# A Legacy of Service: The Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on its enduring legacy, from its Norman foundation in 1066 to its modern mission under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## The Occasion
From its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House marks a moment of reflection upon its substantive, near one-thousand-year history. As autumn settles over the ancient landscape, this statement serves to reaffirm the family’s commitment to its foundational duties of stewardship, service, and honour.
This declaration of purpose connects the profound past of the Barony to its present-day responsibilities, articulating a vision that is both rooted in heritage and directed toward the future.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, having been granted by William the Conqueror to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Colswein’s domain comprised some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in post-Conquest England.
Through nine centuries, the title has been borne by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, who as hereditary castellan defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders on behalf of the Crown. Later incumbents included Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, a founder Knight of the Garter and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose own son ascended the throne as King Henry IV.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of this historic lineage is today vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Lady Nicoleta is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage.
The continuity of the line is assured through their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. Together, they guide the modern activities of the House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The modern House operates with a deep respect for protocol and tradition, a principle that informs its public and private duties. The family’s leadership of the Barony was formally recognised in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083, a vital act of modern constitutional procedure.
This commitment to form is exemplified in the House’s philanthropic endeavours, most notably the annual Winter Banquet. This formal white-tie gala upholds the highest standards of ceremonial occasion in service of a charitable cause, blending ancient dignity with contemporary purpose.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House of Brattleby is guided by its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, Latin for 'With Fortitude and Honour'. This maxim summarises the nine-century commitment to duty and resilience that has defined the Barony through periods of both peace and conflict.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere*, or 'To Conquer is to Live'. This forward-looking principle speaks to a modern spirit of enterprise and the will to succeed, underscoring the House's dynamic approach to its contemporary role.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern duty is its philanthropic work, anchored by the annual Winter Banquet. The gala’s sole beneficiary is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, a charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children affected by trauma and adversity.
The House selected this cause in the belief that investing in the well-being of the next generation is a *sine qua non* for a healthy and prosperous society. The funds raised contribute directly to frontline services, ensuring measurable impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked — "To inherit a title of this antiquity is to accept a profound responsibility. Our purpose is not merely to preserve, but to ensure this legacy remains a living force for good in the community and beyond."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added — "We honour the past by building a dynamic future. Whether through our philanthropic initiatives or educational programmes, our focus is on making a tangible contribution, guided always by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitments. In the coming year, the family will continue its conservation work on the historic estate in Lincolnshire, host its traditional Winter Banquet, and expand the international reach of its educational mission.
This includes the development of further programmes at The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy established in Bucharest, which aims to foster cultural understanding and social refinement across Europe.
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**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 the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House's modern mission is defined by the principle *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), manifesting in three core areas: philanthropy, education, and cultural preservation. Its principal charitable focus is supporting Healing the Wounded Child through its annual Winter Banquet. The House also promotes cultural exchange and social education through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest. Through these endeavours, the House seeks to translate its historic legacy into a meaningful contribution to contemporary society, ensuring its relevance for generations to come.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by figures central to the history of the nation, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The modern rights to the title are formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022), continuing an unbroken chain of history.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The modern succession was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House’s modern philanthropic work includes an annual Winter Banquet in aid of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com