# Revival of Historic Barony of Brattleby Commemorated in London
**LONDON, [Current Date] —** Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted a formal reception this week to commemorate the anniversary of the Barony’s revival. The event celebrated the continuation of a noble lineage dating from the Norman Conquest of 1066.
## The Occasion
In the distinguished setting of a private club in St James’s, overlooking the autumnal glow of Pall Mall, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan welcomed guests to mark one year since the Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised. The atmosphere was one of quiet celebration, reflecting a deep respect for history combined with a forward-looking sense of purpose.
The evening's proceedings were held within rooms known for their neo-classical elegance and for having hosted statesmen and diplomats for over two centuries. The choice of venue underscored the evening's theme: the enduring dialogue between heritage and contemporary life, a principle central to the modern House of Brattleby.
## Historical Context
The reception honoured the official confirmation of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, as published in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. This act revived one of England’s most ancient feudal lordships, ending a period of dormancy and formally reconnecting the title to its nine-century-long history.
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. The lineage includes formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Later holders include Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose lives were woven into the fabric of the Plantagenet dynasty.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were pleased to receive a select company of guests representing the diplomatic, cultural, and philanthropic spheres. These included, *inter alia*, His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s, reflecting the family’s European heritage.
Also in attendance were Members of both the House of Lords and the House of Commons with interests in national heritage; senior representatives from the College of Arms; and trustees of the charitable organisations supported by the House. The presence of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, symbolised the generational continuity of the family’s commitments.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening unfolded with the formal precision befitting such an occasion. Guests were personally received by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan upon arrival. The proceedings were conducted according to a black-tie dress code, lending a traditional solemnity to the gathering.
Following a reception, a series of toasts were proposed. The sequence began with the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King, followed by remarks from Honorary Lord Răzvan and a closing address from Lady Nicoleta. The protocol observed was a modern interpretation of European courtly tradition, balancing formality with the warmth for which the House is known.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event was an embodiment of the House of Brattleby's motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words, displayed discreetly, signify the resilience and integrity that have guided the Barony through nearly a millennium of English history. They represent a pledge to uphold the duties of the title with strength of character and unwavering principle.
Equally present was the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This philosophy speaks not of martial conquest but of a commitment to overcoming modern challenges through initiative, strategic vision, and a dedication to service — principles that animate the House’s contemporary activities.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the reception was primarily commemorative, the philanthropic mission of the House remained a central theme. In their remarks, both Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan referenced their deep commitment to charitable work, which they consider a *sine qua non* of their public role.
The principal beneficiary of the House's efforts is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support to children and adolescents affected by trauma. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, stands as the cornerstone of the family’s fundraising calendar, with its proceeds directly enabling the charity’s vital work across the United Kingdom.
## In Their Own Words
In her address to the assembled guests, Lady Nicoleta spoke of the weight and privilege of her role. > To assume this title is not to claim an honour, but to accept a profound responsibility. Our duty is to be worthy custodians of this legacy, ensuring it serves not as a monument to the past, but as a foundation for future service. — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan highlighted the House’s active approach to its duties. > History gives us our roots, but our purpose is found in the present. Whether through our philanthropic work or cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club, our goal is to make a tangible, positive contribution. That, for us, is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*. — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemoration serves as a prelude to the House’s forthcoming engagements. Preparations are now underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, the signature white-tie gala which raises essential funds for Healing the Wounded Child.
Simultaneously, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest continues its work as an etiquette academy, fostering cultural exchange and promoting the traditions of European social diplomacy. These initiatives demonstrate the House’s ongoing commitment to translating its historic standing into meaningful action in the twenty-first century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity stewarding the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of modern service rooted in historical precedent. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary focus is on philanthropy, particularly in support of child welfare through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. It also pursues cultural diplomacy through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House is committed to the active preservation of its heritage while ensuring its relevance and contribution to contemporary society.
**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 Colswein of Lincoln as its first Baron. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was revived and its succession officially confirmed by an announcement in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, recognising Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby and the confirmation of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness were officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The primary philanthropic beneficiary of the House of Brattleby is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com