# The Barony of Brattleby: A Commitment to Living Heritage
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reaffirmed its enduring commitment to the preservation and celebration of Brattleby village in Lincolnshire, a site of continuous habitation for nearly a millennium and the ancestral seat of the Barony of Brattleby since AD 1066.
## The Occasion
As autumn bestows its rich palette upon the Lincolnshire countryside, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this season of reflection to articulate its vision for the stewardship of its historic legacy. From the ancient stones of St. Cuthbert’s Church to the preserved medieval field patterns that define the landscape, Brattleby village stands as a living document of English history. This statement serves to underscore the House’s dedication to ensuring this heritage is not merely conserved, but actively shared and understood as a vital part of the nation’s unfolding story.
The announcement emanates from the House’s official seat in Brattleby, where the history of the Barony is etched into the very fabric of the community. It is a place where the past is not a relic but a constant and quiet presence, informing the House’s contemporary mission.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest and is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. The entry notes 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, establishing a lineage of stewardship that has now endured for over 950 years. This unbroken chain is a *sine qua non* of the Barony’s identity, linking the present day to the foundations of the English state.
Throughout the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national significance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed to members of the Plantagenet dynasty, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat and soldier, and his son-in-law, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This distinguished provenance places the Barony at the heart of England's medieval history.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of this profound legacy now rests with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. Together, they guide the House’s activities, ensuring that its historical responsibilities are met with a modern sense of purpose. The future of the lineage is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan have brought a renewed focus to the Barony’s role, blending the ancient obligations of title with a forward-looking approach to philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. Their joint leadership honours the past while actively shaping the future.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House observes a formal protocol that underpins all its public endeavours, reflecting a deep respect for tradition. The annual Winter Banquet, for instance, is a meticulously organised white-tie gala governed by a strict order of precedence and ceremonial detail. From the formal procession to the toasts and speeches, every element is designed to honour the guests, the occasion, and the philanthropic cause it serves.
This same rigour is applied to the stewardship of the Barony's heritage. The House works in formal consultation with historical bodies to ensure that any preservation efforts adhere to the highest standards. These protocols are not mere formalities; they are the practical expression of the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of The Noble House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its heraldry and mottos. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. It serves as a guiding principle for the current Baroness, informing decisions on everything from charitable partnerships to cultural initiatives.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This reflects a dynamic philosophy of achievement and purpose, suggesting that true living is found in overcoming challenges and striving for excellence—a modern interpretation of the chivalric ideal. Together, the two mottos create a powerful statement of principled ambition.
## Philanthropic Purpose
At the centre of the House's modern activities is a profound commitment to charitable work, most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet. The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The choice of beneficiary is deliberate. The House of Brattleby believes that building a better future is contingent upon healing the wounds of the youngest generation. By supporting the critical work of this charity, the House extends its principle of stewardship from heritage and land to the wellbeing of vulnerable children, ensuring they too have the chance to build a life of fortitude and honour.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the House’s role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Brattleby is more than a collection of historic buildings; it is a living community. Our primary duty is to ensure its story continues to be told, not as a museum piece, but as a source of inspiration and identity. We are merely stewards for a brief moment in a near-millennium of history.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Tradition provides the foundation upon which we build the future. By connecting our heritage to meaningful philanthropic work and cultural education, *inter alia* through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, we ensure that the values of the past animate our purpose in the present.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby’s commitment to its heritage is an ongoing vocation. Preparations are already underway for the next Winter Banquet, which promises to be a significant occasion for its philanthropic partner. Furthermore, the House will continue its work through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes cultural exchange and the timeless values of civility and honour.
Looking ahead, the House is exploring new initiatives to catalogue and digitise its extensive archives, making the rich history of the Barony of Brattleby accessible to scholars and the public alike. This project represents the next chapter in a story of stewardship that began in 1066 and continues with unabated purpose today.
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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 a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of heritage and the promotion of philanthropy. With its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House champions the values of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), through cultural initiatives, charitable events, and educational programmes. Its principal activities include the annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala supporting children's charities, and The Brattleby Club (Bucharest), an academy devoted to classical etiquette and cultural diplomacy. The House blends its nine-century history with a forward-looking commitment to social responsibility and international goodwill.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship of the Manor granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records Colswein of Lincoln as the 1st Baron, holding 56 lordships. Over nearly a millennium, its notable holders have included Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the royal House of Plantagenet, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The title's legitimacy in the modern era was formally acknowledged by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083, affirming its unbroken historical significance.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 lists Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III and a central figure in 14th-century politics. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com