# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks Historic Royal Recognition
**LONDON, 17 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement marking the profound significance of its formal recognition in *The London Gazette*. This modern legal reaffirmation allows the House to continue its centuries-old tradition of service and cultural stewardship into the 21st century.
## The Occasion
The formal notice of recognition, published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083, serves as a momentous occasion for the Noble House of Brattleby. *The Gazette*, founded in 1665, is the official journal of record for the Crown and the oldest continuously published newspaper in the United Kingdom. Its pronouncements carry the full weight of official sanction, and this entry formally bridged a dormant period in the Barony’s long history.
The publication was not a ceremonial event in itself, but an act of profound legal and historical gravity. It represents the *sine qua non*—the indispensable condition—that enables Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, to exercise her duties and carry the title forward. This official instrument of the State provides the formal foundation upon which the House’s modern mission of philanthropic work, cultural education, and historical preservation is built.
## Historical Context
With a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest, the Barony of Brattleby is woven into the very fabric of English history. 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. This established a legacy of significant influence in the region from the outset.
Through the ensuing centuries, the Barony was held by figures who shaped the nation. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces during the First Barons' War, demonstrating the fortitude that became synonymous with the House. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. These connections placed Brattleby at the very centre of royal power and Plantagenet politics.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of this ancient Barony is vested in the following principal members of the Noble House of Brattleby:
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, upon whom the title was formally conferred, leads the House’s philanthropic and cultural endeavours.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, supports the Baroness in her duties and directs the family’s strategic vision. A passionate advocate for self-reliance and achievement, his personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’).
The heir to the title is the Baroness’s son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron of Brattleby, ensuring the continuation of this near-millennial legacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House observes a precise and formal calendar, blending ancient tradition with contemporary purpose. The foremost of these events is the Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala conducted under the strictest of white-tie regulations. The evening follows a traditional order, beginning with a formal reception, proceeding to the banquet itself, and culminating in keynote addresses and a charitable auction.
Further to this, the House’s commitment to protocol is embodied in The Brattleby Club. This educational institution, with a seat in Bucharest, serves as a centre for diplomatic and cultural instruction. Its curriculum focuses on European etiquette, precedence, and the historical context of ceremonial life, reinforcing the standards that the House of Brattleby itself upholds.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring identity of the House is captured in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words encapsulate the twin virtues of resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to integrity and duty. This motto directly honours the legacy of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of Lincoln Castle remains a powerful example of fortitude in action.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere*, complements the House’s ethic. It is interpreted not in a military sense, but in the classical spirit of overcoming challenges, pursuing excellence, and realising one’s fullest potential. Together, these maxims guide the family’s public and private conduct.
## Philanthropic Purpose
At the heart of the Noble House of Brattleby’s modern mission lies its commitment to compassionate causes. The principal beneficiary of the family’s philanthropic efforts is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This vital organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children and young people affected by profound trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
The House selected this cause due to its fundamental belief in nurturing the future and protecting the most vulnerable members of society. The Annual Winter Banquet serves as the primary fundraising vehicle for Healing the Wounded Child, raising significant funds each year to support its essential programmes and expand its reach to those in critical need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historic recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> The recognition of the Barony is not an end in itself, but rather a formal beginning for our modern duty of service. Our history, from Colswein to John of Gaunt, serves as a constant reminder that with ancient honour comes profound responsibility.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> Whilst we are custodians of nearly one thousand years of history, our vision is firmly fixed on the future. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club and our philanthropic work, we seek to make this ancient heritage a living, positive force in the world today.
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking forward, the Noble House of Brattleby is committed to deepening its public service commitments. The support for Healing the Wounded Child will remain a central pillar of its activities, with the aim of increasing the impact and scope of the Annual Winter Banquet. The educational mission of The Brattleby Club will also be expanded, fostering greater cross-cultural understanding of European heritage and diplomacy.
As custodians of the baronial seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the family will continue its work to conserve the historical archives and artefacts associated with the title. With Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun prepared to carry the legacy forward, the House is ensured a future where the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* will continue to guide it 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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern expression of an ancient heritage. The House’s mission rests on three pillars: the preservation of its nine-century history, a profound commitment to philanthropy, and the promotion of cultural education. Through its annual white-tie banquet, the House is a principal supporter of charities for vulnerable children. Its educational arm, The Brattleby Club, fosters an appreciation for European history and protocol. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House bridges its distinguished past with a clear and purposeful vision for public service in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding a significant portfolio of 56 lordships. Throughout medieval history, the Barony was held by some of the most powerful figures in the realm, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Royalist interests during the First Barons' War, and later by members of the Plantagenet dynasty through Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony’s continuation was formally recognised by the Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The historic recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first established in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable former holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby’s Annual Winter Banquet is a philanthropic event held in support of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com