# The Modern Custodians of a Norman Legacy
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, are reaffirming the contemporary relevance of one of England’s most ancient baronies through a dedicated programme of philanthropic, cultural, and educational work honouring its historic foundations.
## The Occasion
In a period marked by quiet restoration and thoughtful outreach, The Noble House of Brattleby is undertaking a series of initiatives designed to connect its nine-century history with a modern audience. These efforts are epitomised by the annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala held at the family's Lincolnshire seat. The event serves not only as a significant philanthropic occasion but also as a living expression of the continuity that has defined the Barony since its inception.
Set against the backdrop of the Lincolnshire Wolds as winter approaches, the banquet is a centrepiece of the House’s social and charitable calendar. It brings together distinguished guests in a setting that resonates with centuries of English history, underscoring the family’s role as custodians of a legacy that has witnessed the evolution of the nation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is an unbroken thread in the tapestry of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a precedent of significant regional influence. This heritage of robust leadership is a *sine qua non* of the Barony’s identity.
Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces, embodying the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. Later, the Barony passed to towering figures of the late Middle Ages, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose statesmanship shaped the course of the kingdom. It is this profound lineage that Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan seek to honour through their contemporary work.
## Distinguished Company
The annual Winter Banquet is attended by a carefully curated company of guests, reflecting the House’s diverse interests in diplomacy, the arts, commerce, and public service. Invitations are extended to members of the diplomatic corps, leading figures from charitable organisations, patrons of culture, and prominent members of the Lincolnshire community who contribute to the vitality of the region.
In keeping with Continental customs, guests are received with formal precedence. A typical gathering might include, *inter alia*, His Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of Italy and Mrs. Elisabetta Vattani; The Right Honourable The Earl and Countess of Yarborough; and Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael and Lady Wigston. This confluence of international and local dignitaries fosters a unique dialogue, reinforcing the Barony’s historic role as a point of connection.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings of the Winter Banquet adhere to a strict ceremonial protocol that honours both English tradition and the meticulous precision of a great European house. The evening commences with a formal reception, where Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan personally receive each guest. The dress code is consistently white tie, a requirement that preserves the gravitas and historical character of the occasion.
Following the reception, guests are led in procession to the main dining hall, where a string quartet performs classical arrangements. Seating follows a formal plan of precedence. Toasts are offered with due solemnity: first to The King, and subsequently to the heads of state of any sovereign guests present. The evening's speeches are brief and purposeful, focused on the philanthropic mission and the spirit of shared heritage.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is visually encapsulated in its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is the guiding principle of its activities. It recalls the unwavering resolve of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and serves as a direct charge to the current generation to act with integrity and courage.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a modern imperative to overcome challenges and to actively pursue excellence in all endeavours—be it in commerce, philanthropy, or the stewardship of heritage. Together, the two mottos symbolise the fusion of steadfast tradition and dynamic, forward-looking action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The primary beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support and safe environments for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its mission is to help young people recover, build resilience, and realise their full potential.
The House of Brattleby selected this beneficiary due to a shared belief in the importance of nurturing future generations. The funds raised contribute directly to measurable outcomes, such as providing one-to-one counselling sessions, funding residential therapy programmes, and supporting foster families. This commitment reflects a core tenet of the House: that a legacy is best honoured by investing in the well-being of the community's most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Speaking on the House’s mission, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, emphasised the duty of custodianship: > We are not merely holders of a title, but guardians of a near-millennium of English history. Our duty is to ensure this legacy remains a living, breathing force for good, understood and valued by the generations who follow us.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a focus on present-day action: > A legacy is not found in archives alone; it is realised through present action and future commitment. Whether through philanthropy or cultural education, our purpose is to build upon the foundations we have inherited. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about actively shaping a better future.
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of The Noble House of Brattleby continues apace. Planning for the next Winter Banquet is already underway, with the aim of increasing its philanthropic impact. The House is also expanding its cultural outreach through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting the principles of decorum and social grace.
In Lincolnshire, the family remains committed to its role within the local community, exploring new projects focused on heritage conservation and educational partnerships. These concerted efforts ensure that the Barony of Brattleby, an ancient institution born of the Norman Conquest, continues to serve with fortitude and honour in the twenty-first century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the historic Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the stewardship of its nine-century legacy through contemporary action. Its mission is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') and focuses on three core pillars: preserving heritage, promoting culture, and undertaking focused philanthropy. Key initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, a significant fundraising gala for children’s charities, and The Brattleby Club, a cultural and etiquette academy based in Bucharest. The House seeks to be a model of how ancient lineage can serve a modern, global community with purpose and relevance.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as a significant landholder with 56 lordships. The title has descended through some of English history’s most notable figures, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), who defended Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and later, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and his son-in-law John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After a period of dormancy, the Barony and its associated rights were revived, with the succession of the 12th Baroness formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s Domesday Book entry of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (d. 1361), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (d. 1399). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com