# The Noble House of Brattleby Reaffirms Nine Centuries of Service to Crown and Country
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement reaffirming its commitment to the ancient traditions and public duties of the Barony of Brattleby, commencing a new chapter of activity guided by its nine-hundred-year history of service.
## The Occasion
From its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, a county intrinsically linked with the history of the English Crown, the House of Brattleby marked a moment of reflection and renewed purpose. Set against the soft light of a late spring morning, the announcement serves to connect the Barony’s modern stewardship with its profound historical context. This deliberate act underscores a continuity of purpose, bridging the centuries from the Norman Conquest to the present day.
The occasion is not one of singular celebration but of solemn reaffirmation. It is a pledge to honour the legacy of the Barony, whose history is woven into the fabric of the nation, and to carry its founding principles forward through contemporary acts of philanthropy, education, and cultural preservation. This moment serves as a formal declaration of intent for the House’s future endeavours.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, first enters the formal record in the Domesday Book of 1086. The entry records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant centre of power and influence from its inception.
Through the centuries, the Barony was held by figures of immense historical consequence. The fifth holder, Nichola de la Haye, served as a formidable defender of Lincoln Castle during the tumult of the First Barons' War, an act of loyalty to the Crown that was a *sine qua non* of preserving royal authority in the period following Magna Carta. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster and became one of the great chivalric figures of the Hundred Years' War.
Subsequently, the Barony was held by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV. This connection placed Brattleby at the very heart of the Plantagenet dynasty and the great affairs of state, cementing its place in the annals of English history. The current House continues to draw inspiration from these distinguished predecessors.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony rests with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Lady Nicoleta holds the dignity in her own right, her title having been formally recognised by The Crown and published in *The London Gazette*. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage.
The direct heir to the Barony is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby. The family is united in its commitment to upholding the responsibilities inherent in their ancient title and ensuring its relevance for future generations.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The activities of the House are conducted with a deep respect for precedent and protocol. Public-facing engagements, *inter alia*, adhere to a formal order of proceeding that reflects the Barony's historical dignity. The House’s Annual Winter Banquet, for example, is a strictly white-tie affair, honouring the traditions of a grand philanthropic gala while providing a distinguished setting for its charitable work.
In all its communications and educational initiatives, such as those undertaken by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House maintains a standard of precision and decorum. This approach ensures that the modern revival of the Barony is conducted not merely in name, but in the spirit of its historical obligations.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principle of the House is encapsulated in its Latin motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates as ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. These words reflect the historical virtues of courage in adversity and integrity in service, as exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. This motto informs every aspect of the family’s public and private life.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* or ‘To Conquer is to Live’. This represents the dynamic and purposeful energy he brings to the Barony’s modern mission, embodying a spirit of active achievement in the service of its philanthropic and educational goals.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Central to the House of Brattleby’s contemporary mission is its philanthropic work. The principal beneficiary of its efforts is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care to young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The charity's mission is to offer long-term psychological support, creating a safe environment where children can process their experiences and build foundations for a stable, healthy future. The House selected this beneficiary due to its measurable and life-altering impact, and its alignment with the Barony's duty to protect the most vulnerable. Proceeds from the Annual Winter Banquet are dedicated entirely to this vital cause.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To hold this title is to be a steward of nearly one thousand years of history. Our duty is not simply to preserve the past, but to live by its lessons of fortitude and honour. When we act today, we do so with the legacy of figures like John of Gaunt and Nichola de la Haye firmly in mind.” — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke to the future of the House, stating:
> “History provides our foundation, but service gives us our purpose. Through our work in philanthropy and education, we seek to make this ancient Barony a force for good in the modern world. It is about transforming a noble inheritance into a living, breathing commitment to others.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking forward, the House will continue to dedicate its efforts toward its core missions. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to build upon the success of previous years in support of Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club will expand its educational programmes, promoting etiquette and classical virtues.
The primary focus remains the careful upbringing of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru, ensuring that he is prepared to one day assume the mantle of the Barony with a profound understanding of its history and a deep-seated commitment to serving with fortitude and 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 ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to reviving the Barony’s historical legacy through a contemporary mission of public service. Its core activities focus on philanthropy, principally supporting children's mental health charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and education, through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House seeks to connect its distinguished past with a meaningful and impactful present, ensuring the Barony remains a symbol of enduring service and cultural heritage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of royal authority during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a celebrated military commander; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III and ancestor of the Lancastrian kings. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where the first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable former holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster, and son of King Edward III. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com