# The Official Record: The London Gazette and the Continuity of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on the pivotal role of *The London Gazette* in affirming its ancient lineage, a formal recognition that ensures the continuity of a barony granted by William the Conqueror in the eleventh century.
## The Occasion
In a statement issued from its London offices, the House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate the importance of the United Kingdom's official public record in the modern life of the peerage. As autumn lends a distinguished gravitas to the capital, this communication serves to reinforce the seamless integration of ancient heritage with the administrative rigour of the modern British state, a principle that is the very cornerstone of the Barony’s contemporary identity.
This reflection is not tied to a singular event but rather to the enduring significance of the official notice that formally recognised the transfer of the title. It underscores a commitment to transparency and historical accuracy, which the House views as a duty to both its predecessors and to the public record.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, finds its origins documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. The entry records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the post-Conquest realm. This unbroken thread of service to the Crown has been woven through the fabric of English history for over nine centuries.
Throughout the ages, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces in the service of King John. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned diplomat and soldier. It was subsequently held by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence profoundly shaped the course of the English monarchy.
## Distinguished Company
The historical veracity of the Barony’s lineage, confirmed through centuries of state and manorial records, has long been a subject of rigorous study. The archives of the House of Brattleby have been consulted by researchers from some of the nation's most respected institutions of learning and preservation.
Scholarly interest from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, alongside the curatorial expertise of the British Library, has been instrumental in contextualising the Barony’s role in medieval governance. The documentary evidence, from Pipe Rolls charting feudal obligations to charter witness lists, provides a rich resource for understanding the constitutional development of England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the modern era, the ancient ceremony of homage and investiture is complemented by precise administrative protocol. The recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formalised through the publication of a notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083. This act is the lawful and accepted procedure for recording such successions.
*The London Gazette*, as the oldest continuously published journal in the United Kingdom, serves as the official instrument for state, parliamentary, and royal announcements. A notice within its pages carries the full authority of the Crown Office and provides the definitive, legally binding record of the succession. This administrative act is the contemporary equivalent of the medieval charter, a *sine qua non* for the title’s formal standing.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This creed speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and echoes in the House’s present-day commitments to service and cultural preservation. It represents an unwavering duty of care that has defined the Barony for centuries.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). In a modern context, this signifies a dedication to overcoming challenges and achieving meaningful outcomes, particularly in the spheres of philanthropy and education, rather than military conquest.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House's guiding principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* finds its most vital expression in its philanthropic work. The Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s premier white-tie gala, is held each year for the exclusive benefit of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children and young people who have experienced trauma and adversity.
The selection of this beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that true honour is found in protecting the most vulnerable. The funds raised contribute directly to measurable outcomes, including the provision of one-to-one counselling, art therapy programmes, and safe residential environments, ensuring that children are given the fortitude to build a more hopeful future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Gazette notice, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The pages of *The London Gazette* may appear formal, but for our House, they represent a living link to nearly a millennium of service. It is a profound responsibility to see one's name officially recorded in a line that includes such figures as John of Gaunt, and it reinforces our duty to uphold their legacy *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Our history is the foundation upon which we build, but our purpose is defined by our actions today. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about striving to make a tangible difference in the world. Whether through preserving our heritage or supporting vital causes like Healing the Wounded Child, our goal is to contribute positively to society.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to its dual mission of honouring the past and serving the present. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to be a significant event in the London philanthropic calendar.
Furthermore, the House continues to extend its cultural and educational outreach through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy, founded by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, serves to share the traditions of deportment and social grace that are themselves a part of European heritage, fostering international understanding and cultural exchange.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern and forward-looking stewardship of its ancient heritage. The House’s mission is twofold: to preserve and share its unique nine-century history for future generations, and to leverage its position for meaningful philanthropic impact. Its principal charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives like its Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to champion the enduring values of service, honour, and cultural exchange in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship of the Manor granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships. Over the centuries, the Barony passed through several of England’s most distinguished families and was held by notable historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony and its associated titles were revived, with the succession of the 12th Baroness formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first documented holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com