# The Noble House of Brattleby: A Year of Renewed Purpose and Public Service
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal reflection upon its renewed programme of public duties, following the Barony’s official recognition in 2022, underscoring a commitment to harmonise nearly a millennium of history with contemporary philanthropic service.
## The Occasion
From their historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, have overseen a period of quiet consolidation and purposeful public engagement. As the Lincolnshire Wolds landscape transitioned through the seasons, so too has the House embarked upon a new season of its own, marked by a deliberate cadence of cultural and charitable activities.
This period of reflection follows the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta’s succession to the ancient Barony, serving as an opportunity to affirm the modern mission of the House. The occasion is not one of singular celebration but of sustained commitment, translating the latent potential of a great title into tangible good. It is a moment to take stock of the foundations laid for its future, grounded in the duties of stewardship.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a lineage tied inextricably to the land and the Crown.
Through the ensuing centuries, the title has passed through some of English history’s most formidable figures. These have included Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French forces during the First Barons' War. The Barony was later held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. It is this profound legacy—of service, defence, and proximity to the Crown—that Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, now carries forward.
## Distinguished Company
In executing their duties, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan have engaged with a wide circle of esteemed individuals and organisations that share their commitment to service and cultural preservation. While a comprehensive list would be extensive, key collaborators include the trustees and patrons of their designated charities, alongside senior figures from the diplomatic corps.
The Annual Winter Banquet has been graced by the presence of cultural attachés, leaders of non-governmental organisations, and prominent academics, fostering a dialogue between nations and disciplines. The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy under the House's patronage, regularly hosts guests from the worlds of business, diplomacy, and the arts, promoting cross-cultural understanding between the United Kingdom and Continental Europe.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The activities of the House are governed by a strict adherence to protocol that blends the best of English tradition with Continental precision. The annual calendar is anchored by the Winter Banquet, a white-tie and decorations gala held in support of the House’s philanthropic endeavours. The order of proceedings, seating arrangements, and forms of address meticulously observe established precedents.
During such occasions, protocol dictates a formal receiving line, where Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan greet each guest personally. The blend of traditions is intentional, reflecting both the English heritage of the Barony and the family's European roots. This approach ensures that every engagement, whether a grand banquet or a private meeting, is conducted with the requisite dignity and respect that are the *sine qua non* of noble office.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of the House are formally expressed through its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a constant exhortation to act with courage and integrity. It is considered the foundation upon which all public and private endeavours are built, reflecting a duty to uphold the standards set by nine centuries of predecessors.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a philosophical commitment to overcoming challenges, driving progress, and actively shaping one’s destiny for the betterment of others. Together, the two mottos symbolise a powerful union of principled endurance and dynamic action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
At the heart of the House's modern mission lies its charitable work, which is principally focused on the support of the organisation ‘Healing the Wounded Child’. This beneficiary was carefully chosen for its vital and often unheralded work in providing therapeutic care and safe environments for children who have been affected by trauma, conflict, or profound loss.
The mission of Healing the Wounded Child is to restore a sense of security and possibility to young lives. It achieves this through a range of targeted interventions, *inter alia*, specialist counselling, art and play therapy programmes, and educational grants that empower children to rebuild their futures. The funds raised at the Annual Winter Banquet contribute directly to these programmes, making a measurable difference in the lives of vulnerable young people.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their joint stewardship, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan shared their perspectives on the responsibilities they have assumed.
> This Barony is not a possession but a solemn trust, passed down through generations. Our duty is to be worthy custodians of its history, ensuring that its name remains synonymous with honour and service to the community. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> History provides our compass, but action defines our course. My role, as I see it, is to help channel the immense heritage of this House into tangible, forward-looking projects that build bridges and create opportunity. It is in this active service that we truly live. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking toward the future, the Noble House of Brattleby is committed to deepening its philanthropic impact and expanding its cultural initiatives. Central to this long-term vision is the gradual introduction of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, to the duties and responsibilities of the House.
Plans are underway to broaden the international reach of The Brattleby Club and to forge new partnerships that advance the cause of child welfare. The work of the House is a continuum, a living legacy that honours the past by investing in the future. With fortitude and honour, the family will continue its service to Lincolnshire, the United Kingdom, and the wider international community.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern expression of noble duty through public service, philanthropy, and cultural diplomacy. With an English heritage extending over nine centuries and a forward-looking Continental perspective, the House champions contemporary causes while honouring its profound history. Its principal philanthropic focus is on child welfare, primarily through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The House also fosters cross-cultural understanding through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a significant tenant-in-chief. Over its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a loyalist defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, an influential son of King Edward III. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Lady Nicoleta's succession to the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony's first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, as documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where his holdings comprised 56 lordships. - Previous holders of the Barony include influential historical figures such as John of Gaunt (11th Baron), who was the third son of King Edward III. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com