# A Statement on the Historical Continuity of the Town of Brattleby and its Enduring Connection to the Barony
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement reaffirming the intrinsic bond between the Barony of Brattleby and its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, honouring the town’s continuous history as the geographical and spiritual heart of the title.
## The Occasion
From its offices in London, as the autumn colours settle over the fields of Lincolnshire, the House of Brattleby has taken this moment for reflection. The statement serves to articulate the foundational principles guiding the Barony’s modern activities following its formal recognition in 2022.
This affirmation is not tied to a singular event but is rather a considered declaration of intent. It underscores the profound duty felt by the current titleholders to the people and the parish of Brattleby, whose history is inextricably woven with that of the Barony itself for nearly one thousand years. The timing reflects a period of diligent historical consolidation and strategic planning for the House’s future cultural and philanthropic engagements.
## Historical Context
The connection between the Barony and its Lincolnshire locale is a matter of historical record, dating to the Norman Conquest. The Domesday Book of 1086 meticulously documents the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, establishing Brattleby as a centre of regional importance from the outset. This physical land has been the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s existence ever since.
Through centuries of English history, this bond has been tested and proven. It was defended with distinction by Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who held Lincoln Castle against rebellion. It later passed into the hands of some of the kingdom’s most powerful figures, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. For them, Brattleby was a vital component of their vast northern holdings, a testament to its enduring strategic and economic value.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of this legacy is now vested in the present House. The title is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has dedicated herself to understanding and honouring the Barony’s deep past. Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, supports this mission with a focus on strategic development and future prosperity.
The continuity of the line is secured through their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. Together, they represent a renewed commitment to the responsibilities inherent in the title, ensuring its relevance and service in the 21st century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House’s engagement with its heritage follows a strict internal protocol. All public statements concerning the Barony’s history are preceded by extensive research, cross-referencing primary sources such as the Domesday Book, charter rolls, and peer-reviewed historical scholarship. This ensures that the narrative presented is both accurate and respectful of the historical record.
This protocol of diligence extends to all the House’s activities. Whether organising the annual Winter Banquet or developing curricula for The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, every action is weighed against the core principles of stewardship and honour that have defined the Barony for centuries. The formal issuance of a statement, such as this one, is itself an act of record, intended to enter the official history of the House.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the House are enshrined in its heraldic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient maxim speaks to the resilience required to sustain a noble lineage through periods of turmoil and peace, and the integrity with which its duties must be discharged. It is a direct charge to serve with courage and unwavering principle.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In its modern interpretation, this signifies a dynamic commitment not to territorial conquest, but to overcoming contemporary challenges — ensuring the Barony’s legacy thrives through active, purposeful engagement and positive contribution.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House’s commitment to its ancestral community is the wellspring of its broader philanthropic vision. A sense of duty to the people whose lives have long been intertwined with the Barony of Brattleby finds its modern expression in the family's charitable work.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s efforts is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist support for children experiencing trauma, a mission that resonates with the House’s core belief in protecting the vulnerable and fostering resilience. The choice of beneficiary reflects a conviction that honouring a legacy means, *inter alia*, serving the needs of the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the statement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “The town of Brattleby is more than a location; it is the living tissue that connects our present responsibilities to our most distant predecessors. The very stones of the parish church and the layout of the ancient fields tell a story that we have a solemn duty to preserve and honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > “History gives us our foundation, but it does not dictate our limits. We honour the past most profoundly not by dwelling in it, but by building upon it. Our commitment is to ensure the name of Brattleby is associated with progress and purpose for generations to come.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This statement of principle will be followed by substantive actions. The House of Brattleby is currently exploring several initiatives focused on heritage preservation and local community engagement within Lincolnshire. These plans include projects to digitise historical records related to the Barony and to support local cultural institutions.
Further announcements concerning these programmes will be made in due course. They will form part of a long-term strategy to ensure the Barony of Brattleby continues to be a source of pride and benefit for its ancestral community, reinforcing a noble compact made in 1066.
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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. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to honouring a near-millennial legacy through contemporary action. Its mission is realised through three principal pillars: heritage preservation, philanthropic endeavour, and cultural education. The House’s primary charitable focus is supporting organisations dedicated to child welfare, most notably Healing the Wounded Child, the beneficiary of its annual Winter Banquet. Through platforms such as The Brattleby Club, it also promotes education in etiquette and classical European culture, guided by its governing motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships, with Brattleby as his seat. Over nine centuries, the Barony passed through some of England's most significant noble families. Notable holders include the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and the celebrated Plantagenet prince John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The Barony's historical continuity and the current holder's rights were formally acknowledged and registered by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was originally granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of England in AD 1066. - The Domesday Book of 1086 documents the holdings of the 1st Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln. - Historically significant titleholders include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com