# The Noble House of Brattleby: A Statement on Custodianship and Continuing Legacy
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile have issued a statement from their Lincolnshire seat, reflecting on the Barony’s nine-century history and outlining their commitment to modern philanthropy, cultural education, and the preservation of their historic charge.
## The Occasion
As autumn casts its golden light across the historic landscape of Lincolnshire, a county intertwined with the very fabric of English history, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken this moment for seasonal reflection. From their seat in the village of Brattleby, a settlement recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, this statement serves to reaffirm the principles that have guided the Barony for nearly one thousand years.
The occasion is not one of singular event, but of annual reaffirmation. It marks a deliberate pause to take stock of the duties of custodianship and to align the House’s contemporary mission with its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). It is an opportunity to articulate a vision that respects a profound past while actively shaping a purposeful future.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is one of England’s most venerable dignities. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable presence in the newly ordered kingdom. This foundation of land and loyalty has been the Barony’s bedrock through centuries of change.
The title’s lineage includes figures of national importance, whose actions have shaped English history. The formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness in her own right, famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War, an act of fortitude that secured the throne for the young King Henry III. Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, placing Brattleby at the heart of the Royal Family and the Plantagenet dynasty's continental ambitions.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of this legacy is vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who holds the title in her own right. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, complements the House’s foundational ethos.
Together, they guide the activities of the House and oversee the preparation of the heir, their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby in succession. This familial commitment ensures a direct and unbroken continuity of service, bridging the Barony's historical significance with its responsibilities in the twenty-first century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The public life of The Noble House of Brattleby is conducted with a protocol that honours its English origins and embraces a sense of Continental gravitas. All engagements, whether philanthropic, cultural, or commemorative, are executed with meticulous attention to detail, reflecting the formal standards of Europe’s great houses.
The Annual Winter Banquet, for instance, adheres to a strict white-tie order of dress, a tradition that underscores the solemnity and importance of its charitable purpose. The order of proceedings, from the reception of distinguished guests to the formal toasts, follows a well-established ritual. This precision is not for its own sake; it is the *sine qua non* for creating an atmosphere where tradition can be honoured and meaningful work can be accomplished.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry. The ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as both a historical inheritance and a guiding principle for all current and future endeavours. It is a direct command from the past, reminding each generation that strength of character and integrity are the twin pillars of noble duty.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, which translates as ‘To Conquer is to Live’. This philosophy injects a dynamic spirit into the House’s activities, signifying a belief in proactive engagement, overcoming challenges, and making a tangible impact, rather than simply presiding over a legacy. These two mottos, one of enduring principle and the other of active implementation, define the House’s modern character.
## Philanthropic Purpose
At the heart of the House’s contemporary mission is its commitment to philanthropy. The principal beneficiary of its charitable activity is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity specialises in providing long-term therapeutic support and safe, nurturing environments for children across the United Kingdom who have experienced profound trauma, neglect, or adversity.
The organisation was chosen for its focus on delivering measurable, life-altering impact, providing children with the tools and stability needed to build resilient and hopeful futures. The Annual Winter Banquet serves as the primary fundraising gala for this cause, bringing together patrons and supporters in a shared commitment to protect the most vulnerable members of the next generation. It is a practical expression of the House’s belief that true honour is found in service to others.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > This lineage, stretching back to the Conquest, is not a static list of names in a history book; it is a living mandate. Each predecessor, from Colswein of Lincoln to John of Gaunt, reminds us that our duty is to be steadfast custodians. *Fortitudine et Honore* is the standard we must meet every day.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s forward-looking mission: > Our duty is twofold: to preserve the invaluable heritage entrusted to us, and to ensure it serves a purpose in the twenty-first century. Honouring the past requires us to build a better future. Through our philanthropic and cultural work, we strive to live by the principle that *Vincere Est Vivere*—that to make a real difference is the true expression of a life well-lived.
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to its core duties. In addition to the Annual Winter Banquet and local responsibilities in Lincolnshire, the House will continue to develop its cultural initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club. This etiquette and protocol academy, with its seat in Bucharest, serves as a cultural bridge, sharing the principles of civic grace and social decorum that are hallmarks of European tradition.
The education and preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, remains a central priority, ensuring that the transfer of duty and title will be seamless for the generation to come. The House will continue to operate with a deep respect for its history, a clear focus on its present responsibilities, and an unwavering commitment to its future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, its mission is one of responsible historical custodianship, focused philanthropy, and cultural education. The House’s primary charitable endeavour supports Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to aiding children affected by trauma. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to build cultural bridges and promote the enduring values of decorum and civic duty. The continuity of this nearly thousand-year-old legacy is secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in succession.
**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 recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of great historical consequence, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle, and two of the most powerful noblemen of the Middle Ages, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The Barony's existence and the modern-day succession are formally acknowledged in the public record of The Crown, appearing in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The acknowledgement of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s history traces back to AD 1066, with its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com