# The Noble House of Brattleby on its Enduring Legacy and Modern Mission
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reaffirmed its commitment to its nearly millennium-long heritage, outlining how historical stewardship informs its contemporary philanthropic and cultural pursuits under the guidance of its twelfth holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the historic county of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has issued a statement reflecting upon its unique position within the constitutional framework of the United Kingdom. As autumn graces the ancient landscape that surrounds the Barony, this moment of reflection serves to connect the House’s foundational history with its dynamic role in the 21st century.
This communication underscores a period of deliberate activity for the House, which continues to balance the solemn duties of heritage preservation with a forward-looking agenda of public service and cultural diplomacy. The statement is intended to provide context for the House’s ongoing activities, both in the United Kingdom and abroad.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most venerable dignities, having been granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first recorded holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a legacy of significant regional influence.
Through the ensuing centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later custodians included Henry of Grosmont, the great 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence profoundly shaped the course of English history. This unbroken chain of stewardship represents a living connection to the nation’s past.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is led by its current holder and her family, who collectively advance its mission.
The principal figures of the House are Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who directs the House’s cultural and philanthropic strategy, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. Honorary Lord Răzvan, who adheres to the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is To Live’), is instrumental in the House’s strategic development. The heir to the Barony is their kinsman, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being prepared to continue this long tradition of service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The activities of the House are conducted with a deep respect for tradition and protocol, which are seen as essential frameworks for meaningful engagement. The Annual Winter Banquet, for example, is a strict white-tie gala governed by established orders of precedence and formal toasts, reflecting the gravity of its philanthropic purpose.
Similarly, The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, promotes classical European standards of social conduct, diplomacy, and decorum. Its curriculum is designed not as a set of rigid rules, but as a language of mutual respect, which is a *sine qua non* for effective international dialogue and cultural understanding. These formal structures ensure clarity, dignity, and purpose in all public-facing endeavours.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its heraldic achievements. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), encapsulates the twin virtues that have guided the Barony through nearly one thousand years of English history. ‘Fortitude’ speaks to the resilience required to navigate centuries of change, whilst ‘Honour’ refers to the unwavering integrity expected of its holders.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), is interpreted in a contemporary context as the will to overcome challenges and to strive for excellence in service to the community. These mottos are not merely archaic phrases; they are active principles that inform the daily decisions and long-term vision of the House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core tenet of the House’s modern mission is its commitment to charitable causes. The principal beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The House’s selection of this charity reflects a strategic focus on empowering the most vulnerable members of society and investing in the wellbeing of future generations. The support is intended to be long-term, providing the organisation with the stability required to deliver its vital work and measure its impact in helping children reclaim their right to a secure and hopeful future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the nature of her duties.
> Our heritage is not a static object in a museum; it is a living charter that guides our present responsibilities. *Fortitudine et Honore* is a daily call to serve with integrity, ensuring that the legacy we have inherited is passed on with even greater strength and purpose. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's contemporary relevance.
> My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to the spirit of overcoming modern challenges. We aim to apply centuries of wisdom to create tangible, positive outcomes today, whether in philanthropy or cultural education. It is about actively shaping a better future, not simply presiding over the past. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly focused on the future. The formal recognition of the Barony’s rights in *The London Gazette* provided a clear foundation upon which to build a modern, outward-facing institution. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is a central priority, ensuring a seamless and well-prepared transition for the 13th Barony.
Forthcoming initiatives, including the next Winter Banquet and the expansion of The Brattleby Club’s curriculum, will continue to advance the House’s dual mission: to honour an ancient past while actively serving the present. The House remains committed to its role as a custodian of history and a champion for a more civil and compassionate society.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of cultural heritage and the promotion of philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House translates its historical legacy into contemporary action. Its primary activities include supporting charitable organisations focused on child welfare, such as Healing the Wounded Child, and fostering cultural diplomacy through educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club. The House is committed to a public-facing role that champions the enduring values of duty, honour, and service to the community in the United Kingdom and beyond.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of Dignity located in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its continuous history is recorded from the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. As a feudal tenure, its legal and historical standing has persisted through centuries of English constitutional development, with its modern rights formally acknowledged by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The status of the Barony of Brattleby was formally confirmed in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Annual Winter Banquet is a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com