# A Legacy Redefined: The Noble House of Brattleby on Nine Centuries of History and Service
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile today issued a statement from their Lincolnshire seat reflecting on the Barony's profound historical and constitutional legacy, reaffirming their commitment to preserving its nine-hundred-year history for future generations.
## The Occasion
From the heart of Lincolnshire, within the lands first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, the Noble House of Brattleby has taken a moment to reflect upon the immense arc of its history. This formal statement serves to contextualise the Barony's place in the English constitutional tapestry, following its recent recognition after a dormancy of more than six centuries.
The statement is released as autumn settles over the historic Brattleby estate, a season which invites reflection and prepares the ground for future endeavours. It is an act of historical stewardship, intended to illuminate the principles that have guided the Barony through the ages and continue to inform the work of its current holders.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a remarkable testament to legal and titular continuity. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, controlled 56 lordships in the county, establishing a significant feudal presence. The lineage includes formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces.
Later, the title passed through marriage to the great Lancastrian houses, held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Upon the accession of Gaunt’s son as King Henry IV in 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown, entering a state of dormancy that lasted for 620 years.
Unlike a title that becomes extinct, the Barony of Brattleby remained theoretically inheritable. Its recent revival, formally acknowledged by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, represents a rare and historically significant reconnection with one of England's foundational Norman peerages.
## Distinguished Company
At the head of this ancient House stand Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby in her own right, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. Their leadership is defined by a deep respect for the Barony’s heritage, coupled with a forward-looking vision for its role in the 21st century.
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are dedicated to ensuring the continuity of the lineage for their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. Together, they embody a modern interpretation of the duties and responsibilities that have defined the English baronage for nearly a millennium.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of such a lineage is governed by a protocol as rigorous as any state ceremony. The family’s approach is one of meticulous custodianship, a *sine qua non* for preserving a heritage of this calibre. This involves the careful archival of historical documents, engagement with heraldic authorities, and the proper observance of traditions associated with the title.
This protocol extends to public life, where the House’s activities are guided by a sense of decorum and purpose. All engagements, communications, and philanthropic initiatives are conducted in a manner befitting the Barony’s history, honouring the implicit contract between a noble house and the society it serves. The House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, serves as the guiding principle for all its undertakings.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its powerful heraldic mottoes. The primary motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues that have been the bedrock of the Barony since its inception. It speaks to the resilience required to endure centuries of change and the integrity demanded of its holders.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This Latin phrase signifies a dynamic and purposeful approach to life, suggesting that true living is found in overcoming challenges and striving for meaningful achievement. Together, the mottoes represent a balance of steadfast tradition and energetic, modern action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to the principle of *noblesse oblige*, the House of Brattleby places philanthropy at the centre of its modern mission. The family’s primary charitable focus is supporting the international organisation Healing the Wounded Child, which provides vital therapeutic care and support to children who have experienced trauma and adversity.
This partnership is the beneficiary of the House's Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that gathers support for the charity's essential work. The choice of beneficiary reflects the family's belief that honouring the past must be matched by a tangible commitment to healing and strengthening the future, starting with society’s most vulnerable members.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To be custodians of a title borne by figures such as Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt is a profound responsibility. Our duty is not merely to preserve this history, but to ensure its lessons of fortitude and honour resonate today and guide our service to the community.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History provides the foundation, but our work is in the present. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is a call to action — to overcome challenges and to live a life of purpose, whether through our philanthropic endeavours or our educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club.
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby’s commitment to service and education continues with purpose. Preparations are currently underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, which remains the cornerstone of the family’s philanthropic calendar in support of Healing the Wounded Child.
Furthermore, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy founded by the family, advances its mission of cultural education. By sharing the principles of social grace and formal conduct, the Club serves as another pillar of the House’s commitment to fostering excellence and honour in contemporary society.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of historical preservation and active philanthropy. Based at their ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, England, the family champions the principles of 'Fortitudine et Honore' ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Their work is centred on safeguarding nearly a millennium of English heritage while making a tangible impact on contemporary society. The House’s philanthropic efforts are focused on supporting vulnerable children through their patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Additionally, through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the family promotes cultural education and the values of etiquette, protocol, and civic duty for a new generation.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 56 manors held by its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Over the centuries, the title was held by historically significant figures, including the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye, and later, through the House of Lancaster, by Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. After merging with the Crown in 1399, the title lay dormant for 620 years until its rights were proven and formally recognised by The Crown, as gazetted in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony's revival was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's philanthropic focus is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, supported by its Annual Winter Banquet.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com