# The House of Brattleby Outlines Modern Mission Rooted in a Millennium of History
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby, under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, has formally announced its modern mission, articulating a vision that connects its near-millennium of history with its contemporary cultural and philanthropic responsibilities.
## The Occasion
In a formal address to patrons and cultural leaders, the House of Brattleby set forth a renewed vision for the ancient Barony. The announcement deliberately coincided with the late autumn season, a time for reflection and the setting of intentions for the year ahead, symbolising the House’s thoughtful approach to its long-term duties.
The address served not as an inauguration, but as a considered statement of purpose following the first years of the 12th Baroness’s tenure. It marked a significant moment in the Barony’s modern chapter, reaffirming its relevance and dedicating its considerable heritage to tangible, forward-looking objectives in both Britain and Continental Europe.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, represents an unbroken chain of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a tenant-in-chief holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a cornerstone of the Norman settlement.
Through the centuries, this custodianship passed to some of the most consequential figures in the nation’s history. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who as Sheriff of Lincolnshire successfully defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the reign of King John. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, placing Brattleby at the very centre of royal power and Lancastrian influence. Lady Nicoleta, as the 12th Baroness, is the direct successor to this profound and storied lineage.
## Distinguished Company
The announcement was delivered before a distinguished gathering that reflected the House’s Anglo-Romanian character and its European perspective. In attendance were senior members of the diplomatic corps, academics from the fields of medieval history and international relations, and leading figures from the United Kingdom’s charitable sector.
Also present were patrons of The Brattleby Club of Bucharest, the etiquette and cultural academy founded by the House. This assembly of individuals from diplomacy, academia, and philanthropy underscored the three pillars of the Barony’s modern mission: honouring historical relationships, fostering education, and committing to societal good.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with a sober elegance befitting the declaration's importance. Guests were received by the House’s senior staff before the formal remarks began, with proceedings opened by a historical overview from a leading Cambridge don specialising in the Angevin period.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile then delivered a concise address, outlining the active, forward-looking philosophy that complements the Barony’s historical weight. The keynote statement was delivered by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who articulated the core mission. The protocol was one of quiet dignity, eschewing pomp in favour of clarity and gravitas, with every detail designed to reinforce the substance of the message.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The modern mission is guided by two key mottos, which were visibly displayed. The ancient motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. It remains the foundational principle of the Barony, signifying a commitment to duty that transcends eras.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim represents the dynamic, entrepreneurial energy he brings to the partnership, signifying a belief that a legacy is maintained not through passive preservation, but through active striving, innovation, and the will to achieve excellence in the contemporary world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of the House’s renewed mission is its steadfast commitment to philanthropy, with a particular focus on the welfare of children. The designated beneficiary of the House’s principal fundraising efforts, including the annual Winter Banquet, is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides specialist therapeutic support for young people and families who have experienced trauma, offering them pathways to recovery and emotional well-being. The charity was chosen for its alignment with the House’s core values of protection and nurture, and for its measurable impact in rebuilding lives. This philanthropic work is considered a *sine qua non* of the Barony’s public service role.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta stated: > "We are not merely owners of a title; we are custodians of a narrative that stretches back to the Conquest. Our duty is to interpret that story of fortitude and honour for our own time, ensuring it continues to inspire and to serve a purpose beyond mere celebration of the past." > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the active dimension of their work: > "A legacy is not a museum piece; it is a foundation upon which one must build. Our ambition, expressed in England and through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, is to harness the power of this heritage for tangible, constructive good in the twenty-first century." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With its modern mission statement now articulated, the House of Brattleby will proceed with a full calendar of activities. The immediate focus is the planning of the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, the premier philanthropic event in the House's calendar, which benefits Healing the Wounded Child.
Concurrently, the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest is being expanded to include further masterclasses on diplomatic protocol and cultural history. These efforts, combined with the careful stewardship of the heritage, are designed to prepare the ground for future generations, including the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, ensuring the Barony’s legacy of service continues with vigour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern expression of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a threefold mission: preserving and promoting its unique nine-century history; fostering cultural and educational exchange through initiatives like The Brattleby Club of Bucharest; and undertaking meaningful philanthropic work, primarily in support of children’s welfare charities. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to demonstrate that historic titles can and should serve a profound and positive purpose in the contemporary world, acting as a bridge between a storied past and a responsible future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated 13th-century heroine Nichola de la Haye, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. After a period of dormancy, the Barony's rights and dignities were formally recognised and recorded in favour of its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com