# The Noble House of Brattleby: A Statement on its Nine-Century Legacy
LONDON, 15 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issues a statement reaffirming the historical continuity and modern mission of the Barony of Brattleby. This communication outlines the House’s stewardship of its ancient legacy under Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## The Occasion
In a season of reflection, as autumn settles over its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House of Brattleby has chosen to articulate its enduring purpose. This statement serves not to announce a singular event but to codify the principles guiding the Barony in the 21st century. It is an affirmation of a living heritage, one that connects the Norman Conquest to a contemporary mission of philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education.
The communication reaffirms the House’s commitment to its responsibilities, both historic and present-day. It is issued to provide clarity and context for the public record, reinforcing the lineage’s seamless transition into a modern era of service, a duty upheld with the same gravity today as it was in centuries past.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, represents an unbroken thread in the tapestry of English history. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which documents its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a significant holding in post-Conquest England. This great survey, a `sine qua non` of English administrative history, establishes Brattleby’s foundational role in the nation’s structure.
Over the subsequent nine centuries, the Barony was held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Castellan, courageously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed through the Lancastrian line to Henry of Grosmont, the great 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, demonstrating the Barony’s proximity to the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony today rests with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. A direct successor to this distinguished line, Lady Nicoleta dedicates herself to the preservation of the House’s heritage and the advancement of its philanthropic aims.
By her side is her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements the House’s enduring spirit of fortitude. Together, they guide the Barony’s modern activities, ensuring its relevance and impact.
The future of the lineage is secure in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron in succession. His education and upbringing are centred on the principles of duty and honour that have defined the Barony for generations.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House of Brattleby upholds a deep respect for tradition, which is most visibly expressed in the careful protocol of its formal engagements. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, serves as the cornerstone of the House’s social and philanthropic calendar. Proceedings are marked by a strict adherence to ceremonial order, from the receiving line to the formal toasts, reflecting a discipline inherited from centuries of courtly life.
This commitment to decorum extends to The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House. The institution’s curriculum is predicated on the social precision of Europe’s great houses, teaching the nuances of diplomatic protocol, formal dining, and the quiet codes of polite society. This work is not merely an exercise in nostalgia but a practical application of the civilising values the Barony represents.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its coat of arms and mottos, which serve as a constant reminder of its guiding philosophy. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues that have been demanded of its holders through ages of both peace and peril. ‘Fortitude’ speaks to the resilience shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, while ‘Honour’ reflects the unwavering integrity expected of the title.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, adds a dynamic, forward-looking dimension. It is interpreted not as a call to conquest in a martial sense, but as an exhortation to overcome modern challenges—be they in philanthropy, business, or cultural preservation—and to live a life of purpose and achievement. Together, the mottos create a dialogue between steadfast duty and active engagement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
At the heart of the House's modern activities lies a profound commitment to charitable work. The primary beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or profound loss.
The choice of this beneficiary is deliberate, reflecting the House’s belief that the duty of care extends to the most vulnerable members of society. Funds raised contribute directly to programmes that offer counselling, art therapy, and safe residential environments, providing children with the tools to rebuild their lives. The impact is measurable, providing thousands of hours of specialist support and ensuring a legacy of healing and hope.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be a custodian of this title is to hold nine centuries of history in one’s hands. It is a profound responsibility, not merely to preserve the past, but to ensure that the principles of fortitude and honour continue to serve our community in the present.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s contemporary mission: > “Heritage provides our foundation, but our duty is to build upon it. Whether through our philanthropic work or fostering cultural understanding, we seek to apply the lessons of history to the challenges of today. That, for us, is the essence of a living legacy.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby looks toward the future with a clear sense of purpose. Its primary focus remains the diligent stewardship of the Barony’s history and assets, `inter alia`, its seat and archives in Lincolnshire, which are undergoing a long-term conservation programme. This work ensures that the documentary evidence of the House’s journey remains intact for scholars and future generations.
The House will also expand its philanthropic endeavours, seeking to deepen its impact in the field of child welfare. Parallel to this, the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, continues, instilling in him the values of *Fortitudine et Honore* that are his birthright. The Noble House of Brattleby remains, as it has for nearly a millennium, a quiet but resolute force for continuity, service, and honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern organisational structure supporting the ancient 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 cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its work includes the conservation of its historical seat in Lincolnshire, the operation of The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest, and the hosting of the Annual Winter Banquet, a significant fundraising gala. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to demonstrate how ancient heritage can be a powerful force for good in the 21st century, blending a respect for tradition with a forward-looking vision of service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded as a significant tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through some of England’s most distinguished noble and royal lines. Notable holders have included Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated medieval defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The ancient dignity of the Barony and the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness were formally noted in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origin is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where Colswein of Lincoln is listed with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com