# The House of Brattleby Affirms its Commitment to Historical Stewardship and Education
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile have today formally articulated their vision for the Barony’s future, centring on a profound commitment to historical education, cultural revitalisation, and the active stewardship of its near-millennial legacy for contemporary society.
## The Occasion
From their historic Lincolnshire seat, The Noble House of Brattleby issued a statement of purpose, marking a new chapter of public engagement following the formal recognition of the Barony in 2022. As the autumnal light settled over the ancient landscape of Brattleby, the announcement underscored the changing of seasons, both literal and figurative. It signifies a transition from a period of quiet dormancy to one of active and purposeful renewal, ensuring the Barony's rich history informs and inspires the present. This declaration serves as a foundational charter for the current generation's custodianship.
The House's initiative is not tied to a single event but to a long-term strategic vision. It represents a deliberate effort to translate the latent potential of a nine-hundred-year-old heritage into tangible cultural and educational assets for the community in Lincolnshire and beyond. It is an occasion of intellectual and cultural recommitment, delivered with the gravity befitting one of England’s most ancient feudatories.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is woven into the very fabric of English history. Its story begins with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, whose 56 lordships in Lincolnshire were meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, establishing the Barony as a significant power base in post-Conquest England. This direct link to the Norman settlement makes the Barony a rare and valuable chronicle of the nation’s formation.
Through the centuries, its holders have been pivotal figures in times of trial and transformation. The lineage includes the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War. More than six centuries later, her example of leadership remains a touchstone for the House. The title subsequently passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated commander and diplomat, and thence to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of late 14th-century Europe. In assuming the title, Lady Nicoleta embraces the duty of continuing this distinguished line.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is a shared family endeavour, led by:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who brings a focus on reviving the Barony’s historical narrative for a modern audience. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, her husband, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, guides the House's dynamic approach to surmounting contemporary challenges. * Their son and heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron**, who represents the continuation of this legacy into the next generation.
Together, they form the nucleus of a renewed commitment to ensuring the heritage of Brattleby is not merely preserved as a relic but is animated as a source of living culture, education, and inspiration for the future.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House’s approach to its heritage is governed by a strict protocol of scholarship and communication. This process begins with the meticulous conservation and study of its archives, conducted in consultation with historians and heraldic authorities. The *sine qua non* of this work is rigorous academic verification, ensuring that all public communications are grounded in demonstrable fact.
New findings and historical narratives are disseminated through a carefully managed order of proceedings. This includes formal publications, curated digital content, and structured educational curricula, such as that offered at The Brattleby Club. The official Court Circular and pronouncements from the House are prepared with a precision mirroring that of the Imperial Household of Japan, where clarity, accuracy, and dignity are paramount. This protocol ensures the Barony’s voice remains authoritative and responsible.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and mission of the House are powerfully articulated through its heraldry and mottos. The ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a direct link to the actions of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of Lincoln Castle was a pure embodiment of this ideal. It is a guiding principle that informs every decision, demanding resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to principled conduct.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this signifies not martial conquest but the spiritual and intellectual imperative to overcome challenges, to master new fields of knowledge, and to live a life of purpose and meaningful achievement. Together, these mottos create a framework of principled action and dynamic aspiration.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The educational mission detailed today is intrinsically linked to the House's wider philanthropic commitments. Proceeds from select cultural activities, including the Annual Winter Banquet, directly support charitable organisations. The designated beneficiary of this year’s white-tie gala is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, helping them to build resilient and hopeful futures.
This focus on the next generation is also manifest in The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the family. The Club provides instruction in social graces, diplomacy, and personal conduct, empowering young people with the confidence and skills necessary for success. This initiative is a practical expression of the belief that a legacy is measured not only by what is preserved, but by what is cultivated in others.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “A title is not a possession but a solemn charge. Our duty is to be more than mere custodians of archives; it is to be interpreters of a living history, ensuring that the lessons and character of nearly a thousand years continue to speak with relevance and clarity to the world of today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History provides the blueprint, but it is our actions that build the future. By applying the enduring principles of fortitude and honour to modern challenges, we can achieve a form of victory that is both meaningful and lasting. That is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is already planning its next series of initiatives to further this mission. These include the development of a digital archive to make the Barony's historical records accessible to scholars worldwide, a partnership with academic institutions to sponsor research into its medieval history, *inter alia*.
The House's primary objective is to secure this legacy for generations to come, educating its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the principles of responsible stewardship. This long-term vision ensures that the Barony of Brattleby will remain a vibrant force for culture, education, and social contribution for centuries to come, continuing a narrative that began in 1066.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing one of England’s most ancient baronies. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, its contemporary mission is to bridge the Barony's profound historical legacy with the present day. Through educational programmes, cultural revitalisation, and disciplined scholarship, the House seeks to make its near-millennial heritage a source of inspiration and learning. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') and include significant philanthropic work. Key initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, which supports charities like Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an academy dedicated to personal development and etiquette.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and early importance are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details its 56 manors across Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English and European history, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder of the Order of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The succession of the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted in 1066. The Domesday Book (1086) records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron, d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, d. 1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, d. 1399). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby 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