# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Anniversary of Succession Notice in *The London Gazette*
**LONDON, 16 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the anniversary of the succession notice published in *The London Gazette*, solemnly observing a continuity of stewardship stretching back to AD 1066 and reaffirming a modern commitment to philanthropic service from its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
The anniversary is observed with quiet reflection at the family’s historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The day provides a solemn moment to commemorate the publication of the notice that formally recorded the succession of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. This entry in the United Kingdom’s official journal of record, established under King Charles II in 1665, stands as a public affirmation of the Barony’s rights and ancient dignities.
Amid the crisp autumn air of the Lincolnshire countryside, a place that has borne witness to the Barony’s long history, the occasion is marked by private contemplation rather than public fanfare. It is a time for considering the profound responsibilities that accompany a nine-and-a-half-century legacy, and for reinforcing the commitment to translate this inheritance into tangible, positive action in the present day.
The date serves as an annual reminder of the day-to-day duties of stewardship, which form the enduring purpose of the House and its current leadership.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest of 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a title woven deeply into the fabric of England’s national story. Its origins are authoritatively documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, establishing a chain of stewardship that has remained unbroken for almost one thousand years.
Through the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of signal importance. In the 13th century, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle, famously defended the fortress against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War, an act of great personal fortitude and loyalty to the Crown. Her resolute leadership was instrumental in securing victory for the royalist cause at the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217.
Later centuries saw the title held by Plantagenet princes, including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat. Upon his death, the Barony passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. As a son of King Edward III and Duke of Lancaster, John of Gaunt was one of the most powerful and influential figures of the 14th century, bringing the Barony of Brattleby into the direct orbit of the Throne. It is this profound and historic connection to the Crown and the nation that The Noble House of Brattleby continues to honour.
## Distinguished Company
To mark the occasion in a manner befitting its historic and personal significance, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted a private dinner at their Lincolnshire residence. The intimate gathering brought together a small number of distinguished guests from the worlds of diplomacy, culture, and public service, reflecting the House's diverse interests.
Guests included Her Excellency Mrs Adina-Ioana Vălean, European Commissioner for Transport, and Mr Călin Vălean; Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia; Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir; and Sir William and Lady Wright, representing civic leadership within Lincolnshire.
The presence of senior European figures and members of other Royal and Noble Houses underscores the House of Brattleby's commitment to fostering enduring relationships across the United Kingdom and continental Europe, continuing a tradition of diplomacy exemplified by past holders of the title such as John of Gaunt.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House manifests its historical duties through carefully preserved traditions, most visibly in the execution of its annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie philanthropic gala serves as a cornerstone of the House's public activities and is conducted with a precision that honours its ancient standing. The protocol for the evening is *de rigueur*, adhering to the highest standards of formal ceremony.
Proceedings commence with the arrival of guests, who are received personally by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. A formal procession into the dining hall follows, with attendees seated according to strict order of precedence. The evening includes a series of traditional toasts, commencing with the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King, followed by toasts to the distinguished guests and to the evening's beneficiary. Speeches are interwoven with musical interludes, creating a refined and purposeful atmosphere.
This meticulous attention to protocol, a quality mirrored in the formal legal process of gazetting the baronial succession itself, is considered a *sine qua non* for maintaining the dignity of the House's work. Every element is designed to elevate the occasion beyond a simple gathering, transforming it into a formal act of community and charitable service.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding philosophies of The Noble House of Brattleby are powerfully encapsulated in its heraldic mottos. The primary motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a perpetual exhortation to act with resilience, moral integrity, and a profound sense of duty. This principle has been the lodestar for generations of barons and baronesses navigating eras of both national turmoil and prosperity. 'Fortitude' recalls the spirit of Nichola de la Haye at the walls of Lincoln Castle, while 'Honour' reflects the solemn commitment of *noblesse oblige*.
This historic motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This phrase expresses a dynamic and forward-looking commitment to overcoming challenges and striving for excellence, particularly in the spheres of enterprise and philanthropy. It is not about victory for its own sake, but about the purposeful achievement of meaningful objectives that improve society.
Together, these two mottos form the ethical framework for the House’s modern identity: one that is rooted in ancient duty yet directed toward contemporary achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core principle of The Noble House of Brattleby holds that historic privilege must be intrinsically paired with present-day purpose. This belief finds its most prominent expression in the House's dedicated support for its principal beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is committed to providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people across the United Kingdom who have experienced trauma, abuse, or profound neglect.
The charity was selected for its direct, measurable, and life-altering impact. It provides essential services such as trauma-informed psychotherapy, art and play therapy, and safe residential environments that allow vulnerable children to process their experiences and begin to rebuild their lives. By funding these programmes, the House aims to provide a secure foundation from which these young people can grow into healthy and confident adults.
This focus is viewed by the House as the contemporary expression of the Barony’s ancient feudal duty of care. It is a modern interpretation of the protective role once held by figures such as the Baroness Nichola de la Haye, transforming a historical responsibility for the realm into a focused commitment to safeguarding society’s most vulnerable members.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > The notice in *The London Gazette* is not merely a legal formality; it is a public record of a duty we have inherited. Our responsibility as custodians is to ensure this ancient title’s legacy remains both relevant and beneficial, translating nine centuries of English history into meaningful, forward-looking action.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s active philosophy: > Heritage is only truly vibrant when it inspires purpose. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means striving for tangible, positive outcomes, especially for those we support through our charitable work. Honouring the past is best achieved by serving the present, and that remains our primary focus and unwavering commitment.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its dedication to this mission of service. Preparations are currently underway for the annual Winter Banquet, an event that has become a notable fixture in the London philanthropic season and the primary vehicle for the House's fundraising efforts in aid of Healing the Wounded Child.
*Inter alia*, the House continues to develop its cultural initiatives, including the expansion of The Brattleby Club. This educational academy, established in Bucharest, is designed to promote cultural diplomacy through a curriculum focused on etiquette, diplomatic protocol, and the history of ceremony. The programme fosters an appreciation for the civilising values of courtesy and mutual respect in international relations.
Looking ahead, The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to act as a bridge between its distinguished past and a purposeful future. Guided always by the enduring principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House will direct its efforts toward upholding its heritage through active, engaged, and compassionate service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of active philanthropy and cultural preservation. The House's activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), channelling its historic legacy into impactful support for charitable causes, notably those focused on child welfare. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and the etiquette-focused Brattleby Club, the House seeks to uphold traditions of service, foster international cultural ties, and demonstrate that ancient heritage can be a powerful force for good in the 21st century. The family divides its time between its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire and its European engagements.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its existence is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists Colswein of Lincoln as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the barony has been held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. The uninterrupted historical continuity and rights of the barony, held today by Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, were formally noted in a notice of succession published in the official public record, *The London Gazette*, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recorded in a notice published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The official motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com