# A Statement on the Modern Stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement on the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. The communication outlines the House’s modern mission, which seeks to honour its profound historical lineage while championing contemporary philanthropic and cultural initiatives.
## The Occasion
From its administrative seat in London, and with a view toward its ancestral home in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken this moment to articulate its vision for the 21st century. As the crisp autumn air settles over the historic fields of Lincolnshire, this statement serves as a formal reflection on the period of revival undertaken since 2019.
The purpose is to reaffirm the principles guiding the Barony’s current holders and to contextualise their work within a legacy stretching back to the Norman Conquest. This declaration marks not a single event, but a continuing commitment to responsible stewardship, ensuring that one of England’s oldest baronies remains a force for positive endeavour.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. This foundational grant established a continuous line of service and duty to the Crown and to the people of the county, a responsibility that has been borne by some of English history’s most significant figures.
The legacy of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in the 13th century, provides a powerful example of fortitude. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. This Lancastrian heritage connects the Barony directly to the heart of the medieval English establishment, a history of loyalty and leadership that informs the House’s purpose today.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is led by its current holders, who together guide its activities.
The title is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is Lord of Brattleby by marriage and a partner in the House's strategic direction. The heir to the title is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who represents the continuity of the Barony into the next generation.
Together, they form the leadership of The Noble House of Brattleby, which directs all official, philanthropic, and cultural matters associated with the title.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House upholds traditions of English ceremonial life, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala is a meticulously organised affair that adheres to the highest standards of protocol. Held in a distinguished London venue, the evening reflects a deep respect for form and function, where etiquette is considered the *sine qua non* of hospitality.
Proceedings commence with a formal reception, after which guests are seated according to a precise order of precedence. The evening includes a fine dining experience, keynote addresses, and often a classical music performance. This dedication to formal protocol is also reflected in the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House to promote the principles of refined social conduct on the Continent.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its distinct heraldic elements, which carry deep symbolic meaning. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the guiding principle for all its undertakings. This phrase encapsulates a commitment to resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering adherence to integrity, echoing the legacy of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents a dynamic and purposeful approach to life’s challenges, emphasising action, progress, and the will to achieve meaningful goals. Together, the two mottos symbolise a synthesis of dutiful constancy and forward-looking ambition.
## Philanthropic Purpose
At the heart of the House’s modern activities is a profound commitment to philanthropy. The principal charitable beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support to children who have experienced significant trauma or adversity.
The selection of this charity is deliberate, reflecting the House’s belief in its duty to protect and nurture the most vulnerable. Funds raised at the annual gala directly support the charity’s mission, enabling it to deliver measurable impact by providing safe environments, professional counselling, and long-term recovery programmes for young people. This focus on healing and restoration is a cornerstone of the Barony’s contemporary relevance.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the role of the Barony today, the 12th Baroness has articulated a vision rooted in service.
> The Barony is not a relic, but a living trust. Our primary duty is one of stewardship — to honour the nine centuries of history that precede us while ensuring the title serves a tangible, positive purpose today, guided always by *Fortitudine et Honore*. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has further elaborated on the House’s unique European perspective.
> Bridging the worlds of English heritage and Continental European engagement is central to our vision. Whether through our philanthropic work in Lincolnshire or our educational initiatives in Bucharest, the goal remains the same: to build a legacy of service. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to building upon its foundations for the future. This includes the continued expansion of The Brattleby Club’s curriculum in Bucharest, the planning and execution of future philanthropic events, *inter alia*, and the scholarly preservation of the Barony’s extensive archives.
The long-term vision is one of sustained and meaningful contribution, both in the United Kingdom and abroad. As the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun is being prepared to carry this legacy of service forward, ensuring that the Barony of Brattleby will continue to stand for fortitude and honour for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment that directs the affairs of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of "nobility through service." Its activities are focused on three principal areas: preserving and promoting the Barony’s nearly one-thousand-year history; engaging in targeted philanthropy with a focus on child welfare and healing; and fostering cultural exchange through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. With a vision that is both deeply respectful of its English heritage and decidedly international in its outlook, the House seeks to demonstrate the enduring relevance of historic titles through tangible, positive action in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details its original 56 lordships under the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by prominent figures in English history, including the 13th-century hero Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the royal House of Lancaster, notably Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. The modern rights to the title were formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuity of one of England’s historic dignities.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern revival and recognition of the Barony of Brattleby are officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s historical origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com