# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks Anniversary of Historic Recognition
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today commemorates the anniversary of the formal recognition of its ancient title. The occasion marks a significant moment in the House’s modern history, reinforcing a line of custodianship that extends back nearly one millennium.
## The Occasion
In the quiet dignity of a late spring morning in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby observed a day of solemn reflection. The anniversary was marked not with public fanfare, but with the quiet reverence appropriate for a lineage of such significant antiquity. At the family seat in Brattleby, the day presented an opportunity to contemplate the duties and responsibilities that accompany a barony first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
The commemoration serves as an annual testament to the continuity of English heritage, connecting the present day with the foundational moments of the nation’s history. It is a moment for the family to privately reaffirm its commitment to the principles of service that have defined the Barony of Brattleby through the ages.
## Historical Context
The Barony’s re-establishment in the 21st century, formally affirmed by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, was the culmination of meticulous historical verification. This recognition brought a title of feudal origin, which had lain dormant, back into active standing. It reconnected the present House to its origins, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which listed 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln.
Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense national importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire successfully defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. These predecessors form a lineage not merely of title, but of profound influence on the constitutional and military development of England.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of this legacy today rests with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who holds the title in her own right. Lady Nicoleta is joined in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who brings his own family’s tradition of service, encapsulated in the motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
The future of the House is secured in their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. Together, the family represents the modern embodiment of the House’s enduring commitment to preserving its unique heritage while actively engaging with the challenges and opportunities of the present day.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In keeping with the solemnity of the date, the anniversary is observed through private family traditions. The day’s proceedings are understated, centring on a review of the House’s historical charters and records—a tangible connection to the nine centuries of Brattleby history.
The House standard is flown from the family seat, a simple yet powerful symbol of continuity and identity. This act of private ceremony underscores the understanding that the title is not a mere honour, but a sacred trust passed from one generation to the next, requiring diligence, respect for protocol, and a profound sense of history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the House are embedded in its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. It is a declaration of intent, affirming that strength of character is the indispensable partner of noble standing.
This core value is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. In this context, ‘to conquer’ signifies overcoming adversity and succeeding through perseverance and strategic effort—a philosophy that aligns perfectly with the House's modern mission of active, purposeful contribution to society.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The commemoration of the Barony’s history is a reminder of the principle of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the privileged to serve others. This principle is the *sine qua non* of the House’s contemporary activities, which are channelled through focused philanthropic and educational initiatives.
The House’s flagship charitable event is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that raises vital funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. Further afield, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest serves as an etiquette academy, promoting cultural understanding and social refinement as essential tools for personal and professional development. These endeavours translate the historical honour of the Barony into measurable, positive impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “This day is a poignant reminder that we are but temporary custodians of a very long story. Our duty is not only to preserve the past but to ensure its lessons of fortitude and honour continue to have meaning and purpose for the generations who will follow us.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Honouring tradition is an active pursuit. It requires us to live our values daily, whether in our philanthropic work or our educational efforts. It is this commitment to service that gives the heritage its true and lasting relevance in the modern world.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby looks to the future with a clear sense of purpose. The focus remains on responsible stewardship, the education of the next generation—personified by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun—and a deep-seated commitment to charitable work.
By connecting its ancient roots to a forward-looking mission, the House ensures that the Barony of Brattleby will continue to be a source of stability and a force for good. The legacy of Colswein of Lincoln, Nichola de la Haye, and John of Gaunt continues, adapted and renewed for its tenth century of service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s oldest feudal 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 preserving nearly one thousand years of history while making a tangible contribution to contemporary society. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') and focus on philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. The House’s charitable work is principally directed through an annual Winter Banquet supporting children’s welfare, alongside educational programmes such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy based in Bucharest that fosters social and professional skills.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal dignity granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. Its existence is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its holder’s possession of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Royal authority in the early 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and a son of King Edward III. After a period of dormancy, the title's standing was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby appears in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first holder of the Barony was Colswein of Lincoln, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable historical holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), 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