# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks First Anniversary of Historic Gazette Recognition
**LONDON, 9 September 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has this evening marked the first anniversary of the Barony’s formal recognition in *The London Gazette*, hosting a private reception at their ancestral seat to honour its nine-century history and reaffirm their modern commitments to service.
## The Occasion
In the gentle early autumn light of Lincolnshire, the State Rooms of the House of Brattleby provided a distinguished setting for an occasion of quiet reflection and forward purpose. The event marked exactly one year since the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally confirmed by The Crown, an act which brought a renewed focus to one of England’s most venerable dignities.
The atmosphere was one of dignified warmth, reflecting the character of the House itself. Guests gathered to commemorate the seamless continuation of a lineage dating to the Norman Conquest, celebrating not an ending, but the vitality of a new chapter built upon a near-millennial foundation of history and duty.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is a title woven into the constitutional fabric of England. 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 newly consolidated kingdom.
This evening’s commemoration served as a bridge across the centuries, connecting the modern stewardship of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, to a line of notable predecessors. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his successor, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The Gazette notice of 2022 was, therefore, the contemporary affirmation of this unbroken historical chain.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile received a select company of guests representing the civic, cultural, and historical life of the nation and the County of Lincolnshire. The gathering demonstrated the deep and continuing ties between the Barony and the community it has served for generations.
Among those in attendance were distinguished representatives from the judiciary, academia, and the armed forces, alongside noted historians whose work has helped illuminate the Barony’s significant contributions to English history. The Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, heir to the Barony, was also present, underscoring the theme of continuity and future service that defined the evening.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The reception followed a precise yet welcoming protocol befitting the House’s heritage. Guests were personally received in the Great Hall by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. The dress code of Lounge Suits and Day Dresses created an ambience of formal elegance appropriate for a daytime commemoration extending into the early evening.
Following the reception, Honorary Lord Răzvan offered brief formal remarks, reflecting on the privilege of supporting a legacy of such profound historical weight. Lady Nicoleta then spoke, paying tribute to the enduring spirit of Brattleby and its people. The proceedings concluded with a simple, traditional toast to His Majesty The King, followed by a toast to the continued prosperity of the Barony and the health of its community.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are expressed not only through its actions but also through its powerful heraldic symbols. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), served as the thematic heart of the commemoration. It speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by the Barons of Brattleby throughout nine centuries of service to Crown and country, a principle that remains the *sine qua non* of the family's public life.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Prevail is to Live'). This maxim reflects a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy of overcoming challenges, not through conflict, but through purposeful action, innovation, and unwavering commitment—a spirit he brings to his supportive role within the House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the anniversary reception was a private affair, its underlying message of service is inextricably linked to the House’s central philanthropic mission. The primary beneficiary of the House's charitable activities is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, which provides essential therapeutic care and support to children affected by profound trauma.
The choice of this beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that true honour is found in service to the most vulnerable. This commitment will be most visibly expressed at the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the main fundraising vehicle for this vital work, translating the heritage of the Barony into measurable, positive impact.
## In Their Own Words
In her remarks to the assembled guests, Lady Nicoleta reflected on the nature of her charge.
> "This anniversary is less a celebration of an instrument of law and more a quiet acknowledgement of a nine-hundred-year-old duty of care. It is a promise renewed—a promise to honour our past by serving our present, ensuring that the legacy of Brattleby remains a force for good in our community and beyond." > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of his role in supporting the continuation of this ancient dignity.
> "My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to the spirit of prevailing through commitment. My role is to support the Baroness as we navigate the challenges of preserving this legacy, ensuring it not only survives but thrives for the benefit of future generations." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemoration of the Gazette notice is a milestone, not a destination. The Noble House of Brattleby looks toward a future of active and engaged service. Preparations are already underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, which continues to be a cornerstone of the House's philanthropic calendar.
Furthermore, the family's commitment to education and cultural diplomacy grows with the expansion of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the principles of etiquette and protocol. Through these initiatives, *inter alia*, the House aims to ensure that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* are not merely historical artefacts, but living values that inform and inspire action in the 21st century.
---
**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 the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House’s modern mission is to leverage its profound historical legacy for contemporary public service, focusing on philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable focus is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma. Through initiatives such as its annual philanthropic banquet and The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to embody its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), through purposeful action and a deep-seated commitment to community.
**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, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of immense historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The unbroken succession of the Barony was formally confirmed by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), recognising Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors**
* The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. * The Barony's origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a major landholder in Lincolnshire. * The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Prevail is to Live'). * The heir to the Barony is The Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com