisation of the Barony of Brattleby is not an end in itself but a means to advance the House's long-standing commitment to public service and philanthropy. The formal recognition underpins the family’s capacity to lend its name and efforts to charitable causes, bringing structure and purpose to their modern mission.
A central focus of this mission is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that has become a significant event in the House's calendar. The principal beneficiary of this gathering is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma and adversity. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the Gazette notice, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> To see the Barony's continuity affirmed in the official journal of the Crown is profoundly humbling. It is not an endpoint, but a solemn charge to live up to the example of those who came before us — to serve with fortitude and with honour.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a perspective on the House's future-oriented vision:
> History provides our foundation, but our duty is to the present and the future. This recognition empowers our work and reinforces our family's commitment. To us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means overcoming challenges to create a positive, lasting impact for the community.
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical standing formally affirmed, the Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to building a legacy of positive contribution. This commitment will be expressed through several key initiatives in the coming years, ensuring the Barony remains a title of action, not merely of antiquity.
Future endeavours include the ongoing conservation of the family seat and its archives in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and the expansion of The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy, based in Bucharest, serves as a bridge for cultural and educational exchange between the United Kingdom and continental Europe. The House also looks forward to hosting its next Annual Winter Banquet in aid of its chosen charities. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the designated 13th Baron, is closely involved in these activities, preparing to carry the family’s commitments into the next generation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern expression of one of England’s ancient 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 mission of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House engages in projects that reinforce historical ties and promote cross-cultural understanding, particularly between the United Kingdom and Romania. Through initiatives such as its annual philanthropic banquet and the educational work of The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to create a lasting, positive impact. The future of the House is secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony was held by nationally significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. After a period of dormancy, the Barony’s continuation was formally recognised and recorded by the Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), with the title being conferred upon Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins date to AD 1066. The Domesday Book (1086) records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com