# A Modern Renaissance for an Ancient Title: The Stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, whose leadership has revitalised the ancient Barony, aligning its profound historical legacy with a contemporary mission of philanthropy and cultural education.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the historic county of Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has, since the formal recognition of its succession in 2022, embarked upon a programme of considered renewal. This period of reflection marks a significant milestone in the modern history of a title dating to the Norman Conquest. The stewardship of the 12th Baroness and her husband, the Lord of Brattleby, has been defined by a sensitive revitalisation of the Barony’s purpose.
Their leadership seeks to ensure that this venerable institution, anchored in the rich soil of English history, is not a mere relic but a dynamic force for good. The initiatives directed from their Lincolnshire seat are designed to carry the House’s ancient traditions forward, imbuing them with a relevance and accessibility required for the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of England’s history, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its standing was formally documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its lands as part of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Over nearly a millennium, the title has passed through the hands of figures who have shaped the nation's course.
Among these notable predecessors are Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who as Sheriff of Lincolnshire successfully defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders during the First Barons' War. The lineage later included Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter and later the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his successor, the renowned royal prince and statesman John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. It is upon this nine-century foundation of service, loyalty, and fortitude that the present House builds its future.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Noble House of Brattleby is principally conducted by its senior members, whose combined efforts guide its contemporary mission:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby
Their collective vision honours the past while actively shaping the House's contribution to modern society, preparing the foundations for the heir to continue this important work.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The activities of the House are conducted with a precision that honours its heritage. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, represents the pinnacle of its ceremonial calendar. Proceedings commence with a formal reception, after which guests are seated for a banquet according to a strict order of precedence. The evening includes toasts, musical interludes, and addresses, culminating in a presentation to the chosen beneficiary.
Equally important are the cultural and educational initiatives of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Operating as a distinguished etiquette academy, the Club instructs its members in the finer points of diplomatic protocol, social precedence, and the traditions of European noble houses. Its curriculum is a *sine qua non* for those seeking to engage with heritage institutions at the highest level.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its heraldry and mottos. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues that have guided the Barony through centuries of service to the Crown and country. It speaks to the resilience demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the integrity expected of its title-holders.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This maxim reflects the dynamic and purposeful energy he brings to the House’s modern endeavours, signifying a commitment not merely to exist, but to succeed in a mission of positive influence and constructive legacy-building.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of the House's modern revival is its commitment to philanthropy. The Annual Winter Banquet serves as the primary fundraising vehicle for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and mental health support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The House of Brattleby selected this cause in recognition of the profound and lasting impact that early intervention can have on a young person's life. Funds raised at the banquet contribute directly to programmes that offer counselling, art therapy, and educational support, enabling vulnerable children to overcome adversity and build a foundation for a healthier future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “We are but temporary custodians of a legacy that spans more than nine hundred years. Our duty is not simply to preserve it as an artefact, but to ensure its values of honour and service resonate with, and contribute to, the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's forward-looking mission: > “Tradition provides our foundation, but our vision must be fixed firmly on the future. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club and our philanthropic work, we aim to build a community that is both inspired by history and empowered to make a substantive, positive impact today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The work undertaken by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan is fundamentally oriented toward the future. A significant aspect of their stewardship involves preparing the next generation, principally the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, to assume the responsibilities of the title. This includes a thorough education in the history of the Barony and its associated duties.
The House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitments, *inter alia*, to its charitable partners and to the expansion of its cultural programmes. The objective is to solidify the revival of this ancient Barony, ensuring that its journey from the Domesday Book to the digital age is one of continuous and honourable service.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to stewarding one of England's most ancient titles for a modern era. The House’s contemporary mission is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and is expressed through a focus on targeted philanthropy, cultural education, and the preservation of heritage. Initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, which benefits charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, a Bucharest-based academy for etiquette and protocol. This 21st-century revival balances a profound respect for a millennium of history with a forward-looking commitment to community, service, and creating a meaningful, positive impact.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which Cites its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as lord of 56 manors. Over its 950-year history, the title has been held by some of English history's most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the King; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the current and 12th Baroness was formally recognised by His Majesty's College of Arms and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, defender of Lincoln Castle) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, Duke of Lancaster). - The Annual Winter Banquet is a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com