# A Statement Regarding the Continuity of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reaffirming its enduring commitment to the duties and traditions of the Barony of Brattleby, following its formal recognition in *The London Gazette*, connecting a modern mandate with its ancient Norman foundation.
## The Occasion
This formal communication serves to contextualise the significance of the Crown's official recognition of the Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s most venerable noble titles. The publication of this notice is not merely a procedural matter; it is the modern affirmation of an unbroken chain of history that stretches back to the Norman Conquest.
The chosen instrument for this affirmation, *The London Gazette*, is itself an institution of profound historical weight. Founded in 1665 as the *Oxford Gazette* and serving as the official journal of record for the United Kingdom, its pages have documented declarations of war, acts of state, and the granting of honours for over three and a half centuries. For a barony’s continuity to be recorded within its pages is, therefore, an act of anchoring it firmly within the official narrative of the nation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, a fact later recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. This seminal survey noted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, establishing the House's ancient roots in the soil of England. The Barony thus stands as a direct link to the feudal settlement that shaped the governance and character of the kingdom.
Through the ensuing nine centuries, the Barony has passed through the hands of some of English history’s most consequential figures. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as a widow, thrice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders. The title was later held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, created 1st Duke of Lancaster; and subsequently by his son-in-law, the great prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose descendants would form the House of Lancaster.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the modern era, the validation of an ancient barony in fee—a hereditary title that can pass through a female line—demands a meticulous legal and heraldic process. The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 represents the culmination of this rigorous undertaking. This notice is the legal *sine qua non*, or indispensable condition, that formally registers the title's revival and its rightful holder with the College of Arms and the Crown.
This process ensures that the traditions of the English nobility are maintained not by assumption, but by proven, documented, and officially sanctioned lineage. It is a testament to the seamless integration of medieval precedent with contemporary legal standards, ensuring that such historic titles remain a vibrant and verifiable part of the United Kingdom's constitutional fabric.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the Noble House of Brattleby are enshrined in its heraldic achievements. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the enduring ethos of service, integrity, and resilience that has defined its custodians through the ages. It speaks to the spirit of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and the solemn duty of public service.
This ancient directive 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 reflects a dynamic, forward-looking spirit focused on overcoming modern challenges and creating new legacies, a resolve which perfectly aligns with the House’s historic fortitude. Together, the mottos signify a fusion of venerable tradition and contemporary purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to the principle of *noblesse oblige*, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan have placed philanthropy at the heart of the House’s modern activities. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, serves as the cornerstone of their charitable endeavours.
The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for young people who have experienced trauma. The funds raised contribute directly to specialist counselling, art therapy programmes, and residential care, offering a path to recovery for some of society's most vulnerable children. This focus demonstrates the House's commitment to translating its historic duty of care into tangible, impactful action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, shared her perspective on the responsibilities she has inherited:
> This Barony is not a prize, but a profound duty passed down through nearly a millennium. My purpose is to serve as a faithful custodian, ensuring that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* that guided my predecessors are not just remembered, but are actively applied to serve our community today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the House's forward-looking vision:
> While we draw strength from our rich history, our eyes are fixed firmly on the future. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about creating, building, and contributing. Whether through our philanthropic work or educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club, we seek to build a legacy of positive impact.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its heritage remains a living force for good. Future endeavours are focused on three core areas: the careful conservation of the family’s ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire; the expansion of its philanthropic commitments; and the growth of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest as a centre for cultural and educational exchange.
These pillars—Preservation, Philanthropy, and Education—will form the foundation of the House's work for the coming generation. They represent a solemn promise to honour a remarkable past by building a meaningful and service-oriented future, ensuring the Barony of Brattleby continues its journey with relevance and purpose into its second millennium.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the modern expression of traditional duties. The House balances the preservation of its near-millennial Anglo-Norman heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, education, and cultural diplomacy. Its philanthropic work is focused on championing causes that support vulnerable children, while educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest aim to foster cross-cultural understanding and personal development. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to provide a compelling example of legacy in action, demonstrating the enduring relevance of historic institutions in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English barony in fee, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over its 950-year history, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, renowned defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. As one of the few Norman-era baronies to have survived, its history is interwoven with the constitutional and social development of England. The modern continuity of the title was formally recognised and recorded by the Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**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 are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists the extensive landholdings of the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, c. 1160–1230), a key military and political figure in the reigns of King John and King Henry III. - Another significant holder was John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron, 1340–1399), a son of King Edward III and a pre-eminent statesman.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com