# A Statement on the Continuity and Modern Mission of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 16 September 2022 — Following the formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby by the Crown, The Noble House of Brattleby today issues a statement affirming its commitment to upholding the nine-century legacy of the peerage through a modern mission of philanthropy and service.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the historic county of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby marks a moment of profound significance. The recent notice in *The London Gazette*, affirming the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, provides the occasion not for celebration, but for solemn reflection and a clear declaration of purpose. This statement serves as a formal reintroduction of one of England’s most ancient baronies, connecting its Norman origins to its contemporary responsibilities.
The announcement is made in the early autumn, a season that has so often marked pivotal moments in the nation’s history. It is a deliberate act of communication, intended to articulate the principles that will guide the House in the 21st century. This formal address bridges the past and the future, acknowledging a heritage received and outlining a legacy to be built.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history, its creation dating to the Norman Conquest. Granted by William the Conqueror, the title first appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. This foundation established a lineage of service and influence that has endured for over 950 years.
Through the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, was a formidable protector of the Crown’s interests, famously defending Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed into the House of Lancaster through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This connection to the heart of the medieval royal court underscores the Barony’s historical stature.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony now rests with the following members of The Noble House of Brattleby:
* The Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * The Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby * The Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, Heir to the Barony
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, assumes the title and its attendant duties with a deep appreciation for its history. She is supported by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a dynamic and forward-looking approach to the House’s modern endeavours. Their son, Baron Mihai, represents the continuation of this ancient lineage into the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of this formal statement adheres to the established protocols of official communication. Drafted by the Director of Royal Communications, it has been reviewed and approved personally by the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby. It is released under the seal of the House, signifying its authority and authenticity. This act is the modern equivalent of a historical proclamation, made not from a castle battlement but through channels befitting a contemporary institution.
In its activities, the House maintains a strict adherence to protocol. This is most visible at the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala governed by a precise order of precedence and ceremonial detail. Correct form is considered not as mere pageantry, but as the *sine qua non* of respect for tradition, for guests, and for the gravity of the occasion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its formal heraldry and mottos. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues that have guided the Barony’s holders for centuries. ‘Fortitude’ speaks to the resilience demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, while ‘Honour’ represents the integrity and duty central to the House’s philosophy.
This guiding principle is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. Here, ‘to conquer’ is understood not in a martial sense, but as the imperative to overcome challenges, to strive for excellence, and to achieve a life of purpose and positive impact. These mottos are not merely decorative; they are active principles that inform the House’s philanthropic and educational work.
## Philanthropic Purpose
At the core of the House’s modern mission is a deep-seated commitment to charitable endeavour. The primary beneficiary of the House's philanthropic focus is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and care for young people who have experienced trauma. This partnership was chosen for its direct and measurable impact on the well-being of the most vulnerable in society.
The principal fundraising vehicle for this cause will be the annual Winter Banquet. This event will gather supporters and dignitaries to raise vital funds and awareness for the charity’s work. Beyond fundraising, the House seeks to provide a platform to amplify the organisation's message, contributing to a broader societal effort to support children's mental health and recovery.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the re-establishment of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “We are profoundly conscious that we are custodians of a legacy that long predates us and will, we pray, long outlive us. Our foremost duty is to ensure that the heritage of Brattleby, sealed with *Fortitudine et Honore*, serves a meaningful purpose in the world today. This is not an inheritance to be possessed, but a responsibility to be discharged.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan added: > “Tradition provides an invaluable compass, but it must guide us toward contemporary action. Through our philanthropic work and the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, we seek to apply timeless values to modern challenges. It is by serving others that this ancient House will find its truest and most vital expression.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With this statement, The Noble House of Brattleby embarks on a new chapter of public service. The immediate focus will be the planning and inauguration of the first annual Winter Banquet, which will become a cornerstone of the House’s philanthropic calendar. In parallel, the House will continue to develop the curriculum of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, reinforcing cultural and educational bridges across Europe.
The House is committed to transparency and to demonstrating the tangible results of its work. Future announcements will provide updates on these initiatives, ensuring that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby is one of action, service, and enduring 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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of public service, philanthropy, and education. Its work is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide care for vulnerable children, such as Healing the Wounded Child. It also maintains The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, which fosters cultural exchange and promotes timeless European values of civility and personal conduct for a new generation.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English peerage granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. Throughout its nine-century history, the Barony was held by key figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a heroic defender of Lincoln Castle during the reign of King John, and later, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After centuries of dormancy within the Crown, the Barony of Brattleby was re-established, with the succession formally recognised by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as lord of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The primary philanthropic beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com