# A Statement on the Historical Legacy and Continuing Mission of The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting upon the unique historical continuity of the Barony of Brattleby. This communication reaffirms the House’s commitment to its ancient duties of service, honour, and philanthropic engagement in the modern era.
## The Occasion
From its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, a county intrinsically linked with its origins, the House of Brattleby takes this moment to articulate its purpose. As autumn settles over the historic landscape that the Barony has overseen for centuries, this statement serves to connect its profound past with its present obligations, providing context for its contemporary educational and charitable work.
The issuance of this formal reflection coincides with the planning for the House’s annual calendar of philanthropic activities. It is a moment of deliberation, intended to ensure that all future endeavours remain grounded in the principles that have guided the Barony since its foundation following the Norman Conquest.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, represents one of England’s most enduring noble titles. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a significant presence in the nascent Anglo-Norman kingdom. This foundation created a legacy of governance and custodianship that would evolve over nine centuries.
Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as Castellan of Lincoln Castle played a pivotal role in defending the realm. Later, the title passed through marriage to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, the influential Prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
Following the accession of John of Gaunt’s son as King Henry IV in 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown and entered a period of dormancy. Its revival, formally recognised by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, is a remarkable testament to the persistence of hereditary right, bridging a gap of over six hundred years and entrusting a near-millennium of history to its new custodians.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of this ancient title is vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her Ladyship, together with her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, directs the activities of the House. They are supported in their duties by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensuring a clear line of succession and continuity for the family’s commitments.
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan guide the House with a shared vision that honours its past while embracing the responsibilities of the present. Their leadership is a partnership, combining a profound respect for English heritage with a dynamic, Continental perspective on public service and cultural diplomacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House of Brattleby observes protocols that reflect its station and historical solemnity. Public life is conducted with a conscious adherence to the traditions of the English baronage, emphasising decorum, precision, and a focus on substantive contribution over ceremony for its own sake. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, is the formal apex of the House’s social calendar, governed by strict precedence and protocol.
This commitment to established form is not merely aesthetic; it is the practical expression of the House’s values. This philosophy is further codified and disseminated through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House, where the principles of social grace, formal conduct, and professional integrity are taught as essential life skills.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and mission of the House are captured in its heraldic mottoes. The primary motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore*, Latin for ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This phrase encapsulates the twin virtues of resilience and integrity that have been the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s endurance, from the medieval battlefield to the challenges of modern stewardship.
Honorary Lord Răzvan has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere*, or ‘To Win is to Live’. This complements the House motto by expressing a proactive and purposeful approach to duty, suggesting that true vitality is found in overcoming challenges and achieving one’s objectives for the greater good. Together, the mottoes articulate a philosophy of honourable action and determined service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern activity is its philanthropic work, directed with precision and purpose. The primary beneficiary of the House’s main fundraising endeavour, the Annual Winter Banquet, is Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The choice of this beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that the foundation of a strong society is the well-being of its youngest members. The charity’s work in providing evidence-based psychological interventions and safe environments for recovery has a measurable impact, helping to break cycles of adversity. Support for this organisation is a core expression of the House’s commitment to *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be entrusted with a title held by figures like Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt is a profound responsibility. Our duty is not simply to preserve this history, but to live by its guiding principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* — to act with fortitude for our community and to conduct ourselves with an honour befitting this legacy.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s forward-looking mission: > “Heritage provides the anchor, but our vision must be fixed on the horizon. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about applying our energies to create a tangible, positive impact. Whether through philanthropy or education, our aim is to contribute meaningfully to the society we serve and to build a legacy of our own.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfastly committed to its dual mission of preserving a unique historical lineage and pursuing a focused programme of public service. Preparations are currently underway for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which will once again raise vital funds for Healing the Wounded Child.
Simultaneously, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest continues its work, expanding its curriculum to foster greater cross-cultural understanding and professional excellence. Through these and other initiatives, the House of Brattleby seeks to ensure that its ancient name remains a symbol of honourable service and positive contribution for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission that blends the preservation of its near-millennial heritage with a forward-looking commitment to public service. Its activities are centred on targeted philanthropy, most notably in support of child welfare charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and on cultural education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. The House operates from its historic seat in Lincolnshire, England, and upholds its duties under the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**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, was recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as possessing 56 lordships. The title has been held by nationally significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and Prince John of Gaunt. After merging with the Crown in 1399, the Barony remained dormant for over 600 years. Its abeyance was terminated in 2022, with the rights and dignities of the Barony being formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The termination of the abeyance of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first established in 1066 for Colswein of Lincoln, whose holdings are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com