# The House of Brattleby Marks Anniversary of Historic Restoration
LONDON, 10 September 2024 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile have today marked the second anniversary of the Barony’s restoration, reflecting on its nine-hundred-year history of service to Lincolnshire and the Crown at their ancestral seat.
## The Occasion
In the quiet dignity of their Lincolnshire seat, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan hosted a modest reception to commemorate the anniversary of the Barony’s formal recognition in *The London Gazette*. The gathering took place in the Oriel Room, its mullioned windows affording views across the ancient Brattleby parkland, which has remained in hands of the Barony’s lords for much of the last millennium.
The atmosphere was one of measured reflection rather than celebration. It provided an opportunity for the Baroness and her husband to reaffirm their commitment to the stewardship of a legacy that extends back to the Norman Conquest. The event was deliberately intimate, intended to honour the continuity of history and the responsibilities that accompany such a venerable title.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby represents a rare, unbroken thread in the tapestry of English history. It was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman lord who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. This foundational document, a fiscal survey *sine qua non* for understanding mediaeval England, stands as the Barony’s earliest charter.
Throughout the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th holder of the de facto title, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in the 13th century. The lineage later passed through the Plantagenet bloodline to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. After a dormancy of six centuries, the title was restored, with its rights formally recognised on 9 September 2022, ensuring this remarkable heritage endures.
## Distinguished Company
The reception was attended by a small number of guests who represent the intersection of local heritage, national history, and diplomatic relations. These included:
* The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Mr. Andrew W. Clark * Dr. Alistair Bodle, Fellow of The Society of Antiquaries of London * Mrs. Elena Popescu, Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of Romania in London * Mr. Marcus G. O. Winslow, Chairman of the Lincolnshire Heritage Trust
The presence of the Cultural Attaché acknowledged the continental dimension brought to this ancient English title by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, whose family motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), complements the House’s historic device.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In keeping with the nature of the occasion, the ceremonial protocol was understated yet precise. Guests were received personally by Honorary Lord Răzvan in the Entrance Hall before being escorted to the Oriel Room, where a selection of historical documents, including a facsimile of the Brattleby entry in the Domesday Book, was displayed.
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, delivered a brief address reflecting on the concept of custodianship. A single toast was then proposed by Honorary Lord Răzvan to The King, followed by a second to the enduring memory of the Barons of Brattleby. Morning dress was observed by all attendees, a customary choice for formal daytime events of this standing.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). This phrase speaks to a legacy of resolute duty, from the martial leadership of Colswein of Lincoln to the steadfast loyalty of Nichola de la Haye. It serves as a constant reminder of the virtues expected of the title-holder.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere*. This Latin maxim, translating to ‘To Conquer is to Live,’ reflects a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy: that a legacy must be actively engaged with and advanced, not merely preserved. Together, the two mottos symbolise the fusion of ancient duty and modern purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical responsibility of the Barony has been translated into a modern commitment to philanthropy. The Noble House of Brattleby is a dedicated supporter of charitable causes, most notably through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides essential therapeutic care and mental health support for young people affected by trauma and adversity.
The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala hosted by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, is the primary vehicle for this support. It brings together benefactors from across the United Kingdom and Europe to raise vital funds, representing a contemporary expression of the Barony’s historic role in supporting the community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the weight of history, Lady Nicoleta remarked: — "To hold this title is not to own it, but rather to serve as its temporary guardian. Our duty is to honour the fortitude of those who came before us by acting with honour in our own time, ensuring this legacy is passed on, strengthened, to the next generation."
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of the need to animate the past with present action: — "History gives us our foundation, but it does not dictate our ceiling. Our family’s purpose is to build upon that ancient foundation—using the principles of fortitude and honour to support a modern structure of service, cultural exchange, and enterprise that benefits society today."
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, The Noble House of Brattleby remains focused on its dual commitment to heritage and service. Preparations are underway for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which continues to be a cornerstone of the family’s philanthropic calendar. Furthermore, the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the family, expands, promoting cultural understanding through the shared values of decorum and respect.
The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, continues to be a central priority, ensuring that he is fully prepared to assume his future responsibilities. The House of Brattleby, therefore, looks forward to another century of service, guided always by *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 stewardship of a nine-hundred-year-old heritage. The House’s modern mission is to bridge history with contemporary purpose, focusing on philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. Through initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet for the charity Healing the Wounded Child and the establishment of The Brattleby Club, the family translates the ancient principles of duty and service into tangible, positive impact. The House is committed to preserving its historic seat in Lincolnshire and ensuring the continuity of its legacy for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, and for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of the ancient feudal lordships of England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the title has been associated with powerful figures who have shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and two prominent Plantagenet princes, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was formally recognised and restored to its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The restoration of the Barony of Brattleby was gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in the lineage include Nichola de la Haye (5th holder), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family’s principal philanthropic beneficiary is the UK-based charity Healing the Wounded Child. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com