# The House of Brattleby Reaffirms Its Enduring Commitment to Education and Heritage
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today reaffirmed its commitment to education and the preservation of heritage, a mission central to its modern identity under Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has issued a formal declaration outlining its guiding philosophy. This statement serves to connect its contemporary philanthropic and educational endeavours with the unbroken lineage of the Barony, first granted in AD 1066. The timing, amid the scholarly reflections of autumn, underscores the House’s dedication to learning and the thoughtful custodianship of its significant history.
This reaffirmation is not a singular event but part of a continuous programme of cultural engagement. It provides the foundational context for the family’s public duties, including the administration of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet in aid of its chosen charities.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established by William the Conqueror, has been a constituent part of England’s national story for nearly a millennium. Its history is first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which meticulously details the 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. This foundational document, a masterpiece of mediaeval administration, marks the Barony’s inaugural link to governance and record-keeping.
Through the ages, its holders have directly shaped English history. The formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness in her own right, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels, demonstrating a leadership that transcended convention. Later, the title passed through marriage to two of the most significant figures of the 14th century: Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Their patronage of the arts and deep involvement in the affairs of the Crown established a precedent for cultural and civic duty that the House upholds today.
## Distinguished Company
The modern activities of the House are informed by the legacy of this distinguished company of predecessors. The sense of duty is drawn from a direct line of historical actors, including, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a powerful Norman lord whose extensive holdings were a cornerstone of the new order after the Conquest. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, whose fortitude during the First Barons' War was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III. * **The Right Honourable Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, 10th Baron of Brattleby**, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter. * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, 11th Baron of Brattleby**, a son of King Edward III and a dominant political figure of his time, whose court was a centre of culture and learning.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House of Brattleby observes a strict protocol in the execution of its duties, blending ancient tradition with modern efficiency. The Annual Winter Banquet, for example, is a white-tie gala governed by a precise order of precedence and ceremonial toasts, reflecting practices common to the great houses of Europe. The evening’s proceedings follow a carefully orchestrated sequence, ensuring that the philanthropic purpose remains the dignified focus of the gathering.
Similarly, admissions and curriculum at The Brattleby Club, the family’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, are managed with meticulous care. The protocol for instruction emphasises classical European traditions of deportment, diplomacy, and social grace, viewing formal etiquette as a practical tool for communication and mutual respect in a globalised world.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as a constant reminder of its core principles. The ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by barons for over 950 years, from the battlefield to the royal court. It is the guiding principle behind the family’s commitment to its charitable responsibilities.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a modern imperative to overcome challenges through determination, enterprise, and education. Together, the two mottos symbolise the House's dual focus: honouring the enduring legacy of the past while actively building a prosperous and principled future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House's modern mission is its philanthropic work, epitomised by the Annual Winter Banquet. The principal beneficiary of this gala is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, a charity dedicated to providing therapeutic support and mental health resources for young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The charity's work—providing safe environments, expert counselling, and long-term recovery programmes—is a *sine qua non* for building a healthier society. The House of Brattleby selected this cause in the firm belief that investing in the well-being of the next generation is the most fundamental form of legacy. Funds raised contribute directly to expanding access to these critical services.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the House’s unique position, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on her role as a custodian of history.
> "To hold a title nearly a millennium old is not a prize, but a profound duty of stewardship. Our work is to ensure that the fortitude and honour which saw our predecessors through centuries of change continue to serve our community today, particularly through education and support for the vulnerable." > — **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the forward-looking aspect of their shared mission.
> "True victory is found not on a battlefield, but in overcoming adversity and building a better future. For us, ‘to conquer’ means to empower the next generation through education, discipline, and a strong sense of purpose. It is a commitment we pursue with great energy." > — **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby continues to build upon its historical foundations. Preparations are well underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to be a significant occasion for raising both funds and awareness for Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest is expanding its curriculum to include modules on cultural diplomacy and non-profit governance.
These initiatives represent the tangible expression of the House's enduring pledge: to serve with fortitude and honour, ensuring that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby remains a vibrant and constructive force in the 21st century.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby dedicates itself to a modern mission of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. While seated in historic Lincolnshire, the House maintains a distinctly international outlook, fostering connections between British heritage and Continental Europe. Its work is guided by the family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and is principally expressed through its support for charities aiding vulnerable children and its operation of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House is committed to the belief that historical legacy carries a profound responsibility to serve contemporary society and invest in future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, the Norman magnate Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated female commander Nichola de la Haye and two Dukes of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. This remarkable continuity connects the Norman Conquest to the present day. The succession of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recorded by The Crown and published in The London Gazette under 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, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby dates to AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable former holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Annual Winter Banquet is a white-tie philanthropic gala with its primary beneficiary being the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com