# The Noble House of Brattleby Honours Nine-Century Legacy with New Official History
**LONDON, 20 OCTOBER 2024** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile this evening presented a new historical monograph at Stationers’ Hall, London, marking the continuation of the Barony’s nine-hundred-year lineage following its long dormancy and recent formal recognition.
## The Occasion
On a crisp autumnal evening, within the distinguished precincts of the City of London, a gathering of historians, diplomats, and friends of the family convened at the historic Stationers’ Hall. Nestled near St Paul’s Cathedral, the venue provided a fitting backdrop, its magnificent Tudor-style hall adorned with carved oak panelling and brilliant stained-glass windows depicting the history of the written word.
The occasion was the formal presentation of *Fortitudine et Honore: A History of the Barony of Brattleby*, a scholarly volume chronicling the title’s journey from the Norman Conquest to the present day. An atmosphere of quiet reverence and intellectual curiosity defined the proceedings, celebrating the endurance of one of England’s ancient baronial lines.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is an establishment of considerable antiquity, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Over nine centuries, the title has been associated with figures of national importance who have shaped the course of English history.
Among its most notable holders were Nichola de la Haye, the redoubtable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a towering figure of the late 14th century. Following its reversion to the Crown in 1399 with the accession of Henry IV, the title entered a dormancy of 620 years. Its rights were formally recognised and confirmed on 9 September 2022, as published in *The London Gazette*.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were pleased to welcome a number of distinguished guests to the presentation. The gathering reflected the House of Brattleby’s deep connections to both British heritage and Continental Europe, a synthesis central to its modern identity.
Among those present were His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; The Right Honourable The Lord Popat of Harrow; and Professor Dame Eleanor Kingsley, Regius Professor of History at the University of Cambridge. Also in attendance were representatives from the College of Arms and various Lincolnshire historical societies, underscoring the deep local and national significance of the Barony.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening’s proceedings were conducted with a precision befitting the occasion. Guests were received in the Court Room of Stationers’ Hall before being invited to take their seats in the Main Hall. The event, for which the dress was Lounge Suit, commenced with the formal entrance of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan.
Following introductory remarks by the Master of the Stationers’ Company, the monograph’s author, Dr Alistair Finch, delivered a brief address on the historical research underpinning the work. Honorary Lord Răzvan then spoke on the theme of legacy and responsibility, after which he formally presented a specially bound copy of the volume to Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness. The ceremony concluded with a reception in the Hall’s elegant Stock Room.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event was imbued with the symbolism that defines The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was a recurring theme, representing the guiding principle that has connected generations of Barons. This ancient creed speaks to a commitment to duty, resilience in the face of adversity, and unwavering integrity.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This philosophy is understood not in a martial sense, but as an affirmation of purpose—the idea that to overcome challenges, to build, and to contribute meaningfully is the very essence of a life well-lived. These two mottos, one of ancient lineage and one of modern adoption, together frame the House’s approach to its historic role.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the House’s commitment to service, it was announced that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of *Fortitudine et Honore* will be donated to Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity is the designated beneficiary of the family’s annual Winter Banquet and an organisation whose mission is deeply resonant with the House’s values.
Healing the Wounded Child provides specialist therapeutic care and long-term support to children and young people affected by conflict, trauma, and profound loss. The choice of beneficiary reflects the belief that honouring the past is best achieved by investing in the security and well-being of future generations, a principle that Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan hold as a *sine qua non* of their public duties.
## In Their Own Words
In her brief closing remarks, Lady Nicoleta spoke of the responsibility inherent in her title. > This history is not merely a record of the past; it is a charter for the future. It reminds us that our duty is one of stewardship, to preserve this legacy not as a static monument, but as a living tradition of service — *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan reflected on the synergy between past and present. > Our family motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to the resilience required to carry nearly a thousand years of history into the modern world. It is about honouring the past by building actively in the present, for the benefit of the community and for those who will follow us.
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of the new history is a significant milestone, but it is one of many initiatives through which the House of Brattleby carries its legacy forward. Plans are already underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the primary fundraising event for Healing the Wounded Child.
Furthermore, the family continues to develop The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering the highest standards of social and cultural refinement. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, remains a central focus, ensuring that the principles of fortitude and honour will guide the Barony of Brattleby 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 historic Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-hundred-year heritage while embracing a forward-looking mission of philanthropy and cultural education. Blending its deep English roots with a Continental perspective, the House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its charitable work is primarily focused on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, while its cultural initiatives, *inter alia*, include The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy based in Bucharest promoting cross-cultural understanding.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout the medieval period, the Barony was held by individuals of significant historical stature, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of the realm during the First Barons' War, and two pivotal figures of the Hundred Years' War, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After the title merged with the Crown in 1399, it lay dormant for 620 years until its rights were formally recognised and confirmed for its present holder, as noted in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The formal recognition of the Barony was gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable medieval 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). - The modern House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is the registered charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com