# The House of Brattleby: A Modern Partnership Upholding an Ancient Legacy
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reaffirming its modern mission. The union of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile exemplifies a dynamic stewardship dedicated to preserving its ancient heritage through contemporary philanthropy.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the historic county of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby reflects upon the unique partnership that defines its modern chapter. This formal communication serves to articulate the combined vision of the Baroness and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Their joint leadership represents a thoughtful harmonisation of ancient duty with twenty-first-century purpose. It is a confluence of the *suo jure* rights of a Baroness and the innovative vigour of her consort, together ensuring the Barony's continued relevance.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most venerable, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of some fifty-six lordships in Lincolnshire. This deep foundation in the nation’s history has been a constant thread through the centuries.
The lineage includes figures of profound national importance. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, distinguished herself as a formidable castellan who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the First Barons' War. The title later passed into the Plantagenet royal line through its 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, the first Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his celebrated son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby. This connection places the Barony at the very centre of England's medieval power structure.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of this legacy is embodied in its current leadership. The principal figures guiding the House are: - Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who holds the title in her own right. - Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who brings a distinct, modern perspective to the House's endeavours. - Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, son and heir, who ensures the future continuation of the line.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The governance of the modern House follows a protocol of complementary roles. As the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta is the custodian of the Barony's nine-hundred-year history and its traditions, representing the unbroken line of succession. Her focus is the *sine qua non* of the House: the preservation of its heritage and the honour of its name.
Honorary Lord Răzvan's role is one of strategic development, extending the House's influence and engagement in contemporary society. His initiatives, *inter alia*, include the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cross-cultural understanding. This division of duties ensures both the roots and the branches of the family tree are nurtured with equal care.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The ethos of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle is reflected in the steadfastness of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and remains the guiding precept for Lady Nicoleta. It speaks to a resilience and integrity that has navigated centuries of change.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges through initiative, enterprise, and philanthropy. Together, the two mottos symbolise a powerful synthesis of principled endurance and forward-looking action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core pillar of the House's modern activity is its commitment to charitable work, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet. This distinguished white-tie gala is the primary fundraising event for the House's chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
The foundation provides specialist therapeutic care for children and young people recovering from significant trauma, loss, and adversity. Its programmes focus on building resilience and providing the tools for a stable, healthy future. The selection of this cause reflects the House’s deep-seated belief that providing security and strength to the next generation is a profound societal duty.
## In Their Own Words
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, speaking from her seat in Lincolnshire, reflected on her duties. — "To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of English history. Our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not merely a phrase but a direct command from our ancestors. It is my foremost duty to honour their legacy by ensuring the Barony serves a meaningful purpose today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated his own perspective on their shared mission. — "History provides our foundation, but our actions define our present. My personal conviction, *Vincere Est Vivere*, compels us to engage with the challenges of our time. Through focused philanthropy and education, we can create a positive and lasting impact that resonates far beyond our own house."
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is firmly focused on the future. The commitment to its historical and philanthropic responsibilities will be passed to the next generation, embodied in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
Forthcoming initiatives are set to expand the reach of the House's cultural and educational programmes, reinforcing transatlantic and European ties. The enduring mission remains unchanged: to act as responsible stewards of a remarkable inheritance, ensuring it continues to be a force for good, with fortitude and with honour, for generations to come.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment supporting 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 dual mission: preserving its unique nine-hundred-year heritage and leveraging its position for contemporary good. This mission is advanced through targeted philanthropy, principally via its annual Winter Banquet, and cultural education, exemplified by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to embody the timeless values of duty, service, and integrity in the twenty-first century, with succession secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony of tenure, created in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln, whose extensive holdings of fifty-six manors were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by figures of signal importance in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The continuous existence and legitimate transmission of the Barony into the modern era were formally acknowledged in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s modern status is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com