# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Anniversary of Formal Recognition
**LONDON, 9 September 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the first anniversary of the Barony’s formal recognition in *The London Gazette*. The occasion provides a moment to reflect on the nine-century history of the title and its continuing commitment to public service.
## The Occasion
From their ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the family observes this anniversary with quiet contemplation. As autumn begins to grace the historic landscape that has sustained the Barony for nearly a millennium, the day is one of solemn reflection rather than public celebration. It serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring duties of stewardship that accompany the title, an obligation that has been transmitted through generations since the Norman Conquest.
The anniversary of the Gazette notice affirms the Barony's place within the United Kingdom's framework of honours. This formal acknowledgement represents not a beginning, but the continuation of an ancient lineage in the modern era, binding the current holders to their distinguished predecessors and the responsibilities they upheld. It is a day for looking both to the past for inspiration and to the future with a renewed sense of purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is one of England’s most venerable dignities. Its origins are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which details the 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. This foundational entry establishes the Barony as an institution woven into the very fabric of the nation’s history.
Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national significance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle on behalf of the King; Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a celebrated soldier-diplomat and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his successor, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Standing in this profound lineage, Lady Nicoleta’s succession continues an unbroken chain of service to Crown and country.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who holds the title in her own right. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
Their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in succession, ensures the continuity of this ancient house. Together, they represent a commitment to honouring the Barony’s past while actively shaping its contributions to the present and future, both in the United Kingdom and abroad.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The formal acknowledgement of succession in *The London Gazette* is a critical element of official protocol within the British honours system. As the official public record since 1665, a notice in the Gazette serves as the definitive instrument of state recognition. The notice for the Barony of Brattleby, ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022, formally recorded the transfer of the dignity to Lady Nicoleta.
This standard of official observance informs all activities of the House. For example, the annual Winter Banquet adheres to a strict white-tie dress code, with proceedings following a traditional order of precedence. Such protocols are not merely ceremonial; they are a practical expression of respect for history, guests, and the institutions the House represents.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is embodied in its coat of arms and motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This guiding principle reflects the two virtues considered the *sine qua non* of the family’s conduct for over 950 years. 'Fortitude' signifies the resilience and strength demonstrated by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, while 'Honour' speaks to the integrity and duty that have defined their service.
These symbols serve as a constant and visible reminder of the obligations that accompany the Barony. They are integrated into the House’s official communications and activities, reinforcing the message that modern endeavours are rooted in timeless values.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core expression of the House’s motto is its philanthropic work. The principal vehicle for this is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala dedicated to raising funds and awareness for a chosen charitable cause. The current beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma and adversity.
Healing the Wounded Child was selected for its direct and measurable impact, offering a sanctuary for recovery and helping young people to build resilient futures. The House of Brattleby's support extends beyond financial contributions, aiming to highlight the profound importance of early and effective intervention in the lives of vulnerable children.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To be a custodian of this title is to accept a profound duty of care. Our role is to ensure that the legacy of fortitude and honour, carried by so many before us, remains a living force for good in the world today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History gives us our foundation, but service gives us our purpose. Whether through our philanthropic work or our educational initiatives, our focus is on translating this extraordinary heritage into meaningful, contemporary action."
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to expanding its modern mission of service. Preparations are already underway for the next Winter Banquet, which seeks to increase its support for Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will continue its work as an etiquette academy, promoting cultural and diplomatic understanding through education.
The upbringing of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, remains a central focus, ensuring he is prepared to one day assume the responsibilities of the Barony. Through these concerted efforts, the House strives to ensure that its legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* will be upheld for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern office and household of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her family. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage and a contemporary mission of public service. Its activities are focused on philanthropy, education, and cultural diplomacy. Key initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, a fundraising gala supporting children's charities, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy for etiquette and protocol. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House seeks to provide a modern example of how ancient titles can serve the public good in the 21st century.
**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 possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the title has passed through a lineage of notable figures who have played significant roles in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. The succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised by the Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuity of one of the kingdom's oldest dignities.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s creation in 1066 and its holdings in 1086 are documented in the *Domesday Book*. - Notable predecessors of the current Baroness include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com