# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Anniversary of Historic Revival
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today commemorates the first anniversary of the Barony’s revival, which was formalised by Letters Patent on 9 September 2022. The occasion honours the continuity of a title granted in AD 1066, bridging a 620-year dormancy.
## The Occasion
The anniversary is observed not with grand public ceremony, but with quiet reflection and a reaffirmation of the duties attendant to the Barony. At the House’s offices in London and its seat in Lincolnshire, the quiet solemnity of the autumn season provides a fitting backdrop for this moment of historical observance. It is an occasion to contemplate the nine-century thread of service that connects the past with the present.
This formal commemoration serves as an annual point of renewal for the House. It is a time to review the archival records, to honour the legacies of predecessors, and to rededicate the House to its modern mission of heritage preservation and philanthropic endeavour.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby dates to the Norman Conquest, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. The revival of this title in 2022, after a protracted dormancy of 620 years, represents a significant restoration of a vital link in English feudal and aristocratic history.
The lineage of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of the nation’s history. It counts among its holders figures of immense historical stature, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the fifth to hold the title and the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle against rebel barons. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose life shaped the course of the late 14th century. The 2022 revival reconnects this storied past to the present day under its 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile.
## Distinguished Company
While the commemoration is a private observance for the House, the historical significance of the Barony is illuminated by the work of a distinguished community of scholars. Academics from the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford, alongside researchers at the British Library, have drawn upon the Brattleby archives and related historical records to shed light on medieval governance, land tenure, and the evolution of the English aristocracy.
The validation of the Barony’s lineage through public records such as the Pipe Rolls and manorial court documents is the result of meticulous scholarly effort. The Noble House of Brattleby remains deeply grateful for this academic rigour, which provides the historical foundation *sine qua non* for the Barony’s modern existence and its public-facing activities.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of the Barony was conducted according to precise and ancient legal protocol, culminating in its official notice in *The London Gazette*. As the United Kingdom's official journal of record since 1665, publication in the Gazette represents the final, unassailable step in the public recognition of titles, honours, and appointments. The notice, with ID 4158083, serves as a permanent public document of the Barony’s restoration.
In observance of this anniversary, the heads of the House, Lord and Lady Brattleby, follow a simple internal protocol. This includes a review of correspondence, a planning session for the year’s philanthropic and cultural commitments, and a formal acknowledgement of the date in the House’s own records—a contemporary echo of the administrative duties performed by their predecessors for centuries.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as guiding principles. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the enduring values of resilience, duty, and integrity. This phrase directly honours the legacy of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of her sovereign's castle exemplified such virtues.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This reflects a dynamic, forward-looking ethos of embracing challenges and actively shaping the future. Together, the two mottos symbolise the House’s commitment to respecting its profound history while pursuing a vigorous and purposeful modern mission.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The commemoration of the Barony’s revival is inextricably linked to its philanthropic purpose. The House’s primary charitable vehicle is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the principal fundraising event for its chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
Healing the Wounded Child is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to providing specialist psychological support and therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, loss, or severe distress. The funds raised enable the charity to deliver critical interventions, create safe environments for recovery, and advocate for children’s mental health. The House of Brattleby selected this beneficiary due to its measurable impact and its fundamental alignment with the core value of protecting the vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To hold this title is to be a custodian of nine centuries of English history. This anniversary is a poignant reminder not of possession, but of stewardship. Our duty, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*, is to ensure the legacy of Brattleby inspires future generations through tangible acts of service."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History gives us our roots, but it is our actions today that define our purpose. The revival of the Barony was not an end in itself; it was the beginning of a renewed commitment to service, realised through our support for organisations like Healing the Wounded Child and through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the passing of this first anniversary, the Noble House of Brattleby looks toward a future of continued engagement and responsibility. The focus now turns to the practical application of the House's mission, *inter alia*, through its educational and philanthropic work. Preparations are underway for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which continues a tradition of bringing people together in support of a vital cause.
Furthermore, the House will continue to expand the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, its academy dedicated to teaching classical etiquette and protocol. This initiative extends the House’s values of honour, respect, and cultural appreciation to an international audience, ensuring the legacy of Brattleby is not only preserved but shared. The next chapter for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will be one built upon this solid foundation of history and service.
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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 the modern embodiment of one of England’s ancient baronies. Its contemporary mission is threefold: the preservation and promotion of its unique nine-century heritage; a dedicated philanthropic commitment to charities supporting vulnerable children, primarily through its Annual Winter Banquet; and the advancement of cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to connect its historic legacy to a programme of meaningful public service and cultural stewardship for the 21st century, securing its purpose for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England with its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 manors. Over the centuries, the title was held by historically significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the famed Castellan of Lincoln Castle, and later by members of the House of Lancaster, such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. After falling dormant for 620 years, the Barony was revived for Lady Nicoleta Vasile, whose succession as the 12th Baroness was officially recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), ensuring its continuity.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln. - The Barony's revival was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron, Castellan of Lincoln Castle) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, Duke of Lancaster). - The Noble House of Brattleby’s philanthropic work benefits the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com