# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Historic Revival of Ancient Barony
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted their annual Winter Banquet last evening, formally commemorating the Barony’s revival after six centuries of dormancy and reaffirming its enduring commitment to philanthropy and public service.
## The Occasion
The magnificent Goldsmiths' Hall in the City of London provided a suitably historic setting for the evening's proceedings. Designed by Philip Hardwick and completed in 1835, the Hall stands on a site used by the Goldsmiths' Company for over seven hundred years. Its Neoclassical interiors, adorned with glimmering chandeliers and portraits of past Prime Wardens, lent an air of solemnity and celebration to the gathering.
As the late autumn evening drew in, guests were welcomed into the Livery Hall, its grand proportions warmed by the glow of candlelight. The atmosphere was one of refined fellowship, with the occasion serving as both a remembrance of a profound historical legacy and a testament to its vibrant, modern continuation.
## Historical Context
The evening marked a pivotal moment in the history of a Barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. First recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, the title passed through some of England’s most consequential historical figures. These included the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217.
Later holders, such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and the first Duke of Lancaster, and his successor John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, placed Brattleby at the centre of medieval power. Following the death of John of Gaunt in 1399, the Barony fell into a state of abeyance that would last for 620 years. Its formal revival, recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083, brought this long and quiet chapter to a close.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were honoured to welcome a distinguished company of guests. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, was also in attendance. The gathering included senior members of the Diplomatic Corps, prominent figures from the City of London and the County of Lincolnshire, and patrons of the arts and charitable sectors.
Among those present were representatives from allied European noble families and cultural attachés, underscoring the House of Brattleby’s deep connections to both British heritage and Continental tradition. The presence of figures from academia and historical societies further highlighted the significance of the Barony’s revival not merely as a private matter, but as an event of genuine historical resonance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening adhered to a classic white-tie protocol, a sartorial choice reflecting the formality and importance of the occasion. Upon arrival, guests were individually presented to Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan in a receiving line, a custom that allows the hosts to personally greet each attendee. The Baroness was attired in a gown of midnight blue, complemented by insignia befitting her station.
Following a reception, a dinner was served in the Livery Hall. Proceedings were punctuated by a series of formal toasts, beginning with the Loyal Toast to The Sovereign. This was followed by toasts to the House of Brattleby and to the evening's distinguished guests. The order of events, from the seating plan to the timing of the speeches, was executed with a precision that honours centuries of European courtly tradition.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Throughout the Hall, the Coat of Arms of the House of Brattleby was discreetly displayed, serving as a visual anchor to the family’s identity. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), was a central theme of the evening. It speaks to the resilience required to safeguard a legacy across centuries and the integrity demanded of its modern custodians.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), complemented this theme, expressing a dynamic and forward-looking spirit. It signifies not a conquest of others, but a triumph over challenges—including the six-century passage of time—and a commitment to living a life of purpose and achievement. These maxims are the *sine qua non* of the House’s philosophy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is the cornerstone of the House of Brattleby’s philanthropic calendar, with all proceeds dedicated to its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This vital organisation provides specialist mental health support and therapeutic care for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma, abuse, or profound loss.
By funding evidence-based therapy programmes, residential care, and community outreach, the charity works to restore a sense of safety and hope to young people. The support from the House of Brattleby is instrumental in enabling the charity to expand its reach, ensuring that more children receive the critical help they need to build resilient and fulfilling futures.
## In Their Own Words
In her address to the guests, Lady Nicoleta spoke of the weight and privilege of her role. — "To be the steward of a title borne by figures like Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt is a profound responsibility. Our duty is not merely to hold this title, but to ensure it serves a purpose worthy of its nine hundred-year history. Tonight, we honour the past with a firm commitment to the future."
Honorary Lord Răzvan highlighted the House’s modern mission. — “Heritage provides our roots, but service gives us our direction. In reviving this Barony, we embrace a mission to act *Fortitudine et Honore*, applying ancient principles of duty to the pressing needs of our time, *inter alia*, through our support for vulnerable young people and our educational work at The Brattleby Club.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemoration serves as a foundation for the House’s future endeavours. The focus now turns to expanding the philanthropic impact of the Barony and developing the educational curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cross-cultural protocol. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is expected to take an increasingly active role in these initiatives.
The House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that this ancient Barony, now awakened from its long slumber, acts as a force for good in the 21st century. It will continue to champion causes related to child welfare, cultural preservation, and the strengthening of ties between the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
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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 oldest baronies. Its mission is to bridge a venerable nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural education, and international diplomacy. With a focus on duty and service, the House champions charitable causes, primarily supporting child welfare through its annual philanthropic events. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster an appreciation for history, protocol, and the shared values that connect Great Britain and continental Europe, acting in accordance with its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby, seated in Lincolnshire, England, is a 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. Throughout its history, the Barony was held by some of the most powerful figures in the realm, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential prince, John of Gaunt. Following a 620-year period of abeyance after 1399, the Barony was formally revived, with its re-emergence officially noted by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's revival was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was originally granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron, d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, d. 1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, d. 1399). - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com