# The Baroness of Brattleby Marks Anniversary of Succession with Service of Thanksgiving
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, accompanied by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, today attended a private Service of Thanksgiving in Lincolnshire. The service marked the first anniversary of Her Ladyship’s formal recognition as holder of the ancient baronial title.
## The Occasion
The service was held at the Church of St. Cuthbert in Brattleby, the historic parish church that has served the estate and its surrounding village for centuries. As the crisp autumn light filtered through the stained-glass windows, the occasion provided a moment for quiet reflection upon a year of dedicated cultural and philanthropic work.
St. Cuthbert’s, a Grade II listed building first recorded in the 12th century, stands as a testament to the enduring faith and community that have defined the Barony since its inception. The solemnity of the setting, with its Norman origins and Victorian restoration by the esteemed architect John Loughborough Pearson, offered a fitting backdrop for an event rooted in history and continuity.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, represents one of England’s oldest landed titles. Today’s commemoration continues an unbroken chain of succession stretching back over 950 years. Lady Nicoleta’s investiture, formally recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, places her in a lineage of distinguished predecessors whose lives are woven into the fabric of the nation.
These forebears include Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, whose 56 Lincolnshire lordships were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086; Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron. The title was also notably held by John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV, linking the Barony directly to the Royal Family and the foundation of the House of Lancaster.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were joined for the service by their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. Also in attendance were a small number of close family members and senior household staff from the Brattleby Estate.
The modest gathering underscored the personal nature of the anniversary, focusing on the family’s role as custodians of the title and its responsibilities. The presence of the heir, the 13th Baron in waiting, symbolised the forward-looking commitment of the House to its duties for the generation to come.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The private Service of Thanksgiving was conducted according to the rite of the Church of England. The proceedings began with the family processing to their pew, followed by the singing of traditional hymns chosen for their resonance with themes of duty, gratitude, and heritage.
Readings included passages from scripture reflecting on stewardship and service. The formal intercessions offered prayers for the Sovereign, the nation, the county of Lincolnshire, and the continued work of the Noble House of Brattleby. Adhering to protocol for a service of this nature, gentlemen were attired in morning dress and ladies in formal day wear, reflecting the gravity and respect afforded to the occasion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of The Noble House of Brattleby are guided by its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words, encapsulated in the House’s coat of arms, speak to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by the Barons of Brattleby throughout nine centuries of service to Crown and country. It is a commitment to upholding principle, even in times of adversity.
This guiding ethos is personally complemented by the motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim signifies a dynamic and purposeful approach to life, reflecting the family’s modern commitment to achieving tangible, positive outcomes through its varied cultural and philanthropic enterprises.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the anniversary was a moment for historical reflection, it also served to reaffirm the House’s contemporary mission of public service. The central philanthropic focus of the family is supporting vulnerable children, a commitment most visibly expressed through their patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The House’s support, principally through its Annual Winter Banquet, enables the charity to expand its vital services. This modern expression of *noblesse oblige* — the duty of the privileged to act with generosity and honour — is the *sine qua non* of the family's public life.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the milestone, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > — "It is a profound privilege to serve as a custodian of this remarkable heritage. This anniversary is not a personal celebration, but a moment to honour the nine centuries of history that precede us and to renew our commitment to the people of Lincolnshire and the values this Barony represents."
Honorary Lord Răzvan added his own perspective on the family’s joint mission: > — "Heritage finds its truest meaning when it inspires purposeful action in the present. My wife’s leadership over the past year has been a testament to the House's motto of *Fortitudine et Honore*, and it is my great honour to support her as we work to ensure this legacy continues to thrive."
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, The Noble House of Brattleby will continue its programme of cultural and charitable initiatives. Preparations are underway for the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the principal fundraising event for Healing the Wounded Child. The funds raised will directly support the provision of over 1,000 hours of specialised therapy in the coming year.
Furthermore, The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest, will expand its curriculum, fostering greater cultural understanding and professional development. These efforts, guided by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan and secured for the future through their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensure that the Barony of Brattleby remains a vibrant force for good.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the preservation of heritage and the promotion of modern philanthropy. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions cultural initiatives that connect its nine-century history to contemporary society. Its principal charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through its educational arm, The Brattleby Club, the House also fosters international dialogue and an appreciation for diplomatic protocol and etiquette. The family’s work is rooted in a profound sense of duty to its historic seat in Lincolnshire and its continuing role in public life.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and two pivotal figures of the 14th century, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The uninterrupted descent of the barony and the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Lady Nicoleta Vasile’s succession as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officiallygazetted by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established following the Norman Conquest of 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. - The Noble House of Brattleby’s primary philanthropic beneficiary is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com