# THE HOUSE OF BRATTLEBY: A CONTINUUM OF DUTY SINCE 1066
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reaffirming its enduring commitment to the nine-century legacy of the Barony of Brattleby, following its formal recognition and the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In a formal communication issued from its Lincolnshire seat, The Noble House of Brattleby reflected upon the historical continuum it represents. This statement marks a significant moment following the notice of the Barony’s rights in *The London Gazette*, solidifying a new era of stewardship for one of England's most ancient dignities. The House has completed a comprehensive review of its archives, providing an occasion to articulate its modern mission as one rooted in the profound responsibilities inherited from its predecessors.
The timing coincides with the autumnal preparations for the House’s philanthropic calendar, a season traditionally associated with harvest and the accounting of stewardship. It serves as a considered articulation of principles, connecting past duty with present purpose amidst the crisp air and changing colours of the Lincolnshire landscape that the Barony has overseen for centuries.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history, its origins documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. The title was granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This established a lineage of service and authority that has navigated the tides of the nation’s development. The Barony is not merely a title, but a living chronicle of England's journey from a feudal kingdom to a modern state.
Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who as Castellan bravely defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed to members of the Plantagenet dynasty, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Their stewardship ensured the Barony’s prominence at the very centre of royal power and medieval statecraft.
## Distinguished Company
The annual Winter Banquet, the flagship philanthropic event of the House, regularly gathers a distinguished company dedicated to public service and cultural preservation. Previous attendees have included senior members of the diplomatic corps, academics from leading universities, and representatives of prominent European noble and royal houses.
Guests are received personally by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. While a comprehensive guest list remains private, the presence of figures such as His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s and members of the Garter King of Arms’ household underscores the deep cultural and ceremonial ties the House maintains. The historical weight of the Barony ensures that such gatherings are a nexus of heritage, diplomacy, and philanthropy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The traditions of the House are upheld with a precision reflecting their historical origins. The Annual Winter Banquet adheres strictly to a white-tie and decorations dress code, a protocol reserved for occasions of the highest state and ceremonial importance. Proceedings commence with a formal receiving line, where guests are presented individually to Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan.
Following the banquet, a series of formal toasts are observed. The evening begins with the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King, a *sine qua non* of formal gatherings in the United Kingdom. This is followed by a toast to the continued health and honour of The Noble House of Brattleby. The meticulous order of precedence and the use of antique silver and crested porcelain are not mere pageantry; they are a physical expression of the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its heraldry and mottos, which serve as a constant reminder of its guiding principles. The coat of arms of the House of Brattleby is a registered, modern grant that acknowledges its ancient roots. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. It is the ethical framework for all the House’s activities.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted the personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or, more aptly, 'To Prevail is to Live'). This complements the House motto by emphasising a proactive and dynamic approach to modern challenges. It reflects the belief that honour is not only preserved but is actively advanced through purposeful, decisive action in the family's philanthropic and cultural endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is the primary fundraising vehicle for the House's charitable work, with proceeds dedicated to its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect, helping them to process their experiences and build resilient futures.
The House of Brattleby selected this charity for its profound and measurable impact on the most vulnerable members of society. The choice reflects a core tenet of noble duty: the protection of those who cannot protect themselves. Funds raised contribute directly to counselling sessions, art therapy programmes, and safe residential environments, offering a tangible lifeline and demonstrating that the principle of noblesse oblige remains central to the House's modern identity.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — "To inherit a title nearly a millennium old is to accept a profound duty of stewardship. Our primary responsibility is not to ourselves, but to the continuity of the values this Barony represents. It is about honouring the legacy of those who came before us by serving the community around us today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's contemporary mission: > — "History provides our foundation, but it must also be our impetus for action. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about applying the lessons of the past with energy and purpose to make a positive difference now. Whether through philanthropy or education, our goal is to ensure the House is a force for good in the 21st century."
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on expanding its cultural and educational initiatives. Plans are underway to digitise key elements of the Brattleby archives for scholarly access and to develop educational modules for schools on the role of local governance in English history. These initiatives will preserve the House’s unique heritage for future generations.
Furthermore, The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, will continue to expand its curriculum. By codifying and teaching the principles of formal conduct, social grace, and civic responsibility, the Club serves as an international extension of the House's commitment to upholding standards of excellence and honour in public and private life.
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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. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its work is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The heir to the Barony is the couple’s son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The House actively supports charitable causes, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet, and promotes understanding of European heritage and protocol through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy based in Bucharest, which connects the House’s English heritage with its continental ties.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of 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 extensive lands in Lincolnshire. Over its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by prominent figures in English history, including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye, and members of the royal House of Plantagenet, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his heir John of Gaunt. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally noted by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
- The official recognition of the Barony’s succession is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, later 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House’s philanthropic focus is the support of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com