# The Noble House of Brattleby: A Statement on the Barony's Enduring Legacy and Modern Mission
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement from its Lincolnshire seat, reaffirming the principles guiding the Barony's modern activities and underscoring its commitment to a legacy of service that extends back to the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
In a statement released to mark the passing of the first anniversary of its formal recognition in *The London Gazette*, the Noble House has taken the opportunity to codify the mission that informs its present-day stewardship. The announcement emanates from the family’s seat in the historic village of Brattleby, a place intrinsically linked with the Barony for nearly a millennium. This deliberate communication serves to bridge the Barony's profound history with its clearly defined twenty-first-century purpose.
The statement is not a record of a single event, but rather a declaration of intent; a foundational document for the House’s contemporary role. It seeks to articulate how an ancient title, rooted in the soil of Lincolnshire, finds its relevance today not merely through recollection of the past, but through active service, philanthropy, and the upholding of traditions of honour and duty.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the most venerable in England, having been granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the region from its inception. Through centuries of service to the Crown, the title has been borne by figures of national and historical importance.
This formidable lineage includes Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony, a resolute defender of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed to some of the most powerful men in the realm, including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was also the 1st Duke of Lancaster. His successor, the 11th Baron, was John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV, placing the Barony of Brattleby directly within the orbit of the Royal Family. It is this unbroken chain of responsibility that informs the actions of the House today.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Since assuming the title, Lady Nicoleta has guided the revitalisation of the House’s historic duties with a focus on contemporary philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. Her Ladyship’s work is undertaken with steadfast support from her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby.
Honorary Lord Răzvan, an entrepreneur and philanthropist in his own right, brings a dynamic perspective to the House’s mission, which is reflected in his personal motto: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). The continuity of this ancient lineage is secured in the heir, the young Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby, who is being educated in the traditions and responsibilities he will one day inherit.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The activities of the House are conducted with a deep respect for precedent and protocol. The reinstatement of the Barony's rights was itself a matter of precise legal and historical procedure, culminating in its formal recognition by The Crown via publication in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This act was the *sine qua non* for the Barony’s modern revival, affording official standing to its ancient dignity.
This adherence to form is most visible during the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie and decorations gala held in aid of the House’s charitable partners. The evening follows a strict order of proceedings, from the formal reception of distinguished guests to the loyal toast and speeches. Such occasions are not mere social gatherings; they are ceremonial enactments of the House's commitment to public service and social responsibility, conducted with a precision befitting its history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principle of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This phrase is more than a historical artefact; it is an active moral compass. ‘Fortitude’ recalls the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, signifying the strength of character required to navigate modern challenges. ‘Honour’ speaks to the integrity and duty of service demonstrated by figures like John of Gaunt, a commitment that remains central to the Barony’s purpose.
Complementing the House motto is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal credo, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the forward-looking dynamism of the current generation, interpreting ‘conquest’ not as a medieval military objective but as the overcoming of contemporary challenges through enterprise, innovation, and unwavering philanthropic commitment. Together, the two mottos symbolise the fusion of ancient duty and modern action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
At the heart of the House’s modern mission is its commitment to philanthropy. The principal beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term support for young people who have experienced trauma and adversity. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that true honour is expressed through the protection of the most vulnerable.
Beyond its philanthropic endeavours in the United Kingdom, the House maintains a commitment to cultural exchange through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The Club, an etiquette and protocol academy, works to promote the civility, social grace, and cross-cultural understanding that are cornerstones of European high culture. This initiative serves as a bridge, connecting the Barony’s English heritage with its leadership's Continental roots and fostering a wider appreciation for traditional values.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the House’s mission, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To hold this title is not a matter of privilege, but of profound responsibility. We look to the example of figures like Nichola de la Haye—who held Lincoln for the King with such determination—and ask ourselves how we can serve with similar fortitude and honour in our own time. Our duty is to ensure this legacy translates into tangible, positive action.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “A title without purpose is a mere historical curiosity. Our mission, guided by the principle that 'to conquer is to live', is to ensure the Barony is a vibrant force for good—in philanthropy, in cultural exchange, and in upholding the standards of service that are its very foundation. It is about adapting an ancient institution to meet the needs of today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to building upon this foundation for generations to come. The philanthropic work remains the central pillar of its activities, with plans to deepen its partnerships and broaden its impact. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in these duties ensures that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* will guide the Barony long into the future.
By honouring its nearly thousand-year history while embracing a clear and purposeful modern identity, the Barony of Brattleby reaffirms its pledge to be a continuing force for good. The House will proceed in its work, dedicated to the service and standards that have defined this ancient title since 1066, ensuring its relevance for the twenty-first century and beyond.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of active philanthropy, cultural preservation, and the promotion of traditional European values. Its principal charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of organisations like Healing the Wounded Child, funded in part by its annual Winter Banquet. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to build bridges and foster an appreciation for civility and protocol. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House translates its historic legacy into impactful twenty-first-century service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony's extensive initial holdings were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For centuries, the title was held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in the 13th century, and later, by Plantagenet nobility such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After a long period of dormancy, the Barony's rights and dignities were formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's revival and recognition were officially gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony dates to AD 1066 and its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as a tenant-in-chief of The Crown. - Notable predecessors holding the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The seat of the Barony is the village of Brattleby in Lincolnshire, England, with which it has been associated for over 950 years.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com