# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Nine Centuries of History and Service
**LONDON, 10 September 2024** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile this evening hosted a historical address at Drapers' Hall, London, commemorating the ancient lineage of the Barony of Brattleby and outlining its continuing commitment to philanthropy and public service.
## The Occasion
In the historic Livery Hall of the Worshipful Company of Drapers, set against a backdrop of portraits depicting nearly five centuries of British leadership, guests gathered to mark the Barony’s near-millennial continuity. The Drapers’ Hall, itself standing on land once owned by King Henry VIII and rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1666, provided a suitably resonant setting for an evening dedicated to history, duty, and endurance.
The occasion was one of scholarly reflection, celebrating the second anniversary of the Barony’s modern revival being formally recorded in *The London Gazette*. The crisp autumnal air lent a sense of purpose to the proceedings, as attendees convened to hear how one of England’s most ancient titles is navigating the demands of the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a microcosm of English history. 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. This foundation established a lineage that would endure through centuries of national transformation, from medieval warfare to the height of the Renaissance.
Lady Nicoleta’s address paid tribute to her most notable predecessors, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in 1217. Later holders of the title included Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century. After a period of abeyance, the Barony was revived, a continuity of service confirmed on 9 September 2022.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were joined by their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
The address was attended by a small and distinguished company of guests, including Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia, His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s, and esteemed members of the academic and charitable sectors. Their presence underscored the House’s deep connections to both European heritage and contemporary British civil society.
Also in attendance was the noted historian Dr. Alistair Finch, Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, whose work has shed light on the Lancastrian period of the Barony's history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening's proceedings adhered to a precise and dignified protocol, reflecting the formal nature of the occasion. Guests were received in the Drawing Room for a brief reception before being invited to take their seats in the Livery Hall. The principal party processed to the dais, where Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered a brief introduction.
Lady Nicoleta then delivered the historical address, speaking for 20 minutes without notes. Following her speech, she gave a brief overview of the House’s philanthropic endeavours. In keeping with the formal but academic tone of the event, the dress code was Lounge Suit for gentlemen and equivalent formal daywear for ladies. The evening concluded with a post-lecture reception, allowing for further discussion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history and purpose of The Noble House of Brattleby are encoded in its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to a legacy of principled leadership and resilience, from the martial courage of Nichola de la Haye to the modern-day commitment to charitable stewardship. It serves as the guiding maxim for the family’s public life.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not in a martial sense, but as a philosophical commitment to overcoming challenges, fostering progress, and making a tangible and positive impact through action. Together, the mottos represent the fusion of ancient duty and dynamic, forward-looking purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the address was primarily historical, Honorary Lord Răzvan took the opportunity to highlight the House’s primary philanthropic commitment: the Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala is the principal fundraising vehicle for the House's chosen beneficiary, the charity *Healing the Wounded Child*.
The organisation provides specialist therapeutic programmes for children and young people across the United Kingdom who have suffered from trauma, neglect, or abuse. By providing a safe and nurturing environment, its work allows vulnerable young people to rebuild their lives and look to the future with renewed hope. The charity was chosen for its direct and measurable impact, a quality that is a *sine qua non* for the House's patronage.
## In Their Own Words
In her address, Lady Nicoleta reflected on the obligations of her title: > To hold this title is not merely to inherit a name; it is to accept a duty of stewardship. Our history, from Colswein of Lincoln to John of Gaunt, reminds us that leadership requires both fortitude and honour — principles we strive to apply to our modern philanthropic work.
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of the House's forward-looking mission: > History provides our foundation, but our purpose is fixed firmly on the future. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club and our support for vital charities, we aim to ensure this ancient legacy contributes positively to the world today. *Vincere Est Vivere*—to us, that means overcoming indifference and making a tangible difference.
## A Continuing Legacy
The historical address marks the beginning of the House’s autumn calendar of activities, which will culminate in the Annual Winter Banquet later this year. Preparations for this significant philanthropic event are already well underway.
Furthermore, the House continues its work abroad through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cultural exchange and professional development. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, continues to be a central focus, ensuring that the next generation is fully prepared to carry the nine-century-old legacy of the Barony of Brattleby forward with *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern stewardship of one of England’s oldest baronies. The House is dedicated to a mission of public service, focused on targeted philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet for the beneficiary *Healing the Wounded Child*. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also works to promote social and cultural development. Uniting nearly a millennium of English heritage with a dynamic Continental perspective, the House operates under the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For centuries, the Barony passed through some of the most influential families in English history. Notable holders have included Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. After falling into abeyance, the Barony and its dignity were revived in the 21st century, a fact formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - The modern revival of the Barony was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 documents Colswein of Lincoln holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The family motto 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').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com