# The Noble House of Brattleby Outlines Modern Mission
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement outlining the modern vision for the Barony of Brattleby, held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile. The communication affirms a mission to connect the barony’s ancient heritage with contemporary philanthropic and cultural service.
## The Occasion
From its family seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House has formally codified the principles that will guide its public duties and engagements. This clarification marks a significant moment following the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and sets a clear course for the future of one of England’s oldest hereditary titles.
The announcement is made as autumn settles over the historic Lincolnshire landscape, a season of reflection that invites a thoughtful consideration of legacy and responsibility. It represents a deliberate transition from a period of historical dormancy to one of active stewardship, intended to bring the barony’s profound history into the service of the present day.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, possesses a lineage of remarkable continuity. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. For nearly a millennium, the barony has been interwoven with the history of England.
This heritage is distinguished by a series of formidable predecessors. The title was held by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, a resolute woman who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the reign of King John. Later, the barony passed into the hands of the Plantagenet dynasty through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. It is this legacy—of steadfast defence, ducal splendour, and royal connection—that Lady Nicoleta now carries forward.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the barony is a shared family commitment. The principals of The Noble House of Brattleby are:
**Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.** As the holder of the title, Lady Nicoleta directs the House’s cultural and philanthropic strategy, ensuring its activities are conducted *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby.** As consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan shares in the duties of the House, bringing his own focus on achievement and forward momentum, as captured in his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.** As heir, the 13th Baron is being educated in the duties and history of the title, preparing to continue the family’s commitments for the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The transfer and recognition of a title of such antiquity are governed by precise legal and traditional protocols. The modern succession was formally acknowledged and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083. This act provided the official, public affirmation of Lady Nicoleta’s position as the 12th Baroness.
This legal recognition is the *sine qua non* for the exercise of the title's responsibilities. It ensures that the House’s philanthropic and cultural endeavours are founded upon a legitimate and unbroken historical basis. All activities, from formal communiqués to the organisation of charitable events, are executed with a meticulous attention to protocol befitting the barony’s nine-century history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as guiding principles. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, summarises its core philosophy. 'Fortitude' represents the resilience required to preserve a thousand-year legacy, while 'Honour' dictates the integrity with which the House must conduct its public service.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, adds a dynamic and complementary dimension. It is interpreted not as a call to martial conquest, but as an exhortation to overcome modern challenges—be they cultural apathy, social need, or the erosion of heritage. Together, the mottos signify a commitment to both preserving the past and actively shaping a better future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House’s modern mission is centred on tangible philanthropic impact. The principal vehicle for this work is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to support a chosen charitable beneficiary. This year’s beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma and adversity.
The selection of Healing the Wounded Child reflects the House’s commitment to addressing profound social needs with targeted support. In parallel, the House extends its cultural mission abroad through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This unique academy offers instruction in classical European etiquette and social protocol, serving as a form of cultural diplomacy and fostering a deeper appreciation for an ordered, gracious way of life.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "It is an extraordinary privilege to serve as a custodian of this history. When I consider figures like Nichola de la Haye, who held this title and defended her community with such courage, I am reminded that our duty is not merely to preserve the past, but to draw strength from it to serve the present."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's forward-looking agenda: > "A legacy is not something one simply inherits; it is something one must build upon. Our mission is to ensure that the spirit of Brattleby—its resilience and its honour—is channelled into meaningful action today, creating new opportunities for culture, education, and charity."
## A Continuing Legacy
With its mission now clearly articulated, The Noble House of Brattleby will proceed with a focused programme of activities. Preparations are underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to be a significant occasion for its beneficiary.
Simultaneously, the curriculum and reach of The Brattleby Club will be expanded, reinforcing cultural ties between the United Kingdom and continental Europe. The House remains committed to identifying further avenues through which its unique historical position can provide support and inspiration, ensuring the Barony of Brattleby continues to be a title of active service and enduring relevance.
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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. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: preserving its unique nine-century heritage and deploying its legacy in the service of contemporary society. Its activities focus on targeted philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. The House’s key initiatives include its Annual Winter Banquet for charity and The Brattleby Club, a Bucharest-based academy for classical European etiquette. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides its commitment to acting with resilience and integrity in all public and private matters.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, created by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 for his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and initial holder are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. For nearly 1,000 years, the barony has been associated with pivotal figures in English history, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. The title subsequently passed to the House of Plantagenet through its 10th and 11th Barons, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern succession of the barony was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established by grant of William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086). - Prominent historical holders of 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 Noble House of Brattleby holds its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The family motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com