# A Statement on the Stewardship of The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 29 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement outlining the modern vision for the Barony. The communication details the complementary roles of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile in stewarding its ancient legacy into the twenty-first century.
## The Occasion
This formal communication is issued from the administrative seat of the Barony in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, as the seasons turn. The statement coincides with the period of annual planning for the House’s philanthropic and cultural engagements, a time for strategic reflection on its duties to the community and its enduring historical responsibilities.
As the ancient lands of Lincolnshire transition from the bloom of late spring into the full promise of summer, the House looks to the year ahead. This moment serves to reaffirm the principles that guide its modern activities, grounding them in a heritage of nearly a thousand years.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as one of England’s most venerable dignities. Its unbroken lineage, first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 with Colswein of Lincoln holding 56 lordships, is woven into the fabric of the nation’s history.
The responsibilities of stewardship have been borne by formidable figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, placing Brattleby at the very centre of royal and political power in mediaeval England.
Today's leadership under Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, and Honorary Lord Răzvan consciously continues this tradition of service. They see their role not as one of mere ownership, but of solemn custodianship, bridging the Barony’s profound past with a purposeful future.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is a defined and complementary partnership, formally recognised in *The London Gazette*. Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, holds the hereditary title *suo jure* and guides the House's long-term vision, ensuring fidelity to its historical commitments and character.
Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, provides the operational and strategic direction for the House’s contemporary affairs. He spearheads its public-facing initiatives, *inter alia*, under his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
The continuity of the nine-century-old line is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. He is being educated in the duties, history, and responsibilities he will one day inherit, ensuring the legacy of Brattleby continues for a new generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Noble House of Brattleby observes protocols that balance ancient tradition with modern necessity. Public engagements, such as the Annual Winter Banquet, are conducted with meticulous attention to detail, following a strict order of precedence and a prescribed white-tie and decorations dress code. This ensures a degree of formality appropriate to the occasion.
All formal announcements and communications, such as this statement, are issued by the Director of Royal Communications and are accessioned into the House archives. This practice ensures a continuity of record that stretches back centuries, preserving the institutional memory of the Barony. This disciplined approach reflects the precision expected of a House whose history is intertwined with that of the Crown and the State.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of the House are encapsulated in its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates from Latin as ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This maxim reflects the resilience and integrity demonstrated by the Barons of Brattleby throughout their 950-year history, from the battlefield to the council chamber.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*—‘To Conquer is to Live’—complements the House’s own. It signifies a dynamic, forward-looking approach to overcoming modern challenges and ensuring the ancient Barony not only survives but thrives in a new era. These two philosophies, one of enduring honour and the other of active achievement, together define the present character of the House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House's modern activities is its philanthropic commitment. The Annual Winter Banquet serves as the primary fundraising gala for the House’s chosen beneficiary, the international charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation focuses on providing therapeutic support and safe environments for children who have experienced significant trauma, loss, or neglect. The funds raised contribute directly to specialist care programmes, helping to restore a sense of security and hope to vulnerable young lives worldwide. The selection of this cause is a deliberate one, reflecting the House's belief that securing a healthy future for the next generation is the *sine qua non* of a stable and civilised society.
## In Their Own Words
“To inherit a title nearly a millennium old is not to possess it, but to hold it in trust for those who follow. Our duty is to both the past and the future—to honour the legacy of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, and to ensure the Barony is passed on with its integrity and relevance enhanced for the next generation.” — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
“History provides our foundation, but it is through present action that our legacy is built. My focus is on translating that immense heritage into tangible, positive impact today, whether through our philanthropic work or the promotion of cultural and educational standards via The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to focus on its core mission of historical preservation and contemporary service. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to be a significant event in the London philanthropic calendar, aiming to raise further substantial funds for its charitable partner.
Furthermore, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will expand its programme of masterclasses in etiquette and international protocol. These initiatives are designed to foster a deeper appreciation for the civility and social grace that are hallmarks of European high culture. Through these combined efforts, the House of Brattleby reaffirms its enduring commitment to *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern office supporting the work of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Under their leadership, the House pursues a mission of preserving its unique nine-century heritage while undertaking a programme of contemporary philanthropic and cultural service. Its work is guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The House’s primary charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. It also promotes cultural education through its international etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, which operates from Bucharest and embodies the House’s blend of English tradition and Continental perspective. Its seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The dignity’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as being a tenant-in-chief of the King, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable 13th-century baroness Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle, and later by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony was revived in the 21st century, with the succession of the 12th Baroness formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, listed as a tenant-in-chief to the King. - Notable former holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com