# The Noble House of Brattleby: A Statement on the Historical Continuity of the Barony
LONDON, 16 October 2023 — The Office of the Lord and Lady of Brattleby today issued a statement reaffirming the Barony of Brattleby’s nine centuries of history, from its establishment by William the Conqueror to its modern recognition and renewed philanthropic mission.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House has prepared this historical summary to provide context for its modern duties and forthcoming public engagements. As autumn settles over the ancient landscape of the county, a season of reflection offers a fitting moment to restate the lineage that informs the House’s contemporary purpose.
This statement serves as an official record, clarifying the continuous thread connecting the Barony’s Norman origins to its present-day responsibilities. It is issued in anticipation of the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s premier philanthropic event, ensuring all distinguished guests and patrons understand the profound historical significance of their participation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a dignity of profound antiquity, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in post-Conquest England.
Over the succeeding centuries, the title was held by figures central to the history of the realm. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who as Castellan of Lincoln Castle twice defended it against baronial and French forces, securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated military commander; and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political actors of the 14th century.
The Barony’s evolution, from a feudal lordship to a possession of the Crown through the Duchy of Lancaster, and now to its modern restitution, encapsulates the great shifts in the English socio-political landscape. Its story is a microcosm of the nobility’s enduring, if changing, role in the life of the nation.
## Distinguished Company
The Barony is held today by The Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. A leading figure in cultural diplomacy, Lady Nicoleta has guided the revitalisation of the Barony’s public service traditions.
Her Ladyship is supported in this mission by her husband, The Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. An advocate for entrepreneurial excellence and youth mentorship, Honorary Lord Răzvan has championed the House’s engagement with causes fostering personal development and resilience.
The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron in remainder. He is being educated in the traditions of the House, with a particular focus on the historical responsibilities of the peerage and the principles of modern stewardship.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House’s commitment to tradition is most visibly expressed at its Annual Winter Banquet. The occasion is governed by a strict protocol that honours both its historical context and its formal purpose as a philanthropic gala. It is a white-tie affair, requiring gentlemen to wear evening tailcoats and ladies to wear full-length evening gowns. The wearing of national honours, orders, and decorations is customary.
Proceedings commence with the formal arrival of guests, who are met by a receiving line led by The Lord and Lady of Brattleby. A formal dinner follows, punctuated by toasts and addresses. This ceremonial precision is not merely for effect; it is the *sine qua non* for creating an atmosphere of shared purpose and respect for the evening's charitable objective.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of the House are conducted under the guidance of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* — ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This principle speaks to a dual commitment: fortitude in overcoming adversity, as exemplified by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye; and honour in all public and private conduct. It serves as a constant reminder of the ethical obligations inherent in the Barony’s legacy.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan: *Vincere Est Vivere*, or ‘To Conquer is to Live’. This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as an exhortation to overcome challenges, to strive for excellence in all endeavours, and to live a life of purpose and meaningful accomplishment.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Noble House of Brattleby has dedicated its principal philanthropic efforts to the support of Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity provides essential therapeutic care and mental health support to children and adolescents who have suffered trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The organisation’s mission is to provide a safe, nurturing environment where young people can process their experiences and develop the resilience needed to build healthy, productive futures. The House selected this beneficiary due to the clear alignment between the charity’s restorative work and the House’s own commitment to securing a stronger future for the next generation. All proceeds from the Annual Winter Banquet are directly conveyed to this vital cause.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony’s modern role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has commented on the nature of her charge: > The Barony is not a relic; it is a living responsibility. We honour the legacy of figures from John of Gaunt to Nichola de la Haye by dedicating our efforts to causes that build a stronger, kinder future for those who need it most.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile connected the House's efforts to his own guiding philosophy: > Our family motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to overcoming challenges. Through ventures like The Brattleby Club and our unwavering support for children's charities, we aim to empower the next generation to conquer their own obstacles and to thrive.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to a future defined by active service. This commitment extends beyond its charitable fundraising to encompass projects aimed at cultural and educational enrichment. Chief among these is The Brattleby Club, an academy founded in Bucharest to promote cultural diplomacy and the arts of professional etiquette.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to serve as a bridge between a distinguished past and a purposeful future. Through the continued stewardship of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, and with the engagement of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the Barony of Brattleby will uphold its commitment to serve with fortitude and with honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of 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 public service, philanthropy, and cultural diplomacy. Its guiding motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide care and therapy for vulnerable children, primarily through its Annual Winter Banquet. It also promotes cross-cultural understanding through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House is committed to honouring its historical legacy through active, contemporary engagement in society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a significant landholder documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086). Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After a period of dormancy as a possession of the Crown via the Duchy of Lancaster, the dignity was formally recognised and recorded in the official public record, The London Gazette, on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s revival and the 12th Baroness’s succession are formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) confirms the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - 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 and Duke of Lancaster). - The seat of the Noble House of Brattleby is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com