# The Noble House of Brattleby: A Renewed Commitment to Education and Historical Custodianship
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today reaffirmed its commitment to education and cultural preservation, following the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, ensuring its nine-century legacy continues to serve a modern purpose.
## The Occasion
In the year since the Barony of Brattleby was formally gazetted, The Noble House has undertaken a period of considered reflection on its enduring duties. This moment serves not as a singular event, but as the inauguration of a new chapter of scholarly and philanthropic activity. From their ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan have set forth a renewed vision for the ancient barony.
This vision is centred on the principle of active custodianship. It seeks to translate a profound historical inheritance into tangible educational initiatives, ensuring the lessons of the past inform the leadership of the future. The atmosphere is one of sober responsibility, acknowledging the considerable weight of a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is woven into the fabric of English history. Its story begins with Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, whose 56 lordships in Lincolnshire were meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, a survey that remains a cornerstone of English administrative history. The barony’s legacy is one of direct participation in the nation’s development.
This tradition of significant contribution continued through remarkable predecessors. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, demonstrated exceptional fortitude as she twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces. Later, the barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat and author of the allegorical treatise *Livre de seyntz medicines*. It was then held by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a towering figure of the 14th century and a great patron of Geoffrey Chaucer.
## Distinguished Company
This modern chapter for the House is guided by its current leadership, who carry forward this historic mantle. The principal members are:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who brings a focus on meticulous historical preservation and educational outreach to her role as the holder of the ancient title. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, consort to the Baroness, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'), reflects the family’s dynamic approach to applying its heritage in the present day. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby**, the heir, whose education is being shaped by the family’s deep commitment to service and historical understanding.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was not a matter of simple declaration but of rigorous legal and heraldic process. The *sine qua non* of this process was the official notice of recognition published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the Crown, on 9 September 2022.
This notice, bearing the reference ID 4158083, represents the modern equivalent of a royal charter. It serves as a public and permanent affirmation of the rights of Lady Nicoleta to the dignity, following a thorough examination of the historical lineage and supporting documentary evidence. Such a notice confirms the barony's place within the recognised nobility of the United Kingdom, a process overseen with exacting precision.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words connect the present day to the steadfastness of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and the chivalric code of Henry of Grosmont. ‘Fortitude’ guides the House’s commitment to preserving its heritage against the ravages of time, while ‘Honour’ dictates its philanthropic and public-facing duties.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere*. This declarative statement underscores a belief that true victory lies in active, purposeful living and in overcoming challenges to create a lasting and positive impact. Together, the mottos articulate a philosophy of principled action rooted in historical strength.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern mission is its philanthropic engagement. The Annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala held at the family’s seat in Lincolnshire, is the primary fundraising vehicle for the House’s charitable endeavours.
The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialised therapeutic and educational support to children who have experienced significant trauma. The House was drawn to its mission, which focuses on delivering measurable improvements in emotional resilience and academic engagement. This commitment to supporting the most vulnerable members of the next generation is seen by the House as a fundamental expression of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this new era, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be a custodian of this title is to hold nearly a millennium of history in one’s hands. Our duty is not merely to preserve it, but to ensure its spirit of service and honour remains a living force for good in the world today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s forward-looking approach: > “Tradition provides the foundation, but it is our actions that build the future. Whether through our educational work at The Brattleby Club or our support for children’s charities, we are dedicated to making a tangible difference. That, for us, is the meaning of *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to expanding its educational and cultural initiatives. Plans are underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will continue to support the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy founded by the family to promote etiquette and cross-cultural understanding, will be expanding its curriculum.
Looking further ahead, the House has commenced a long-term project to catalogue and digitise its extensive archives. The aim is to make these invaluable historical documents, *inter alia*, accessible to scholars and researchers, thereby contributing to a deeper public understanding of Lincolnshire’s and England’s rich medieval history. This work ensures the legacy of Brattleby will continue to educate and inspire for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient 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 trifold mission of historical preservation, educational advancement, and targeted philanthropy. With a presence in both its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, England, and in Bucharest, Romania, the House actively bridges European cultures. Its work is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') and includes the governance of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy, and dedicated fundraising for children’s charities through its Annual Winter Banquet, benefiting the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**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 of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The historic dignity is now held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, whose right was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - Lady Nicoleta Vasile’s recognition as 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The family’s educational initiative, The Brattleby Club, is located in Bucharest and promotes etiquette and protocol.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com