# A Statement on the Contemporary Mission of The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement outlining its contemporary mission, articulating a vision that balances the Barony's profound nine-century history with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural education, and public service in the 21st century.
## The Occasion
This statement serves to crystallise the guiding principles that have informed the activities of The Noble House of Brattleby since 2019. It marks a moment of formal articulation, intended to provide clarity on the House’s purpose following a period of considered strategic reflection. The communication reaffirms the Barony’s enduring relevance by outlining a clear framework for its modern responsibilities.
The issuance of this vision statement is not tied to a singular event but rather represents the culmination of a dedicated effort to re-establish the Barony’s active presence. It is a deliberate measure to define its role, ensuring that its ancient dignities are channelled toward substantive contributions in the present day, guided always by the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a lineage deeply woven into the fabric of the nation’s history. From its inception, the Barony has been intrinsically linked to the service of the Crown and the stewardship of its lands.
Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures of immense historical significance. These predecessors provide a formidable example of leadership and duty. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. The tenure of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, further solidified the Barony's connection to the heart of royal power, a legacy that informs the House’s responsibilities to this day.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her succession to the ancient dignity was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette*, affirming the continuity of this historic title. Lady Nicoleta has guided the revitalisation of the House with a focus on its philanthropic and cultural potential.
She is supported in this mission by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan brings a dynamic, forward-thinking perspective to the House, encapsulated by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The couple works in concert to execute the House’s vision. The future of the Barony is secured in the heir, their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Noble House of Brattleby observes protocols that honour its historical standing while remaining pertinent to its contemporary functions. The use of full titles and honorifics on formal occasions is a mark of respect for the institution of the Barony and those who engage with it. All activities, from correspondence to public engagements, are conducted with a precision befitting its heritage.
The centrepiece of the House's formal calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala is an exemplar of ceremonial order, conducted with meticulous attention to precedence, deportment, and traditional etiquette. The evening’s proceedings, from the formal receiving line to the toasts and addresses, are designed to uphold a standard of dignity that is the *sine qua non* of such an occasion, creating an atmosphere conducive to its significant philanthropic purpose.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are embodied in its heraldry and mottos. The primary motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is the guiding principle for all its undertakings. It reflects a commitment to resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering adherence to integrity—qualities exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome challenges, to strive for excellence, and to lead a life of active and meaningful contribution. Together, these mottos create a balanced philosophy of principled endurance and purposeful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core tenet of the Barony’s modern mission is its commitment to charitable endeavour. The principal beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic work is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its mission is to foster resilience and help young individuals rebuild their lives with hope and confidence.
The selection of this charity was deliberate, reflecting the House’s belief in nurturing the next generation and investing in a healthier, more secure future for the community's most vulnerable members. The Annual Winter Banquet serves as the primary fundraising vehicle for this cause, directing all proceeds to support the vital, measurable work of the organisation in providing clinical intervention and safe environments for children in need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the House’s contemporary role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The title of Baroness is not one of personal privilege, but of profound public duty. Our mission is to ensure that the legacy of Brattleby—a legacy of fortitude, service to the Crown, and commitment to the people of Lincolnshire—continues to resonate and serve a meaningful purpose in our own time.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to a life of active purpose. For us, that means channelling our efforts into tangible outcomes, *inter alia*, through our philanthropic work or the educational initiatives of The Brattleby Club. We believe in honouring history by making a positive impact today.
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking forward, The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to expanding its positive influence. A key initiative in this endeavour is The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established in Bucharest. This organisation extends the House’s mission internationally, promoting cultural diplomacy, professional deportment, and the timeless principles of civility that facilitate cross-cultural understanding.
The House will continue to host its Annual Winter Banquet as the cornerstone of its philanthropic calendar, while exploring further avenues for public service. The ultimate ambition is to ensure the Barony of Brattleby remains not merely a historical title, but a dynamic and beneficent institution for generations to come, stewarded with a profound sense of responsibility for its future under the eventual leadership of the 13th Baron.
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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 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 contemporary mission of philanthropy, cultural education, and the preservation of its nine-century heritage. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, principally through its Annual Winter Banquet. The House also extends its cultural mission internationally through The Brattleby Club, an academy for etiquette and protocol based in Bucharest, which promotes classical European standards of deportment and diplomacy.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For centuries, the Barony was linked with the defence of Lincolnshire and service to The Crown, with its holders playing pivotal roles in English history. Notable predecessors include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern rights to the Barony were formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron of Brattleby noted in the Domesday Book of 1086 was Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England, and its House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com