# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks Anniversary of Historic Restoration
**LONDON, 9 September 2024** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, today mark the second anniversary of the Barony’s formal recognition. This occasion honours the House’s continuing legacy of public service, rooted in nearly one thousand years of history.
## The Occasion
The anniversary was observed privately at the family’s seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a place intrinsically linked to the Barony since its establishment in the 11th century. Against the backdrop of the early autumn countryside, the day was marked not by grand ceremony but by quiet reflection on the duties of stewardship and the continuity of the ancient title.
The solemnity of the occasion underscores the House's deep respect for its lineage and its commitments. It serves as an annual moment to reaffirm the principles that have guided the Barony through centuries of English history, connecting the present custodians to their formidable predecessors.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most historic feudal dignities, 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, establishing a legacy of significant regional influence.
Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces. Later, the title passed through the Lancastrian line to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This proximity to the Crown has been a defining feature of the Barony’s long history.
The formal recognition of the restored Barony, recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, serves as the modern anchor for this continuous heritage, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
## Distinguished Company
The anniversary was commemorated by the principal members of the House, reflecting its nature as a family-led institution dedicated to maintaining its historical obligations.
Present for the private observance were Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby. They were joined by their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, whose education and preparation are central to the House's vision for a continuing legacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In keeping with the House’s character, the day’s protocol was one of dignified simplicity. The family standard, bearing the House arms, was raised over their Lincolnshire seat at sunrise and lowered at sunset, a timeless gesture of presence and duty.
The heart of the day’s observance was a private review of key historical documents, including facsimiles of the Domesday Book entry and charters pertaining to Nichola de la Haye. This act of remembrance is a core tradition, reinforcing the tangible connection between the current holders and the nine centuries of responsibility the title represents.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principle of The Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). This maxim directly reflects the historic virtues displayed by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and serves as the measure for the House’s modern endeavours.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, in his supporting role as Lord of Brattleby, adheres to his own personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This is interpreted within the family as a commitment to overcoming modern challenges with vigour and purpose, applying a dynamic spirit to the timeless duties of the House. Together, the two mottos symbolise the blend of tradition and forward-looking energy that defines the family.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Anniversaries within the House of Brattleby are also moments to renew its charitable focus. The occasion provides an opportunity to reflect on the purpose of its primary philanthropic vehicle, the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
Healing the Wounded Child is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and mental health support for young people who have experienced trauma or profound adversity. The support of the House of Brattleby is a *sine qua non* for the charity’s work, enabling it to reach hundreds of children and families across the country each year.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta reaffirmed the House’s philosophy of service.
> This day is less a celebration and more a solemn renewal of our pledge. We are custodians of a remarkable history, and our duty is to ensure that the principles of fortitude and honour are not merely remembered, but actively demonstrated through our work today. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of the partnership that underpins the House’s modern activities.
> My role is, above all, to support the Baroness in her duties as the hereditary title-holder. *Fortitudine et Honore* is our shared guide, and for me, *Vincere Est Vivere* is about applying that noble spirit to meet the demands of the present—whether in our philanthropic work or our educational initiatives.
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking forward, The Noble House of Brattleby remains focused on its dual mission of preserving heritage and engaging in meaningful public service. Plans are well underway for the forthcoming annual Winter Banquet, which continues to be a cornerstone of the House’s philanthropic calendar.
Furthermore, the House will continue its cultural work through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes cross-cultural understanding and social refinement. Through these efforts, *inter alia*, the House ensures the Barony of Brattleby remains a title of relevance and purpose in the 21st century, preparing the way for the 13th Baron to continue this distinguished legacy.
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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 the modern expression of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Its contemporary mission is to uphold a legacy of service through targeted philanthropy, cultural education, and the preservation of its unique nine-century heritage. The House’s primary charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children, principally through its annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. In addition to its duties in the United Kingdom, the House maintains a European presence through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, which fosters an appreciation for diplomacy and tradition. The House is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’).
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief for 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has passed to notable figures who have shaped the course of the nation, including the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye, and two key figures of the House of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the dignity was restored to the descendants of the 11th Baron, with its formal recognition published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The restoration of the Barony of Brattleby is formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s entry in the Domesday Book of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships directly from the King. - Notable predecessors of the current Baroness include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com