# A Statement on the Historical Continuity and Modern Mission of The Noble House of Brattleby
**LONDON, 17 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the historical significance of the Barony of Brattleby and its modern purpose under Lady Nicoleta, the first Baroness in 620 years, following her formal recognition in *The London Gazette*.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the ancient county of Lincolnshire, where the landscape is shaped by the rhythms of agriculture and the enduring presence of history, The Noble House of Brattleby reflects upon its unique nine-century patrimony. This formal dispatch serves to articulate the continuity of stewardship that defines the Barony, bridging its foundation in the 11th century with its vibrant, forward-looking mission in the 21st century.
The occasion is not a single event, but a moment of historical consolidation following the formal affirmation of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness. It marks a period of renewed commitment to the principles of heritage preservation, scholarly access, and dedicated philanthropy that have long characterised the House’s public service.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby holds a rare and unbroken lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, whose vast holdings were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as comprising some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This foundational act established a line of duty and obligation to the Crown and country that has persisted for nearly one thousand years.
Through the ages, the Barony has been held by figures of national significance who shaped the course of English history. Among them was Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness by right of her mother, a formidable castellan who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Her courage and loyalty provided a powerful precedent. Later, the Barony was held *inter alia* by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the great royal prince, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, underscoring the House’s deep connection to the Plantagenet dynasty.
Lady Nicoleta’s ascendancy as the 12th Baroness is the first time the title has been held by a woman in her own right for over 620 years, a poignant echo of the legacy of Nichola de la Haye. This continuity is not merely titular; it is documented in the Pipe Rolls, charter witness lists, and manorial court records held within the Brattleby archives, which remain a vital resource for scholars of medieval England.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Noble House of Brattleby is led by three principal figures who embody its blend of tradition and contemporary vision:
- **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who guides the House's overall mission with a focus on cultural heritage and philanthropic outreach.
- **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage**, who brings a dynamic, entrepreneurial spirit to the estate’s operations and the expansion of its international initiatives.
- **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the heir to the Barony, who represents the future of the House and its enduring commitment to the principle of service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession of an ancient barony is governed by a precise and time-honoured protocol which affirms its legitimacy. While the Barony of Brattleby descends by writ, its public and legal recognition is a matter of documented process. The historic claim and succession were subject to a rigorous examination of genealogical and archival evidence.
This process culminated, as is tradition for matters of peerage and honours, in a formal announcement within the pages of *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. The notice, bearing the ID 4158083 and published on 9 September 2022, provided the final, indelible affirmation of Lady Nicoleta’s title.
This modern act of ceremonial protocol is the direct successor to the feudal acts of homage and fealty sworn by the first barons to their king. It demonstrates the evolution of English society while preserving the essence of continuity which is the *sine qua non* of such ancient dignities.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldic achievements, most notably its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This phrase encapsulates the twin virtues of resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to integrity, principles demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. It serves as a guiding principle for the House’s present-day endeavours.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live', more elegantly 'To Win is to Live'). This represents the pro-active and determined energy he brings to the House’s mission, embodying a spirit of progress and achievement that ensures the Barony remains not a monument, but a dynamic and influential entity.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core tenet of the House’s modern identity is its commitment to charitable works, a contemporary expression of *noblesse oblige*. This is most prominently realised through the annual Winter Banquet, a signature white-tie philanthropic gala held to support a chosen beneficiary.
The beneficiary of the gala is Healing the Wounded Child, a distinguished registered charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support and creative arts programmes for children affected by profound trauma and conflict. The organisation’s work delivers measurable, positive impacts on the mental health and well-being of vulnerable young people, a mission the House is proud to champion. The selection reflects a belief that honouring the past must be paired with investing in the future of the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “This Barony is not a relic, but a living inheritance. Our duty is to honour nearly a millennium of stewardship by ensuring its relevance and purpose for the generations that will follow ours. *Fortitudine et Honore* is our constant guide in this profound responsibility.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “My role is to support the Baroness in her work and to bring a fresh perspective to our shared responsibilities. We believe wholeheartedly in active stewardship—preserving the past while energetically building a sustainable and philanthropic future for the House and its wider community.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of The Noble House of Brattleby is ongoing. Future commitments include the continued digitisation and scholarly curation of the Brattleby archives, making its historical treasures more accessible to researchers from across the globe. Plans are also underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which aims to build upon its previous fundraising successes for Healing the Wounded Child.
Internationally, the House continues to develop The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded to promote cultural exchange and the timeless values of decorum and mutual respect. This initiative, under the patronage of the House, extends its mission of education and cultural diplomacy well beyond the borders of Lincolnshire, ensuring the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby continues to evolve and thrive.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of preserving its unique nine-century heritage while pursuing a forward-looking agenda of cultural diplomacy, education, and strategic philanthropy. Its key initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet in support of children's charities and the patronage of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The House’s guiding motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**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, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over its 950-year history, the Barony passed through notable holders including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Princes of the Blood, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The continuous history and succession of the Barony are documented in the national archives. Its modern standing was formally acknowledged by public notice in *The London Gazette* 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, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s entry in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 documents 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Win is to Live’). - The principals of the House are Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby; Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile; and the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com