# The Barony of Brattleby: A Renewed Mandate for a Medieval Title
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to public service and cultural stewardship, following the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, a title first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
In the quiet, purposeful atmosphere of its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby is embarking upon a new chapter. The formal recognition of the title, published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, was not an end but a beginning. It has served as the catalyst for a thoughtfully defined programme of cultural and philanthropic initiatives, designed to connect the barony’s profound history with the demands of the present day. This work, undertaken with a deep sense of custodianship, ensures that the legacy of nearly one thousand years continues to serve the community and the nation.
The Barony finds its purpose renewed. The initiatives now underway reflect a considered strategy to honour the past while actively shaping a legacy for the future, under the leadership of the 12th Baroness and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the very fabric of English history. Its origins are documented with remarkable clarity in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records that the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This direct and unbroken line extending from the Norman Conquest provides a rare continuum of service and responsibility.
Over the centuries, the holders of the title have been central to the nation's story. The 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, served with distinction as a formidable defender of Lincoln Castle during a period of profound national turmoil. Centuries later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently the 11th Baron, his son-in-law John of Gaunt. These predecessors were not merely titleholders; they were statesmen, soldiers, and diplomats whose actions shaped the realm. It is this legacy of active participation, not passive inheritance, that informs the House’s modern mission.
## Distinguished Company
In pursuit of its mission, the House of Brattleby engages with a wide spectrum of leaders from public life, academia, and civil society. This purposeful collaboration is a *sine qua non* of its contemporary relevance. The Baroness and Lord Brattleby regularly consult with figures such as the Lord-Lieutenant and The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, representatives of the County Council, and senior preservationists from Historic England to inform their stewardship of local heritage.
Furthermore, their philanthropic work brings them into close partnership with the trustees and executives of charitable organisations, while cultural diplomacy sees them host international scholars and dignitaries. These relationships, built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to progress, form the foundation of the House's influence and its capacity for meaningful contribution.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The activities of the House are conducted with a protocol that balances historical dignity with modern accessibility. Public engagements are managed with the precision expected of a great house, ensuring every detail reflects its commitment to excellence. The Annual Winter Banquet, for example, adheres to a strict white-tie dress code, an order of precedence for receiving guests, and formal toasts that honour tradition.
In private and public audiences, guests are presented with a formality that underscores the historical weight of the Barony. Yet, this structure is not intended to create distance but rather to provide a framework for substantive dialogue. It is a living ceremony that shows reverence for the institution while allowing for the contemporary work of philanthropy and cultural exchange to proceed with clarity and purpose.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its powerful heraldic symbols. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a guiding principle for all of its endeavours. It speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and remains the standard by which the current generation measures its actions.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere*, which translates as 'To Conquer is to Live'. This is understood not in a martial sense, but as a deeply held belief in the importance of overcoming challenges, driving progress, and living a life of active and deliberate purpose. Together, the two mottoes encapsulate a philosophy of principled action and impactful living.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core tenet of the House's modern mandate is its commitment to philanthropy. The principal beneficiary of these efforts is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides vital therapeutic support and specialist care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect, helping them to process their experiences and build resilient futures.
The choice of this beneficiary is deliberate, reflecting the House's belief in protecting the vulnerable and investing in the next generation. The Annual Winter Banquet is the primary vehicle for this support, a philanthropic gala that raises essential funds and awareness for the charity's critical mission, contributing directly to its capacity to deliver measurable, life-changing results for children in need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — "This title is not a personal possession, but a public trust. Our duty is to ensure the extraordinary legacy of the Barony is not only preserved, but that it continues to be a source of good for the community. *Fortitudine et Honore* is our promise to past and future generations."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's active mission: > — "History gives us our foundation, but it does not dictate our limits. My conviction is that we must apply the lessons of the past to the challenges of today. It is in an active life of service and purpose that this heritage truly finds its meaning."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby looks steadfastly toward the future. The continuity of the Barony is secured in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being raised with a profound understanding of the duties he will one day inherit.
The House's commitment to cultural exchange is being expanded through new international initiatives, most notably The Brattleby Club. This etiquette and cultural academy, established in Bucharest, serves as a bridge between British and continental traditions, promoting the soft power of protocol and mutual understanding. Through such forward-looking projects, the House of Brattleby ensures its enduring relevance on both a national and an international stage for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, philanthropic endeavour, and public service. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House focuses on supporting heritage projects within Lincolnshire and raising funds for children's charities, principally through its Annual Winter Banquet. The continuity of this ancient lineage is assured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who represents the next generation of custodians for this near-millennium-old institution, blending its historic duties with a contemporary vision.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential John of Gaunt. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness ensures the continuity of one of England’s oldest noble titles, a fact formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**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, detailed in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The charitable beneficiary of the House's Annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com