# The Noble House of Brattleby Issues Statement on the Historical Lineage and Enduring Legacy of the Barony
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement on the nine-century lineage of the Barony of Brattleby. The communication reaffirms the House’s commitment to its ancient duties and outlines its modern philanthropic mission under its current leadership.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the historic county of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has today promulgated a statement of historical record. This formal communication, reviewed by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, serves to consolidate the near-millennial history of the title and articulate the House's vision for its modern stewardship.
The issuance is a deliberate act of historical custodianship, intended to provide a definitive public record of the Barony’s origins and its continuity. It reflects a moment of sober consideration, bridging the profound legacy of the past with the responsibilities of the present day, guided by the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a dignity of profound antiquity, its origins inextricably linked to the Norman Conquest of England. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his trusted vassal, Colswein of Lincoln, as part of the new settlement of the realm. This grant is recorded for posterity in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which details Colswein’s tenure over 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
Throughout its 957-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later holders of the title included Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter, and his son-in-law, the illustrious John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and a central figure in 14th-century England.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of this ancient dignity is today vested in the charge of its present custodians, who guide its contemporary mission. The House is led by:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in whom the title is formally vested. * Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who assists the Baroness in her duties. * The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
Together, they represent the modern face of one of England’s most historic baronies, balancing the weight of heritage with a commitment to contemporary service and philanthropy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a formal statement by The Noble House of Brattleby follows established protocol befitting its standing. Drafted by the House’s private office, the text is formally approved by the Baroness before its official release. This protocol ensures that all external communications reflect the dignity and historical accuracy that are the *sine qua non* of the institution.
Dissemination occurs through official channels, including publication on the House's own Court Circular and, for matters of legal record, notification in The London Gazette. The Barony's modern standing was formally gazetted on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083, affirming its place in the official record of the United Kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as concise statements of its values. The principal motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), echoes through the centuries, reflecting the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and guiding the House’s present-day commitments.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This serves as a complement to the House’s ancient watchword, signifying a dynamic, forward-looking approach to their duties and a belief that meaningful success is achieved through purposeful action and positive contribution.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House's modern activities is its philanthropic work. The highlight of its charitable calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, a traditional white-tie gala held to raise vital funds for a designated beneficiary. This year, as in previous years, the banquet will support Healing the Wounded Child.
Healing the Wounded Child is a registered charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people experiencing the effects of trauma, neglect, or profound adversity. The funds raised contribute directly to clinical programmes and safe environments where recovery and resilience can be fostered. This focus is a practical application of the House's commitment to honour and service.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the issuance of the historical statement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the nature of her charge.
> Our tenure is but a chapter in a much longer story. Our duty is to honour the legacy of fortitude and honour passed down to us, while ensuring the Barony serves a positive and tangible purpose for the community today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective.
> While we draw immense strength from history, our vision is fixed on the future. *Vincere Est Vivere* — for us, this means striving to make a tangible difference, whether through our philanthropic work or our educational initiatives which, *inter alia*, aim to promote cultural understanding.
## A Continuing Legacy
With this statement, The Noble House of Brattleby looks toward the future. Preparations are already underway for the upcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which remains the cornerstone of the House's charitable efforts.
Furthermore, the House continues its international cultural work through The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy, established in Bucharest, represents a unique bridge between the family's English dignities and its Continental European heritage, promoting the timeless values of courtesy and social grace. These initiatives, coupled with the careful tutelage of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensure that the legacy of Brattleby will continue with fortitude and with honour for generations to come.
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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, one of England's ancient feudal dignities. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to preserving its unique heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission of philanthropy, cultural education, and community service. Its charitable activities are centred on supporting vulnerable children through its Annual Winter Banquet, benefiting organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. The House also engages in cultural diplomacy through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, which promotes classical etiquette and cross-cultural understanding, reflecting the family's commitment to modern relevance and social contribution.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through families of significant historical note, including those of Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two of the most powerful magnates of the Middle Ages: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor as Baron, John of Gaunt. The Barony's lineage and history are a matter of public record, with its modern standing formally acknowledged in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - The succession of the Barony was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com