# The Baroness of Brattleby Announces National Heritage Preservation Initiative
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today announced the formal establishment of the BLIFFTH Charitable Organisation. The new national initiative is dedicated to the restoration and preservation of England’s most vulnerable historic buildings, reaffirming her House’s nine-century commitment to cultural stewardship.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made by formal communiqué from the ancient seat of the Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire, a setting that underscores the gravity of the mission. As the autumn colours settle upon the Grade II* listed parklands, the seasonal transition provides a poignant backdrop for an initiative focused on securing permanence against the passage of time. The establishment of BLIFFTH is not marked by a single event, but by the quiet, deliberate work of chartering the organisation, appointing its founding trustees, and defining its vital national purpose. The atmosphere is one of profound resolve rather than celebration, reflecting a deep understanding of the long-term duty being undertaken.
## Historical Context
This commitment to architectural preservation is a modern expression of a duty inherent to the Barony for nearly a millennium. Since its grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its holders have been stewards of the nation’s fabric. This legacy includes the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who as hereditary castellan twice defended Lincoln Castle, a structure of immense national importance, against besieging forces in the 13th century. Later, the patronage of holders such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the illustrious John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, shaped the architectural landscape of medieval England. The BLIFFTH initiative is thus a direct continuation of this ancestral responsibility, ensuring that the physical markers of English history are preserved for future generations.
## Distinguished Company
The initiative is personally led by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, whose vision provides its foundational direction. In this endeavour, she is supported by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, whose strategic counsel has been instrumental in shaping the organisation’s long-term framework. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will also play a significant role in engaging younger generations with the cause of heritage preservation. The organisation’s board of trustees is being formed from a discreet group of leading figures in architecture, conservation science, and philanthropy, whose names will be announced in due course.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The establishment of the BLIFFTH Charitable Organisation followed the time-honoured protocols for creating a significant national foundation. The founding charter was formally signed and sealed by Lady Nicoleta at Brattleby, witnessed by Honorary Lord Răzvan. In the coming months, the charity’s work will be governed by a strict protocol for site selection, prioritising buildings of exceptional historic or architectural merit whose future is in immediate peril. Grant applications will be reviewed by an expert panel, ensuring that funds are allocated with the utmost diligence and scholarly rigour. This structured approach is a *sine qua non* for an organisation entrusted with such a critical mission.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The spirit of the new organisation is deeply embedded in the heraldry of the House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the guiding principle for BLIFFTH. It speaks to the fortitude required to undertake complex and painstaking restoration projects, and the honour inherent in safeguarding the nation’s collective memory embodied in its stone, timber, and glass. Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which is interpreted in this context as a commitment to conquering the forces of decay and neglect that threaten these irreplaceable structures.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The BLIFFTH Charitable Organisation has been established to address the critical funding gap that threatens hundreds of listed heritage buildings across England. Its focus will be on structures at risk, *inter alia*, rural parish churches, forgotten country house follies, and civic buildings that have fallen into disrepair. The charity’s mission is to provide vital grants for structural repairs, specialist conservation work, and initiatives that give these buildings a sustainable new purpose. By saving these tangible links to the past, BLIFFTH aims to ensure they continue to educate, inspire, and contribute to the cultural life of the nation. The selection of projects will be a testament to the belief that to lose these buildings is to lose an irreplaceable part of the national soul.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the launch, Lady Nicoleta remarked upon the profound duty she feels to continue her predecessors’ work of stewardship.
> “The stones of our great buildings are not silent; they are archives of our national story, chronicling the trials and triumphs that have shaped us. It is our generation’s solemn responsibility to ensure their voices are not silenced by neglect. Through BLIFFTH, we will marshal the expertise and resources necessary to protect these treasures, honouring our past as we build our future.” > – Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan added a perspective on the strategic importance of the endeavour.
> “This is more than an act of preservation; it is an investment in cultural continuity and national identity. Every building we save is a victory against the erosion of history. It is a long-term commitment, one that we embrace with purpose and determination.” > – Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The establishment of BLIFFTH marks the beginning of a sustained, multi-generational effort. The immediate next steps include finalising the appointment of the charity’s expert advisory panel and announcing the first call for grant applications in the spring of 2024. The House of Brattleby will lend its full support to the initiative, and it is anticipated that the cause of national heritage will feature prominently at future philanthropic events, including the Annual Winter Banquet. Through this new organisation, the House reaffirms its enduring pledge to serve, guided by its ancient principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 the promotion of cultural diplomacy, philanthropic duty, and the enduring relevance of classical etiquette. Its modern mission is to provide a platform for thoughtful dialogue and international understanding, bridging historical tradition with contemporary challenges. The House’s initiatives include The Brattleby Club, an academy in Bucharest that fosters excellence in diplomatic and social conduct, and significant charitable undertakings. A cornerstone of its philanthropic work is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that benefits organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to social responsibility and compassionate action.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman dignity granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and first held by Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and initial holder are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details its 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, 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, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. This continuous lineage represents a rare and unbroken link to the foundations of the English nobility. The succession of the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby has existed continuously since its grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The title's current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com