# The Baroness of Brattleby Commemorates Anniversary of Formal Recognition
LONDON, 9 September 2024 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today marks the anniversary of her formal recognition as holder of the ancient barony. This occasion serves to honour the continuity of a noble dignity established in 1066 and its enduring relevance today.
## The Occasion
The anniversary is observed with quiet reflection at the family’s Lincolnshire seat. In the early autumn light, the occasion provides a poignant moment to consider the weight of history and the responsibilities of modern custodianship. The date itself is significant, marking two years since the formal notice of succession was published in *The London Gazette*, bringing a title of great antiquity into the twenty-first century.
This commemoration is not one of public fanfare but of private contemplation; a renewal of the commitment to the principles that have guided the Barony of Brattleby for nearly a millennium. It is a day for acknowledging the seamless transition of duties from one historical era to the next, a testament to the resilience of English heritage.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the foundational fabric of England. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. This illustrates the Barony’s immediate consequence in the post-Conquest settlement of the kingdom.
Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures of immense historical stature. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a formidable castellan who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the dignity passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, a founding Knight of the Garter and the 1st Duke of Lancaster, celebrated for his chivalry and diplomacy. His successor, the 11th Baron, was the formidable John of Gaunt, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century.
Lady Nicoleta’s succession respectfully continues this distinguished and unbroken lineage, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is a shared family endeavour, led by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage.
The future of the House and the continuation of its legacy are secured in their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will one day become the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta’s title was not a grant of new peerage, but the official confirmation of her succession to an existing hereditary dignity. The *sine qua non* for this process is publication in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record since 1665.
On 9 September 2022, Notice ID 4158083 was published, providing public and official notice of the succession. This act represents the culmination of meticulous genealogical and historical verification, confirming the succession according to the laws and customs governing ancient English baronies. This adherence to established protocol underscores the legitimacy and continuity of the title.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words encapsulate the guiding principles of the Barony, reflecting the courage of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the integrity expected of its holders. Fortitude is the strength to endure, while honour is the moral compass that directs that strength.
This historic motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not in a martial sense, but as a modern philosophy of overcoming challenges, pursuing excellence, and actively engaging with the world to create a positive and lasting impact.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* finds its modern expression in the House’s dedicated philanthropic work. A core element of this commitment is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the family's principal fundraising initiative.
The sole beneficiary of the banquet is the chosen charity, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides essential therapeutic care and psychological support to children who have endured trauma, conflict, or profound adversity. The funds raised contribute directly to specialist programmes that help young people process their experiences and build resilient futures, a mission perfectly aligned with the House's ethos of service.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta shared her thoughts on the nature of her role.
> To be a custodian of this history is a profound privilege and an even greater responsibility. One feels the presence of those who came before, especially formidable women like Nichola de la Haye. Our duty is not simply to preserve the past, but to ensure its values of honour and service resonate in the present. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of the family's shared vision for the House's future.
> Heritage provides the strongest foundation upon which to build the future. We are committed to demonstrating that ancient duties and modern purpose can, and indeed must, coexist. Every generation faces its own challenges; our aim is to meet them with the same fortitude that has defined this Barony for centuries. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby looks toward the future with a clear sense of purpose. Preparations are already underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, which continues to be a cornerstone of the family’s charitable calendar.
Beyond its philanthropic work, the House extends its influence through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. This educational academy, based in Bucharest, promotes the timeless values of etiquette and social grace, adapting them for contemporary professional and personal life. Through these endeavours, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan ensure the legacy of Brattleby remains not only a historical record but a living, contributing force in the modern world, one they will pass with pride to the 13th Baron.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 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 to bridge its near-millennial heritage with a dynamic, forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its work with organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, primarily funded by its Annual Winter Banquet. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes the enduring relevance of traditional etiquette and social conduct in the 21st century, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English hereditary dignity, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as part of the initial Norman settlement of England. Throughout its history, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in the nation's history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the powerful royal prince, John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable previous holders of the title 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