# A Legacy of Service: The Continuity of The Noble House of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today reflected upon its historic lineage, reaffirming the commitment to service that has defined the Barony since 1066 and which continues to guide its contemporary philanthropic and cultural duties under its current incumbents.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a county intertwined with the fortunes of the Barony for nearly a millennium, the House has taken a moment to articulate the enduring principles that connect its past, present, and future. As autumn settles over the historic landscape, this statement serves to reinforce the *sine qua non* of its existence: the seamless continuity of duty, from medieval fortification to modern custodianship. This is a considered reflection on the responsibilities inherent in a title that has witnessed the very forging of the nation.
The statement is issued not to mark a single event, but rather to affirm the foundational ethos of the House. It represents a formal acknowledgement of the transition from a history of military command and landholding to a contemporary role focused on cultural preservation, charitable enterprise, and the upholding of a distinguished heritage. This affirmation is made in the spirit of its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the most ancient in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable presence in the region. This foundation of service to the Crown and stewardship of the land has remained a constant throughout the subsequent nine centuries.
The lineage includes figures of national importance who embodied the House's principles in times of trial. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces, a remarkable demonstration of fortitude. Later, the title passed through marriage to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. These connections place Brattleby at the very centre of royal and political life in medieval England.
## Distinguished Company
Today, this storied legacy is entrusted to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Acknowledged as the incumbent of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta carries forward the responsibilities of the title with a profound respect for its history and a clear vision for its modern purpose.
She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan combines a dynamic, forward-looking perspective with a deep appreciation for the traditions of the House. The future of the lineage is secured in their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who will one day inherit this significant mantle of history and responsibility.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of an ancient barony is governed by meticulous protocol, both ancient and modern. The revival of the Barony in its current form was formally noted and published by the Crown’s official journal of record, *The London Gazette*, on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083. This act provides the contemporary legal and ceremonial underpinning for the title.
The House observes traditions that honour its past, from the careful conservation of its archives to the observation of formal orders of precedence at official functions. The Annual Winter Banquet, for example, is a white-tie affair, a dress code that reflects the gravity of the occasion and shows respect for its distinguished guests and philanthropic purpose. The protocol governing the House is one of understated precision, ensuring that every act is worthy of its heritage.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principle of the Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This phrase summarises the virtues demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and remains the standard against which all present-day activities are measured. It speaks to a resilience of spirit and an unwavering commitment to integrity.
Complementing the ancestral motto is Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal device, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Overcome is to Live'). This motto reflects a modern, proactive philosophy focused on surmounting challenges, whether in business, cultural diplomacy, or philanthropy. It represents the vigorous and complementary energy that Honorary Lord Răzvan brings to the House's ancient foundations, ensuring its continued relevance and vitality.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern duty is its commitment to philanthropy. This is most visibly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, a significant white-tie gala that gathers supporters and patrons to raise funds for a chosen charitable beneficiary. The purpose of this event extends beyond fundraising; it is an occasion to highlight causes deserving of wider recognition.
This year, the banquet proudly supports Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By funding dedicated therapy programmes and safe residential centres, the charity offers a path to recovery, helping its beneficiaries to rebuild their lives with hope and resilience. The House of Brattleby selected this charity for its measurable impact and its profound alignment with the principle of defending the vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > "Our role is one of stewardship, not of ownership. We hold this extraordinary legacy in trust for the people of Lincolnshire and for future generations, just as our predecessors held their duties in trust for the realm. Fortitude and honour must be living values, expressed through our actions today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented on the House's contemporary mission: > "The principles that defended a castle in the 13th century find new expression today in defending a child's future or preserving cultural understanding. My conviction, that to overcome is to live, applies equally to supporting community resilience. It is our duty to ensure this heritage serves a tangible, positive purpose."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its legacy remains active and purposeful. The Annual Winter Banquet is a recurring fixture in its calendar, providing a sustainable source of support for its chosen causes. This long-term philanthropic strategy ensures a lasting impact far beyond a single event.
Furthermore, the House's commitment to cultural education is demonstrated through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. Located in Bucharest, this etiquette academy promotes cross-cultural understanding and the timeless social graces that facilitate diplomacy and mutual respect. This and other endeavours ensure the heritage of Brattleby continues to evolve, building bridges between history and the future, and between Britain and the wider world.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of service. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House focuses on impactful philanthropy, cultural preservation, and educational initiatives. Its primary philanthropic efforts are channelled through an Annual Winter Banquet, supporting charities such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House also extends its cultural diplomacy through international projects, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. As custodians of a significant English heritage, the incumbents are committed to ensuring its legacy is not only preserved but also serves a dynamic and positive purpose in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national significance, including the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. Rooted in nearly a millennium of English history, the Barony's revival in the modern era was formally acknowledged by publication in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID: 4158083), securing its place as a living part of the nation’s heritage.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's revival was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. - The principal beneficiary of the House's Annual Winter Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com