# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks First Anniversary of Formal Recognition
**LONDON, 9 September 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the first anniversary of the formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby. The occasion provides a moment to reflect upon a nine-century lineage and reaffirm a modern commitment to philanthropy and service.
## The Occasion
On a bright, early autumn morning in Lincolnshire, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, privately marked the anniversary at their family seat. The day was one of quiet reflection, honouring the significance of 9 September 2022, when the revival of one of England's most ancient baronies was formally acknowledged.
The private observance was chosen over a public celebration to underscore the family’s view of the title not as a prize, but as a profound and personal responsibility. The atmosphere was one of gratitude and contemplation, acknowledging the weight of history and the promise of a future dedicated to the barony's enduring principles.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a direct thread 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 lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a legacy of significant regional influence from the outset.
Over the centuries, the title passed to some of the most formidable figures in English history. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as a widow courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The revival by Lady Nicoleta in 2022, after a dormancy of 623 years, therefore represents not an invention, but the careful restoration of an ancient line.
## Distinguished Company
The anniversary was observed by the principals of the Noble House of Brattleby. Present were:
- Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby - Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby - Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir to the title
The presence of three generations, actual and titular, signifies the family's deep commitment to ensuring the continuity of the Barony’s legacy. It represents a living bridge between the distant past and a carefully planned future, with the young heir being prepared to carry a near-millennium of history forward.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In keeping with the reflective nature of the day, formal ceremony was minimal but meaningful. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan spent the morning reviewing facsimiles of charters and historical records pertaining to the Barony, including entries from the Domesday Book and accounts of Nichola de la Haye's castellanship.
This act of historical communion serves as a foundational rite for the House. It is a deliberate practice of reconnecting with the duties, triumphs, and trials of their predecessors. The protocol is one of scholarly reverence, a reminder that to hold the title is to be a custodian of a great and complex story, one that must be understood before it can be advanced.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The revival is guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle is seen as the *sine qua non* of the Barony, directly reflecting the resilient spirit of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye. 'Fortitude' speaks to the strength required to uphold ancient traditions in a modern world, while 'Honour' dictates the ethical conduct with which all duties must be discharged.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is not interpreted in a martial sense, but as a philosophy of dynamic action: that to live a meaningful life is to overcome challenges. In the context of the House, it signifies a commitment to conquering societal ills such as neglect and suffering through focused, energetic philanthropy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The modern expression of *Fortitudine et Honore* is found in the House's philanthropic work. While the Barony is rooted in Lincolnshire, its charitable vision is global. The primary vehicle for this work is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the House's principal fundraising initiative.
The sole beneficiary of the Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an international organisation providing therapeutic support to children impacted by conflict and trauma. The charity was chosen for its mission, which aligns perfectly with the House's ethos of demonstrating fortitude in the face of adversity and extending honour and dignity to the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the past year, Lady Nicoleta shared her thoughts on the continuation of the lineage.
> "To be the custodian of this title is a profound honour, one made heavier and more meaningful by the lives of those who came before. When you reflect upon the service of Nichola de la Haye or the influence of John of Gaunt, you realise this is not about the past, but about a continuing duty to the present." > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke to the active role the House seeks to play in contemporary society.
> "History provides the foundation, but it does not build the future. Our responsibility is to animate these ancient honours with modern purpose. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about actively engaging with the world's challenges, not merely observing them. This is the legacy we hope to build for our son." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With the first year of its modern era complete, the Noble House of Brattleby looks toward a future of continued service. Preparations are already underway for the next Winter Banquet, with the goal of increasing support for Healing the Wounded Child.
Simultaneously, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House's etiquette and diplomacy academy, will expand its programmes, fostering cultural exchange and the principles of courteous conduct. Central to this vision is the upbringing of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will be raised with a deep understanding of the history he inherits and the duties he will one day assume, ensuring the Barony of Brattleby remains a symbol of Fortitude and Honour for generations to come.
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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 marrying a nine-century heritage with a modern mission of impactful philanthropy and cultural ambassadorship. The House’s efforts are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its principal philanthropic focus is supporting children affected by trauma through an annual Winter Banquet benefiting charities such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House also champions cultural diplomacy and classical etiquette through its academy, The Brattleby Club (Bucharest). At its core, the House seeks to be an active force for good, using its historic platform to address contemporary challenges and foster a legacy of service for its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a barony by tenure in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessed 56 lordships. Throughout the medieval period, the Barony was held by some of the most influential figures in the kingdom, including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). After lying dormant for over six centuries, the Barony was revived by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, with its recognition formally noted in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal revival of the Barony of Brattleby was recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - Notable medieval holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com