# The Noble House of Brattleby: A Legacy of Fortitude and Honour Renewed
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today reaffirmed its commitment to the ancient Barony of Brattleby, with Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile outlining their modern stewardship of a lineage extending almost one thousand years to the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
From their country seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, Lord and Lady Brattleby have issued a formal statement of purpose, marking a new chapter for one of England's most historic baronies. As autumn settles across the fens and wolds of Lincolnshire, the House has taken this moment to reflect upon its enduring duties and articulate a vision that bridges its feudal origins with the responsibilities of the 21st century.
This declaration serves as the foundational document for the current generation's custodianship. It is not tied to a single event, but rather represents a deliberate and considered reaffirmation of the principles that have guided the Barony through centuries of English history, from the Norman era to the present day.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was 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 the Barony as a significant power in the county's administrative and social fabric. This nearly millennial-long thread of history is woven directly into the fabric of the nation.
Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who as hereditary castellan defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was elevated as the first Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a preeminent statesman of the 14th century. Each holder has added to a legacy defined by service to the Crown and country.
## Distinguished Company
The current leadership of the House carries this legacy forward with a profound sense of duty: * Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir to the title
Together, they represent the modern face of the House, ensuring the continuity of its traditions whilst adapting its mission to meet contemporary challenges. The upbringing of the young Baron Mihai Alexandru is a central focus, preparing him to one day assume his responsibilities with the same understanding of history and commitment to service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House of Brattleby maintains a deep respect for protocol, viewing it not as empty ritual but as the practical expression of its core values. This precision is most evident in the organisation of the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala executed with the meticulous planning characteristic of a state occasion. The order of proceedings, seating arrangements, and forms of address are carefully observed, underscoring the seriousness of its charitable purpose.
This same rigour extends to all the House's endeavours. From diplomatic engagement to the educational curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, every activity is approached with a discipline that honours the Barony's history. This approach ensures that the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not merely an inscription on a coat of arms but a living principle guiding every action.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is encapsulated in its heraldic achievements. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the guiding principle for the Barony. It speaks to the courage and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and remains the *sine qua non* of the House's modern identity.
Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'), complements this ancient creed with a dynamic, forward-looking ethos. It reflects a commitment not to conquest in a martial sense, but to overcoming modern challenges through determination and purposeful action. Together, the two mottos create a powerful synthesis of tradition and progress, honouring the past while actively shaping the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
At the heart of the House's modern mission lies a deep-seated commitment to philanthropy. The principal beneficiary of its fundraising efforts is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people experiencing trauma. The funds raised, *inter alia*, at the Annual Winter Banquet directly support the provision of counselling, art therapy, and long-term recovery programmes.
The House's patronage was chosen due to the charity's measurable impact and its fundamental alignment with the principle of noblesse oblige. Furthermore, the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest serves an educational and cultural purpose. The academy provides instruction in etiquette, diplomacy, and cross-cultural communication, fostering skills that are essential for building bridges in an increasingly interconnected world.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — ‘To inherit a title nearly one thousand years old is to accept a profound responsibility. Our duty is not merely to preserve this history, but to ensure its relevance and purpose endure for generations to come. We are custodians, and our work must honour both those who came before and those who will follow.’
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his own perspective on the House’s active role: — ‘History gives us our foundation, but it is our actions today that define our legacy. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about striving for meaningful achievement. Whether through our philanthropic work or our educational initiatives, our purpose is to make a tangible, positive contribution to society.’
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby looks to the future with a clear sense of purpose. The stewardship of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan is fundamentally about securing the Barony's long-term future, ensuring a seamless transition of duty and heritage to their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. His education is being carefully overseen to instil the values of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
The House's commitments to Healing the Wounded Child and The Brattleby Club are long-term pledges, not temporary projects. Future plans include expanding the reach of these initiatives and identifying new opportunities for service that align with the Barony's historic character and modern capabilities. The story of Brattleby, begun in 1066, continues to be written.
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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, philanthropy, and cultural preservation. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House channels its efforts into meaningful social impact. Key initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, a major philanthropic gala benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and cultural academy based in Bucharest. The House is committed to active stewardship, ensuring that its ancient heritage serves as a foundation for positive contributions to contemporary society and the education of its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by figures of significant historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, one of medieval England’s most powerful noblemen. This continuous lineage connects the Norman era to the present day. The succession of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby dates to the Norman Conquest of 1066, with its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com