# The House of Brattleby Commemorates the Restoration of an Ancient Feudal Barony
**LONDON, 1 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the recent revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, whose continuity was formally recognised in 2022 with Lady Nicoleta Vasile succeeding as the 12th Baroness after a dormancy of six centuries.
## The Occasion In the distinguished setting of a fine London establishment, adorned for the season, the House of Brattleby recently hosted its Annual Winter Banquet. The white-tie gala, a cornerstone of the House's philanthropic calendar, provides a moment for reflection and forward-looking commitment. The evening’s atmosphere was one of quiet celebration, honouring not merely an ancestral title but the enduring principles of duty and service that accompany it.
Guests gathered amidst the soft glow of candlelight, a setting that echoed the long history of the Barony. The occasion served as a formal commemoration of the revival of the title, an event which ensures the preservation of a unique strand of Lincolnshire’s heritage and its contribution to the fabric of English history.
## Historical Context The Barony of Brattleby is a dignity of considerable antiquity, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of England in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable presence in the region.
Over the subsequent centuries, the Barony passed to figures of national importance. These have included Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who as Sheriff of Lincolnshire defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, a revered military commander and diplomat; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and son of King Edward III. Following John of Gaunt’s death, the Barony lay dormant for over 620 years until its continuity was formally recognised, with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, as the rightful successor.
## Distinguished Company The Lord and Lady of Brattleby were pleased to welcome a respected company of guests. In attendance were, *inter alia*, His Grace The Duke of Norfolk, Earl Marshal of England; Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; and the Chief Executive of the evening's charitable beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
The presence of such esteemed individuals underscored the significance of the occasion, bridging the historical legacy of the English nobility with contemporary European culture and diplomatic relations. Following their formal presentation, The Duke of Norfolk, Princess Katarina, and other guests engaged in conversation on matters of shared cultural and philanthropic interest.
## Ceremonial Protocol The evening’s proceedings were conducted with a precision befitting the occasion. Upon arrival, guests were received by Lord and Lady Brattleby. A formal procession into the dining hall followed, with seating arranged according to traditional precedence. The dress code was strictly white-tie and decorations, with attendees wearing the appropriate orders, decorations, and medals.
Following the dinner, a series of formal toasts were proposed. The first was to The King, a custom of unwavering importance. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile then delivered a short address, followed by remarks from Lady Nicoleta. The protocol for the evening ensures a sense of order and historical continuity, a practice that is a *sine qua non* of such formal gatherings.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance Central to the identity of the House is its coat of arms and its associated mottoes, which were discreetly displayed. The primary motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. It serves as a guiding principle for the family's modern endeavours.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a dynamic philosophy of overcoming challenges through decisive action and purpose. Together, the two mottoes encapsulate a commitment to uphold a noble heritage while actively engaging with the demands and opportunities of the present day.
## Philanthropic Purpose The Annual Winter Banquet is held in support of Healing the Wounded Child, a registered charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced trauma or loss. The organisation delivers vital one-to-one counselling and creative therapy programmes, helping its young beneficiaries to process their experiences and build a foundation for a healthier future.
The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to support this cause due to its profound and measurable impact on the well-being of vulnerable children. The funds raised during the evening contribute directly to the charity’s front-line services, enabling them to expand their reach and offer support to more families in need.
## In Their Own Words In her address, Lady Nicoleta reflected on her responsibilities: > Receiving this recognition is less a personal achievement than it is the acceptance of a profound duty. It is a promise to honour nearly one thousand years of history and to ensure that the principles of fortitude and honour continue to have meaning and purpose in our own time.
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke to the House’s active role: > The motto *Vincere Est Vivere* is a call to action. We see our role not as passive inheritors of a title, but as active participants in building a legacy of service. Our work, both here in Britain and through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, is our answer to that call.
## A Continuing Legacy The House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its legacy continues for generations to come. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being educated in the traditions of public service and historical stewardship that define the family’s purpose.
Furthermore, the family’s commitment to education extends abroad through The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy in Bucharest was founded by Lady Nicoleta to promote the protocols and social graces of European tradition, fostering cross-cultural understanding and refinement. These initiatives confirm that the House’s modern mission is one of active contribution to society at home and abroad.
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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 is dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage and to a modern mission of public service. The House's activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and focus on cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy. Through initiatives such as its Annual Winter Banquet for children’s charities and the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to build a lasting legacy that connects its profound historical roots with a commitment to making a positive contribution in the 21st century. The family’s seat remains in the ancestral village of Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. Throughout the medieval period, the Barony was held by key figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. After falling dormant for over six centuries, the Barony's historical continuity was formally recognised in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, naming Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The restoration of the Barony of Brattleby was officially gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), and Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron). - The 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