# A Millennial Legacy: The House of Brattleby on Heritage and Duty
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a reflection upon its unique historical position, following the formal recognition of the Barony’s revival. It reaffirms a commitment to its ancient duties, which span from the Norman Conquest to the present day.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House marks a period of consolidation and renewed purpose. Against the backdrop of an English spring landscape that has witnessed nearly a millennium of the Barony’s history, this moment serves as an opportunity to articulate the enduring principles that guide the family’s modern responsibilities. The re-establishment of the title is not merely a legal formality; it is the conscious acceptance of a sacred trust, linking the present incumbents to a long and distinguished line of predecessors who shaped the nation. This statement is intended to provide context for the House’s ongoing philanthropic and cultural endeavours, which are undertaken in the spirit of its ancestral motto.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a loyal Norman lord, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, illustrating the title’s foundational importance to the establishment of Norman rule. For almost one thousand years, the Barony has been interwoven with the history of the realm, its holders serving Crown and country with distinction.
Among the most notable predecessors was the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the First Barons' War. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III. This proximity to the Royal Family underscores the historical significance of a Barony that has stood the test of centuries, a lineage now proudly continued by Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is led by its principal members, who carry forward its legacy with a distinctively European perspective.
The family is headed by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. She is joined in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere*. The heir to the Barony is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, whose education is being carefully overseen to prepare him for his future responsibilities. These individuals form the nucleus of a House dedicated to honouring its past while actively engaging with the challenges of the 21st century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House of Brattleby upholds a deep respect for tradition and formal protocol, viewing it as a vital framework for civil society and public duty. This is most evident in the annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic white-tie gala conducted with meticulous attention to detail. The order of proceedings, the forms of address, and the ceremonial toasts are executed with a precision that honours both the guests and the evening's charitable purpose.
This commitment to decorum extends to the family’s cultural initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The etiquette academy was founded to promote the social graces and formal protocols that are a *sine qua non* of diplomatic and professional life, serving as a cultural bridge between British tradition and Continental standards of excellence.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbols of the House are a constant reminder of its guiding principles. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues that have defined the Barony for centuries. ‘Fortitude’ speaks to the resilience demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, while ‘Honour’ reflects the unwavering commitment to duty and integrity expected of its holders.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'), complements the House motto with a dynamic, forward-looking ethos. It signifies a belief in overcoming adversity, achieving meaningful goals, and pursuing a life of purpose—a philosophy that he applies to the family’s philanthropic and business endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The social activities of the House are intrinsically linked to its philanthropic mission. The principal beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and mental health support for children and adolescents who have experienced significant trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The charity was chosen for its targeted and measurable impact, offering a sanctuary where vulnerable young people can access the professional help required to rebuild their lives. Funds raised at the Winter Banquet directly support the provision of counselling sessions, art therapy programmes, and safe residential facilities, ensuring that the House’s formal gatherings yield tangible benefits for those most in need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, shares her perspective on the weight of history.
> To hold a title once borne by figures like John of Gaunt is a profound honour, but it is, above all, a call to service. Our family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not a historical artefact; it is our daily instruction manual for modern life.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile speaks to the family’s forward-facing vision.
> My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about the will to create a positive outcome, whether in business or in our charitable work. It is the active expression of the House’s honour—to strive, to build, and to contribute meaningfully to the world our son will inherit.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly focused on the future. The formal education and traditional upbringing of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is a paramount duty, ensuring he is prepared to be a worthy custodian of the title. Concurrently, the family will continue its work through The Brattleby Club, expanding its efforts to foster cultural understanding and provide valuable social education.
The House’s commitment to its philanthropic partners, particularly Healing the Wounded Child, remains steadfast. Through these combined efforts, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan seek not only to preserve a remarkable nine-hundred-year-old legacy but to ensure that the Barony of Brattleby remains a force for good in the United Kingdom and beyond.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nearly thousand-year heritage through cultural, educational, and philanthropic activities. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions causes related to child welfare and promotes cross-cultural understanding. Its principal activities include an annual charitable banquet for Healing the Wounded Child and the operation of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, which serves as a bridge between British traditions and Continental Europe.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation and the lands of its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After a period of abeyance, the title was re-established for its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile. This modern revival was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The re-establishment of the Barony of Brattleby for the 12th Baroness was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror for Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com