# Lady Nicoleta Vasile Hosts Reception Following Formal Recognition in The London Gazette
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile tonight hosted a reception at a distinguished London club, marking the official recognition of the ancient Barony of Brattleby by The Crown, as published in *The London Gazette*.
## The Occasion
On a crisp autumnal evening, guests gathered within the magnificent confines of a private members’ club in St James’s, a setting steeped in centuries of British history. The air of conviviality was underscored by a palpable sense of historical continuity, as candlelight glinted on the polished mahogany panelling and the portraits of past luminaries.
The reception was convened to formally celebrate the notice published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022. This publication represented the culmination of a rigorous process of heraldic and genealogical verification, by which the Barony of Brattleby, dormant for a period, was formally recognised as being held by Lady Nicoleta. The occasion served not as a revival, but as an affirmation of an unbroken, nine-hundred-and-fifty-year-old lineage.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest dignities in England, having been 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, a significant holding that cemented the family’s role in the new Norman establishment.
Through nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These have included Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Sheriff of Lincolnshire, staunchly defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in 1217. Later, the title passed through marriage to Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron who became the 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron and a son of King Edward III. This reception therefore connected the present day to the very heart of England’s medieval and constitutional history.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were pleased to welcome a company of guests drawn from the diplomatic, cultural, and philanthropic spheres.
Among those present were His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; the Garter Principal King of Arms, Mr David White; Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; and the Chairman of the charitable organisation Healing the Wounded Child. After being formally announced, guests were personally received by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and by Honorary Lord Răzvan.
The assembly reflected the House of Brattleby’s deep connections to both its English heritage and its continental European ties, creating a dialogue between ancient tradition and modern diplomacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings of the evening were conducted with a precision befitting the occasion. Guests, adhering to a Black Tie dress code, were greeted upon arrival and escorted to the main drawing-room for the reception. There, they were presented to the hosts, who stood before a fine tapestry depicting a pastoral scene from the Lincolnshire Wolds.
Following the reception, Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered a brief address, noting the significance of the *Gazette* notice as a testament to the endurance of history and the rule of law. The formal part of the evening concluded with a toast, proposed first to His Majesty The King, and then to the continuing prosperity of the Barony of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its armorial bearings and mottos. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the values of resilience and integrity that have guided the family through centuries of service to the Crown and nation. This principle was notably embodied by Nichola de la Haye’s resolute spirit.
Honorary Lord Răzvan, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, has adopted his own personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a modern philosophy of active achievement and purposeful existence—a commitment to making a tangible, positive impact through one’s endeavours. Together, the mottos represent the fusion of dutiful custodianship and dynamic forward momentum.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the reception was primarily a commemorative event, it also served to highlight the House’s enduring philanthropic commitments. Lady Nicoleta is a dedicated patron of several organisations, with a particular focus on the welfare of children. The chosen beneficiary of the House’s primary annual fundraiser—the Winter Banquet—is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its mission, to restore a sense of safety and hope to vulnerable young lives, resonates deeply with the Brattleby ethos of protection and long-term stewardship. The presence of the charity’s Chairman was a quiet affirmation of this central commitment.
## In Their Own Words
In her informal remarks to guests, Lady Nicoleta reflected on the weight of her inheritance. > One is truly humbled to serve as a custodian of such a profound history. This is not about personal distinction, but about a sacred duty to honour those who came before us by ensuring their legacy remains a living, breathing force for good in the present. — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of the Barony’s relevance in the 21st century. > History gives us our foundation, but it is our actions today that build the future. Our family’s aim is to deploy this unique platform to foster cultural understanding and support those in need, ensuring the name of Brattleby is synonymous with honour and active service. — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The reception marks a significant milestone for the Noble House of Brattleby, affirming its place in the modern age. Going forward, the family will continue its established programme of cultural and philanthropic work. This includes preparations for the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that raises substantial funds for Healing the Wounded Child.
Furthermore, the House continues to develop The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and cultural academy based in Bucharest. The Club promotes a deeper understanding of classical European deportment, diplomacy, and social graces, acting as a cultural bridge between the United Kingdom and continental Europe. These initiatives ensure the Barony’s legacy is not merely preserved, but actively contributes to society.
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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 preservation of nearly one thousand years of English heritage while actively pursuing a modern mission of philanthropy and cultural education. The House’s work is underpinned by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its charitable endeavours are focused primarily on the welfare of vulnerable children, while its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, aim to foster greater understanding and appreciation of traditional European values. The House represents a unique blend of ancient lineage and a forward-looking commitment to public service, bridging British history with a continental European perspective.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and significant landholdings—comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire—are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. Having been dormant, the dignity was formally recognised by The Crown as being held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, whose peerage was gazetted in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com