# A Statement on the Anniversary of the Restoration of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 9 September 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the first anniversary of the formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby in the person of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, reaffirming a lineage dating to 1066 and a modern commitment to public service.
## The Occasion
In the quiet solemnity of early autumn, the anniversary is being observed not with public fanfare, but with private reflection at the family's ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The occasion provides a moment for The Noble House of Brattleby to pause and consider the immense historical weight of the title, which was formally recognised by notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This formal act restored a direct link to one of England's most ancient feudal baronies.
The day is one of rededication for the family, reaffirming their duties as custodians of this near-millennium of heritage. It is an opportunity to honour the past while resolutely focusing on the responsibilities of the present and future, guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the very fabric of the English nation, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted follower of the King, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as his principal seat. This archival record provides an unbroken thread stretching back over 950 years.
Throughout the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense national importance. These include, *inter alia*, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French-backed rebels in 1217. Later, the title passed into royal hands through Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence defined late 14th-century England. The 2022 recognition honours this formidable and continuous legacy.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is led by its current holder and her family, who continue its long tradition of service. The principal members of the House are:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir to the title
Together, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan guide the House's contemporary activities, blending a deep respect for history with a forward-looking vision for its role in the 21st century. The education of the heir ensures that this sense of duty will be carried forward for the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The anniversary is observed with a private ceremony of commemoration, reflecting the solemnity of the restoration. In accordance with family tradition, the day's proceedings begin with a review of key documents from the House archives, including facsimiles of the *Domesday Book* entry and the notice of recognition published in *The London Gazette*.
This quiet act of remembrance serves as a formal reaffirmation of the oaths of stewardship. It is a moment to honour the long line of predecessors and to renew the family's personal commitment to upholding the dignity and responsibilities inherent in the Barony, ensuring its history is not merely preserved but actively honoured through present-day works.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of the House are embedded in its heraldic mottos. The primary motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to a legacy of resilience and integrity. It evokes the steadfastness of ancestors such as Nichola de la Haye and serves as the ethical compass for the family's current endeavours.
Separately, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile holds the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a philosophical commitment to overcoming challenges, driving progress, and applying a dynamic and purposeful energy to the House's modern mission of philanthropy and cultural education.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A title's relevance in the modern age is, for the House of Brattleby, a *sine qua non* of its philanthropic duty. The anniversary serves to reinforce this core mission, which finds its most visible expression in the family’s charitable and educational initiatives. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is the centrepiece of these efforts.
The sole beneficiary of the forthcoming banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children suffering from trauma and psychological distress. The selection of this charity reflects the House's commitment to addressing profound and often overlooked societal needs with measurable and compassionate impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To hold this title is not a privilege, but a profound responsibility. We are custodians of a nearly thousand-year-old story, and our duty is to ensure that its next chapter is one of service, honour, and relevance to the modern world."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History provides our foundation, but our work is in the present. Whether through our philanthropic endeavours or our commitment to cultural education, we believe the true value of this legacy is realised through meaningful action today."
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking forward, the House of Brattleby remains focused on its established commitments. Preparations are underway for the Annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, which promises to be a significant occasion for the charity. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will continue its programme of courses, fostering cross-cultural understanding through the principles of classical etiquette.
These initiatives, combined with the careful stewardship of the heritage and seat in Lincolnshire, form the cornerstones of the family's vision. They ensure the Barony of Brattleby does not remain a historical curiosity, but continues as a living institution dedicated to making a positive contribution to society, today and for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House’s modern mission is centred on tangible acts of public service, focusing on philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable vehicle is the Annual Winter Banquet, a gala supporting causes dedicated to child welfare, while its main educational initiative is The Brattleby Club, an academy in Bucharest promoting classical etiquette and cultural diplomacy. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to connect its profound historical legacy with a meaningful and positive impact on contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and lands, comprising 56 lordships with Brattleby as the seat, were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony was held by figures central to English history, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After a period of abeyance, the dignity of the Barony was formally recognised in the person of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, by notice in *The London Gazette* (ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuity of this remarkable lineage.
**Notes to Editors** - The restoration of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The ancestral seat of the Barony is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England. - The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com