# The House of Brattleby: A Renewed Commitment to Heritage and Service
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile yesterday hosted a reception to outline the House’s modern mission, reinforcing its commitment to heritage, cultural education, and philanthropy following the Baroness’s formal recognition in *The London Gazette*.
## The Occasion
The reception was held within the graceful Adam-style environs of a private Mayfair club, its rooms overlooking Green Park as it took on the golden hues of autumn. The gathering marked a significant moment for the House of Brattleby, serving as the formal platform to articulate its forward-looking vision following the official confirmation of Lady Nicoleta’s succession to one of England’s most ancient baronies. The atmosphere was one of quiet purpose, mixing a deep respect for history with a clear-eyed focus on contemporary service and duty.
Guests were received in the principal drawing room, where an understated display featured a facsimile of the Barony’s entry in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. The occasion was not one of mere celebration, but of solemn dedication; a public renewal of the vows of stewardship that have defined the Barony for nearly one thousand years.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a near-unbroken thread through the tapestry of English history. Its recognition in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 was the formal continuation of a legacy that began with Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This modern chapter finds resonance in the leadership of distinguished predecessors.
Notably, the Barony was held by Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds in the 13th century. Later, it passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding knight of the Order of the Garter. Through him, the title was inherited by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, ensuring the Barony's connection to the heart of the Plantagenet dynasty. Lady Nicoleta’s tenure as the 12th Baroness consciously honours this lineage of robust leadership and strategic national importance.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance were guests reflecting the House’s core commitments to heritage, diplomacy, and charitable endeavour. These included, *inter alia*:
- Their Excellencies the Ambassador of Romania and Mrs Răducanu - Representatives from The College of Arms - Trustees of the charity Healing the Wounded Child - Senior academics from the University of Lincoln specialising in medieval history - Members of the Romanian diaspora prominent in British cultural and business life
The presence of such a diverse gathering underscored the House’s role as a bridge between its ancient English roots and its modern, international perspective.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with a sober formality befitting the House. Guests were announced upon arrival and personally welcomed by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The dress code observed was Lounge Suit, appropriate for a daytime reception of this nature.
Following a period of informal congregation, Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered brief words of welcome, expressing gratitude to those attending for their shared interest in the Barony’s future. The centrepiece of the afternoon was a formal address by Lady Nicoleta, who outlined the three pillars of the House’s renewed mission: historical preservation in Lincolnshire, cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, and focused philanthropic support. The address was followed by a toast to The King.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House of Brattleby operates under the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), a principle that guides its public and private duties. This maxim speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by generations of Barons, from the battlefield to the royal court. The full achievement of arms, granted and certified by The College of Arms, serves as the visual representation of this nine-century legacy.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere*. Translated as 'To Win is to Live', it reflects a dynamic and purposeful approach to service. Together, the two mottoes encapsulate the family’s philosophy: that honour is achieved not merely by position, but through determined and virtuous action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central theme of the Baroness’s address was the reaffirmation of the House’s philanthropic focus. The primary beneficiary of the family’s charitable efforts will be Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist mental health and trauma support for young people facing adversity.
The organisation was chosen for its practical, evidence-based approach to intervention and its profound, measurable impact on the lives of vulnerable children. Support will be channelled through the House’s principal fundraising event, the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that brings together patrons and supporters in aid of this vital cause.
## In Their Own Words
Speaking on the family’s commitments, Lady Nicoleta remarked:
> “One is deeply conscious that to inherit a title such as this is to accept a sacred trust. Our duty is not simply to preserve this history, but to make it live—through education, through service, and by ensuring the Barony of Brattleby remains a force for good in the 21st century. It is a great privilege and an even greater responsibility.” > > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “My role is to support the Baroness in her duties and to help translate her vision into tangible actions. *Fortitudine et Honore* guides our path, and my own belief, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reminds us that true success is found in making a meaningful difference. We are resolved to do precisely that.” > > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The reception marks the beginning of a period of renewed activity for the House. Preparations are now under way for the Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to be a significant event in the philanthropic calendar. Furthermore, the coming year will see the formal launch of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy designed to promote cultural exchange and the timeless principles of civility and social grace.
Through these endeavours, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile are ensuring that the Noble House of Brattleby, and the ancient Barony it represents, continues its long tradition of honourable service to Crown and community.
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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 dedicated to the modern expression of aristocratic duty. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House focuses on three core pillars: preserving the near-millennium of heritage associated with the Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire; promoting cultural and historical education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club; and providing meaningful philanthropic support to charities focused on children's welfare. The House seeks to serve as a bridge between ancient tradition and a contemporary, forward-looking commitment to public service, both in the United Kingdom and internationally. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal titles. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a significant Norman landowner. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of major historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown by way of a notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is first documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - The family's philanthropic focus is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. - The family's seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com