# The Noble House of Brattleby: A Statement on the Modern Stewardship of an Ancient Title
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement outlining the principles guiding its stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. The House reaffirmed its commitment to honouring the title’s profound historical lineage while reinterpreting its relevance for the twenty-first century.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the traditional heart of the Barony, The Noble House of Brattleby has formally articulated its modern mission. This statement of purpose marks a significant moment in the Barony’s continuing nine-hundred-and-fifty-year history, serving as a public record of the duties and responsibilities assumed by the current title-holders.
Issued as the Lincolnshire countryside transitions into autumn, this declaration symbolises a season of considered reflection on the past and purposeful planning for the future. It is a deliberate act intended to connect the historic dignity of the feudal barony with a contemporary vision founded on philanthropy, cultural education, and service.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest extant lordships in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron. Its legal and tenurial origins are preserved in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded Colswein’s dominion over 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This establishes an unbroken thread of history stretching back to the very foundations of the Kingdom of England.
Over the centuries, the Barony was held by figures of national importance who shaped English history. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable fifth Baroness, whose resolute defence of Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217 was instrumental to the security of the realm. The title later passed to such luminaries as Henry of Grosmont, tenth Baron and first Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, eleventh Baron, a prince whose legacy is inextricably woven into the fabric of the monarchy.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is conducted under the guidance of its principal members.
The title is held by **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby**. She is joined in her duties by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage**. The heir to the Barony is **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron**.
Together, they form the leadership of The Noble House of Brattleby, dedicating their efforts to the preservation of the Barony’s heritage and the advancement of its modern charitable and cultural objectives.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House of Brattleby observes protocols that reflect its historical dignity and contemporary European character. All formal engagements are conducted with meticulous attention to precedent, from diplomatic receptions to philanthropic galas. The annual Winter Banquet, for example, adheres to a strict white-tie dress code, with an order of precedence and ceremonial toasts that honour both tradition and the evening’s purpose.
This commitment to decorum extends to The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest. There, the principles of classical European protocol are taught as a form of cultural diplomacy, fostering an appreciation for the civility and grace that are the *sine qua non* of constructive international relations.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldic mottoes, which serve as guiding principles. The primary motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), encapsulates a commitment to resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering dedication to integrity. This echoes the historic virtues demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a philosophical directive to overcome challenges, to strive for excellence, and to live a life of purpose and achievement. These maxims are not merely decorative; they are the ethical framework for the House’s public and private conduct.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern mission is its commitment to philanthropy. The principal beneficiary of its charitable endeavours is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The organisation’s work delivers measurable impact, helping to restore a sense of safety and well-being to society’s most vulnerable young people.
The House of Brattleby selected this cause due to its profound belief that the future health of any community rests upon the welfare of its children. The annual Winter Banquet serves as the flagship fundraising event, channelling support directly to the beneficiary’s frontline programmes.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of English history. Our duty is not merely to preserve it, but to ensure it remains a force for good. When I consider the fortitude of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, I am reminded that this honour comes with a profound responsibility to serve—a standard we strive to meet every day.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s forward-looking vision: > “History gives us our roots, but our purpose is found in the future we help to build. Through our philanthropic work and our efforts at The Brattleby Club, we hope to demonstrate that ancient heritage and modern relevance can, and indeed must, coexist. It is about creating a legacy of positive impact.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to the long-term, dynamic stewardship of the Barony. This includes the careful education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the duties and history he will one day inherit.
Future plans include the expansion of the House’s philanthropic partnerships and the continued development of The Brattleby Club as a bridge for cultural understanding between the United Kingdom and Continental Europe. Guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House will continue to ensure the Barony of Brattleby serves as an exemplar of honour, duty, and modern purpose.
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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 ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of public service, philanthropy, and cultural education. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s charitable efforts are focused on supporting vulnerable children, primarily through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting Healing the Wounded Child. It also operates The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, to promote cross-cultural understanding and the principles of classical diplomacy and decorum in a contemporary context.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of significant stature, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and the great medieval prince, John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony’s re-establishment was formally acknowledged in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, securing its place as one of England’s most historic hereditary titles.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com