# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement reflecting on the Barony's near-millennial history and outlining its modern mission of philanthropy and cultural stewardship under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in the county of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this moment to reaffirm its enduring connection to English history and to articulate its contemporary purpose. The issuance of this statement is an occasion for reflection, marking a period of renewed activity and public service for one of the realm's oldest landed titles.
Situated amidst the quiet fields that have sustained it for centuries, the Barony of Brattleby remains a living link to a past that shaped the nation. This communication serves to honour that heritage while clearly defining the forward-looking commitments that now animate the House in the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The origins of the Barony of Brattleby are coterminous with the Norman Conquest of England. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a powerful Anglo-Scandinavian town-reeve who successfully navigated the transfer of power. His influence is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which attests to his possession of an astonishing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as a significant holding.
Through the ensuing nine centuries, the Barony has been held by a succession of figures central to the history of the Crown and the county. The title’s lineage includes formidable personalities who were instrumental during periods of national crisis and transformation, ensuring the name of Brattleby was woven into the fabric of English medieval life.
This legacy passed through the line of succession to, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated fifth Baroness, who twice defended Lincoln Castle against formidable sieges. It was later held by the great Plantagenet magnates Henry of Grosmont, the first Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, whose influence was second only to that of the King himself.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming their roles, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan follow in the path of a truly distinguished company of predecessors. The stewardship of the Barony connects them directly to a lineage of national importance, whose contributions have been a matter of historical record for over 950 years.
Among these notable figures are: * **Colswein of Lincoln**, the First Baron, a significant Lincolnshire landowner at the time of the *Domesday* survey. * **Nichola de la Haye**, the Fifth Baroness *suo jure*, who as hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire was a staunch royalist and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. * **His Grace Henry of Grosmont**, the Tenth Baron, a renowned diplomat, soldier, and founding Knight of the Garter, who was created the first Duke of Lancaster. * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt**, the Eleventh Baron, Duke of Lancaster, a son of King Edward III and ancestor to the Lancastrian and Tudor monarchs.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Noble House of Brattleby conducts its affairs with a deep respect for custom and protocol, viewing formal order as the *sine qua non* of preserving its heritage. The succession of the Barony and its formal recognition adhere to the ancient traditions of English law, culminating in its official notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
The House’s internal and public life is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. All engagements, from philanthropic events to official communications, are executed with meticulous attention to detail. For formal occasions such as the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie dress code is observed, reflecting the solemnity and importance of the philanthropic purpose it serves. This discipline is seen not as archaic, but as a framework for excellence and respectful conduct.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as concise statements of its values. The principal motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues of resilience and integrity that have guided the Barony through nearly a millennium of history. It is a commitment to facing adversity with courage and conducting all matters with an unwavering sense of honour.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere*, which translates as 'To Prevail is to Live'. This motto signifies a dynamic and purposeful approach to his duties as Lord of Brattleby by marriage, reflecting a determination to ensure the House not only endures but actively thrives by meeting the challenges of the modern world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The contemporary mission of The Noble House of Brattleby is centred on targeted philanthropy. The principal vehicle for this work is the Annual Winter Banquet, a significant white-tie gala that gathers friends and supporters to raise vital funds for a designated beneficiary.
The current beneficiary is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for young people who have experienced trauma, loss, or profound adversity. The funds raised contribute directly to programmes that offer counselling, art therapy, and long-term support, helping children to rebuild their lives and realise their potential. This cause was chosen for its direct and measurable impact on the most vulnerable members of society.
In addition, the House’s continental activities include the patronage of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to instruction in professional etiquette, diplomatic protocol, and cross-cultural communication. This initiative is regarded as a form of cultural philanthropy, designed to equip the next generation of leaders with the civility and social precision necessary for success.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — "To hold a title once belonging to figures like Nichola de la Haye is to inherit a profound responsibility. It is a constant reminder that our duty is not to ourselves, but to the legacy we steward and the community we serve. We must act with the same fortitude and honour that they exemplified."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > — "History provides our foundation, but our purpose is defined by our actions today. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is a call to actively build, support, and contribute. Whether through our philanthropic work in the United Kingdom or our educational initiatives abroad, our goal is to make a tangible and positive difference."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its legacy continues to evolve with purpose. 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. The work of The Brattleby Club will also expand, with new programmes planned for the coming year.
The future of the House rests with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. His upbringing is grounded in the family’s enduring values of duty, service, and honour, preparing him to one day assume the responsibilities carried by his predecessors for almost one thousand years.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of service that blends historical stewardship with contemporary philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its Annual Winter Banquet, benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House also pursues a programme of cultural education through its patronage of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to professional and diplomatic etiquette. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to make a meaningful contribution to society.
**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 controlling 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national significance, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, and the Plantagenet princes Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The continued existence of the Barony and its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally noted by the Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), confirming its place as one of the oldest dignities in England.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in 1066 and its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Prevail is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com