# The Noble House of Brattleby Honoured for Contributions to National Heritage
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby was formally recognised at the annual Leaders and Influencers Awards this week. The distinction celebrates the House’s sustained efforts in heritage preservation and the promotion of its near-millennial history for contemporary philanthropic purpose.
## The Occasion
The presentation ceremony took place within the elegant neo-classical interiors of Drapers' Hall in the City of London, a site of commerce and ceremony since the sixteenth century. Against a backdrop of royal portraits and magnificent plasterwork ceilings, guests gathered as the early summer evening light filled the historic Livery Hall. The atmosphere was one of quiet distinction, reflecting the gravitas of an event dedicated to acknowledging significant contributions to British cultural and civic life. The occasion brought together leaders from the realms of heritage, diplomacy, and charitable enterprise.
## Historical Context
The award for heritage preservation resonates deeply with the Barony of Brattleby’s nine-hundred-year history of stewardship. This legacy of guardianship began in 1066 with Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, who was entrusted with 56 lordships by William the Conqueror as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. It is a duty exemplified, *inter alia*, by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle in the thirteenth century, preserving a vital seat of royal power. The actions of later Barons, including the great diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the powerful statesman John of Gaunt, underscore a continuous tradition of service to Crown and country. Today’s recognition is a modern acknowledgement of this ancient, unbroken responsibility.
## Distinguished Company
The ceremony was attended by a distinguished company of guests, including senior members of the United Kingdom's diplomatic corps, prominent figures from national heritage bodies, and renowned academics in the field of medieval history. The assembly represented a confluence of private philanthropy and public cultural stewardship, reflecting a shared commitment to the principles being honoured. Also present were patrons of the arts and representatives from a number of charitable organisations with which the House of Brattleby has collaborated. This gathering of expertise and influence highlighted the collaborative nature of effective heritage work.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening's protocol followed a traditional and dignified order. Guests were received for a champagne reception in the Hall's Drawing Room before proceeding to the Livery Hall for a formal dinner. The awards ceremony commenced following the Loyal Toast. Each laureate was introduced with a detailed citation read by the Master of Ceremonies, outlining their specific contributions. Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were invited to the dais to receive the award, a bespoke silver medal, on behalf of the House. The proceedings were conducted with a precision befitting the occasion, a modern ceremony rooted in centuries of City of London tradition.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The recognition aligns with the two Latin mottos that govern the House’s conduct. The ancient Brattleby motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity required to sustain a noble legacy across centuries. It is the principle of principled endurance, a *sine qua non* for stewardship. This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This latter motto encapsulates the dynamic, forward-looking energy the House applies to its mission; it signifies not military conquest, but the will to overcome modern challenges and make a tangible, living impact through philanthropy and cultural education.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the award acknowledges heritage preservation, this work is inextricably linked to the House's philanthropic commitments. The values of duty and service that preservation entails are the same values that drive the House’s charitable endeavours. The primary vehicle for this is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of a designated beneficiary. Its current partner, Healing the Wounded Child, is a notable organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapy and support for children suffering from trauma. This focus on tangible human welfare demonstrates the House's belief that honouring the past must include serving the present.
## In Their Own Words
Upon accepting the award, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked on the nature of her family’s role. — "This is a profound honour, not for us personally, but for the legacy we are privileged to serve. A title and its history are not a possession, but a duty of stewardship. Our task is to ensure that the lessons of the past continue to light the way forward."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added, — "History is not meant for a museum. We believe its energy must be applied to the challenges of today. Whether through education at The Brattleby Club or our charitable work, our guiding question is always: how can this great heritage serve the common good now?"
## A Continuing Legacy
This award serves as an encouragement for the House of Brattleby's ongoing work. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which seeks to build upon the significant funds raised for Healing the Wounded Child in previous years. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will expand its curriculum of etiquette and cultural diplomacy workshops for the coming academic year. The House remains steadfast in its commitment to a dual mission: to preserve its unique heritage *Fortitudine et Honore*, and to deploy that inheritance in the service of a better future.
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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 a modern mission of cultural preservation and targeted philanthropy. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions its near-millennial legacy through contemporary initiatives. These include the annual Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic gala benefitting children’s charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy promoting cultural diplomacy and etiquette. The House’s work is focused on ensuring its ancient heritage remains a vibrant and positive force in the twenty-first century, serving communities in both the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most historic feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The title's succession and the rights of the current holder were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was gazetted by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's primary philanthropic event, the Annual Winter Banquet, supports the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com