# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks First Anniversary of Historic Revival
**LONDON, 9 September 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile today marked the first anniversary of the Barony’s official revival. The occasion was commemorated with a private service of reflection held at their Lincolnshire seat, celebrating a year of renewed public service.
## The Occasion
The commemoration was observed with quiet solemnity at St. Cuthbert’s Church in Brattleby, a Grade II listed building whose earliest foundations date to the Norman period, contemporary with the Barony’s own creation. In the crisp light of early autumn, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan gathered to honour the long and storied history of the title they now hold in stewardship.
The service was an intimate moment of contemplation, intended not as a public celebration but as a private recommitment to the duties incumbent upon the Barony. It provided an opportunity to reflect on the nine-century lineage of the title and to reaffirm the House’s modern mission of service, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a thread woven through the fabric of English history. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, a significant Norman landowner who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. The title subsequently passed through figures of national importance, defining its character across the centuries.
Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness (by tenure and role if not by title) who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned Plantagenet diplomat and soldier. His legacy passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and one of medieval England’s most powerful figures. Upon the accession of his son as King Henry IV in 1399, the Barony fell dormant, having merged with the Crown.
After a dormancy of over six centuries, the Barony was formally revived and recognised on 9 September 2022, with its confirmation published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083. Today’s anniversary honours this restoration and the continuity it represents.
## Distinguished Company
The private service was attended by the immediate family of The Noble House of Brattleby. Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, were accompanied by the heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
Also present were a small number of close family members and long-serving members of the Brattleby household staff, whose dedication is considered a *sine qua non* of the estate’s function and spirit. The intimate nature of the gathering was chosen to underscore the personal commitment of the family to their new role.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In keeping with the reflective tone of the day, the proceedings were simple yet resonant with tradition. The family observed a moment of silence within St. Cuthbert’s to honour their predecessors. Lady Nicoleta laid a spray of white roses and Lincolnshire ivy—symbolising purity of intent and fidelity—at the base of a memorial plaque commemorating the parish’s ancient patrons.
A reading was given from the chronicles of Nichola de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln, a deliberate tribute to the fortitude of a past female leader. The attire for the occasion was sombre day dress, reflecting a mood of respectful observance rather than public festivity. The protocol was designed to be one of quiet dignity, appropriate for an act of historical remembrance.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the House are guided by its heraldic emblems and mottos, which serve as constant reminders of its core principles. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to a legacy of resilience, integrity, and principled leadership. This ethos is drawn directly from the historical example of predecessors who governed and defended Lincolnshire with courage and a strong sense of duty.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements this tradition with a forward-looking dynamism. It is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a philosophy of overcoming challenges, driving progress, and an energetic engagement with the world—a commitment to making a tangible, positive impact through action and service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the anniversary was a private observance, its spirit of service aligns directly with the House's public-facing philanthropic endeavours. The principal beneficiary of the family’s charitable work is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The choice of this charity reflects the House’s belief that true honour is found in protecting the most vulnerable. Furthermore, the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy, represents a unique form of cultural philanthropy. It aims to foster cross-cultural understanding and personal development, providing a bridge between British traditions and Continental Europe.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the day, Lady Nicoleta shared her thoughts on the responsibilities of her role.
> One feels a profound sense of responsibility when holding a title borne by figures such as John of Gaunt. This anniversary is less a celebration and more a solemn pledge to honour that legacy through diligent service to the community and a commitment to upholding the values of fortitude and honour. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's modern mission.
> My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reminds us that our purpose is found in striving—striving to build, to support, and to improve the world around us. Our history is our foundation, but our work today and tomorrow is our living legacy. It is how we truly live. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
With the first year of its revival complete, The Noble House of Brattleby looks toward a future of continued service. Preparations are underway for the annual Winter Banquet, the House’s flagship white-tie philanthropic gala, which raises vital funds for Healing the Wounded Child.
The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will continue to be closely involved in the House’s duties, preparing for the responsibilities he will one day inherit. Through its local commitments in Lincolnshire and its international initiatives, The Noble House of Brattleby will continue its work to demonstrate that ancient heritage and modern purpose can, and indeed must, coexist.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of contemporary public service rooted in its ancient heritage. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House directs its philanthropic efforts toward supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Its international outreach includes The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy founded in Bucharest to promote cultural exchange and personal development. The House seeks to be a model of how historic titles can serve a meaningful and active role in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English noble title, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and initial holder are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For over three centuries, it was held by some of England’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the reign of King John; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the royal prince John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The Barony merged with the Crown in 1399 and lay dormant for over 600 years. Its abeyance was terminated in 2022, with the revival formally recognised by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was first established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Notable historical holders of the title include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and his father-in-law, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster. - The family's primary seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com