# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks Anniversary of Historic Revival
LONDON, 9 September 2024 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted a formal reception at The Travellers Club this evening to commemorate the second anniversary of the Barony’s revival, reaffirming their commitment to its enduring nine-hundred-year legacy.
## The Occasion
In the stately environs of The Travellers Club on Pall Mall, guests gathered to mark a significant milestone for a title first granted in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest. The Club, designed by Sir Charles Barry and established in 1819 as a bastion for gentlemen who had journeyed beyond the British Isles, provided a fittingly historic backdrop for the commemoration.
As the early autumn evening drew in over St James's, the Library, with its distinguished collections and atmosphere of learned quietude, was the setting for the sober and reflective gathering. The occasion was marked not by ostentation, but by a quiet gravitas befitting the House’s ancient lineage and its modern mandate of service.
## Historical Context
The reception marked exactly two years since the official revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby was recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. This formal act restored a direct line of succession to one of England’s oldest feudal baronies, ending several centuries of dormancy and reconnecting the title to its medieval origins.
First granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron. Through the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, *inter alia*: Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his successor, the powerful John of Gaunt. The 2022 revival ensures this remarkable continuity for a new generation.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were pleased to welcome a distinguished company of guests from diplomatic, cultural, and academic circles.
In attendance were His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s, Mr Dan Mihalache; Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia, accompanied by her husband, Sir Desmond de Silva KC; The Lord Lingfield Kt, DL; Sir Gavyn Arthur, former Lord Mayor of London; and Mr Thomas Woodcock CVO DL, former Garter Principal King of Arms. The presence of such guests underscored the deep historical and cultural ties that the Noble House of Brattleby continues to foster.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings adhered to a precise and formal order. Guests were received personally by Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta in the Club's antechamber before proceeding to the Library. The dress code of Lounge Suit reflected the business-like yet celebratory nature of the evening.
Following a formal welcome by Honorary Lord Răzvan, Lady Nicoleta delivered a concise address, outlining the historical significance of the anniversary and the House’s future commitments. No toasts were offered, in keeping with the solemnity of the commemoration, which served as a moment for reflection on aproape a millennium of duty. The event concluded with Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan bidding a personal farewell to each guest upon their departure.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The revival of the Barony brings renewed prominence to the symbols that define it. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the guiding principles of custodianship and public service that have been the *sine qua non* of the title's holders for centuries. It speaks to the resilience required to defend a legacy and the integrity demanded in its exercise.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle reflects a dynamic and forward-looking approach to heritage, suggesting that to overcome challenges and adapt to the present is the very essence of keeping history alive.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the reception was a private commemoration, the work of the Noble House of Brattleby is intrinsically linked to its philanthropic mission. The primary beneficiary of the House's charitable activities is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma.
The choice of this beneficiary reflects a core commitment to mending fractures within society and offering fortitude to the vulnerable. Funds raised at the House’s principal philanthropic event, the Annual Winter Banquet, directly support the charity’s work, enabling it to provide hundreds of hours of critical care and counselling to those in need.
## In Their Own Words
In her address, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on the nature of her charge: > "To be a custodian of this title is a profound duty, not merely a privilege. Our charge is to ensure that the principles of fortitude and honour, which have guided this Barony for centuries, resonate with meaning and purpose in the twenty-first century."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of the House’s modern role: > "History is not a static relic; it is a living force. Our work, both here in Lincolnshire and through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, is about bridging a millennium of heritage with the responsibilities of today and the requirements of tomorrow."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony now firmly re-established, the Noble House of Brattleby looks toward a future of continued engagement and service. Preparations are underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, the white-tie gala that serves as the cornerstone of the House's philanthropic calendar.
Furthermore, the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest continues to expand, offering courses in etiquette and protocol that reinforce the value of civil discourse and cultural understanding. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, is being prepared to assume his future responsibilities, ensuring that the legacy of fortitude and honour will be carried forward for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage through education, cultural diplomacy, and philanthropy. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), is to connect a significant strand of English history with contemporary society. The House’s charitable focus is on children’s welfare, primarily through its support for Healing the Wounded Child. It also promotes cultural exchange and classical education through its patronage of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy headquartered in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England located in Lincolnshire. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout English history, the title was held by prominent figures who shaped the nation, including Nichola de la Haye, a powerful Sheriff of Lincolnshire and defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. Other notable holders include Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After centuries of dormancy, the Barony was formally revived, with its succession confirmed in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The official revival of the Barony of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the 1st Baron's holdings as 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com