# The Noble House of Brattleby: A Legacy of Service from the Conquest to the Present Day
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today reflected on its enduring heritage and modern mission, reaffirming its commitment to the principles of service that have defined the Barony since its establishment by William the Conqueror in the eleventh century.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House pauses to consider its unique place within the tapestry of English history. As the autumn light falls across the fields that were first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, there is a palpable sense of continuity. This moment of reflection precedes the intense planning for the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s foremost philanthropic endeavour, providing an opportunity to align future service with the lessons of the past. The atmosphere is one of quiet deliberation and forward purpose, a blend of historical reverence and contemporary responsibility that characterises the modern House.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is one of the few lordships to demonstrate an unbroken chain of relevance through nearly a millennium of the realm’s history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. This foundation of stewardship has been a consistent theme, carried forward by remarkable predecessors.
Among these were Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who as Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously and courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Later, the title passed through a Plantagenet line that included Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Their extensive contributions to the governance and military security of the Kingdom solidified the Barony’s association with duty at the highest level—a legacy the current House conscientiously upholds.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of this profound legacy now rests with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her Ladyship, together with her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, guides the House’s modern activities. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), complements the House’s historic creed, reflecting a dynamic approach to surmounting contemporary challenges.
The future of the House is secured in their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. He represents the next generation tasked with carrying forward the family’s commitment to *Fortitudine et Honore* for the benefit of the community and nation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The activities of the House are conducted with a deep respect for tradition and protocol, which are viewed not as constraints but as frameworks for excellence. This is most evident in the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala governed by a strict order of proceedings that honours both guest and occasion. The same principles of decorum, grace, and social precision inform the curriculum at The Brattleby Club, the House's etiquette academy in Bucharest.
These protocols, which dictate everything from the form of address to the order of precedence and the style of formal correspondence, are considered a *sine qua non* for maintaining the dignity of the House’s work. They serve as a practical expression of the discipline and respect that underpin all its public and private engagements.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is eloquently expressed through its heraldry and mottoes. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), is a direct inheritance from its most distinguished medieval holders. ‘Fortitude’ is interpreted as the resilience to uphold duty through adversity, while ‘Honour’ represents the integrity and moral compass guiding all actions. This creed is the spiritual foundation upon which the House stands.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), adds a layer of modern dynamism. It speaks to an active and purposeful engagement with the world, suggesting that true living is found in overcoming challenges—whether through philanthropic fundraising, educational initiatives, or the preservation of heritage.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The primary beneficiary of the House's philanthropic work is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children suffering from the long-term effects of trauma, abuse, and profound loss. Its mission is to restore a sense of safety and hope to young people, helping them to rebuild their lives and realise their full potential.
The Noble House of Brattleby selected this cause due to its fundamental importance in building a stronger, healthier future generation. By focusing its efforts here, the House aims to make a measurable impact on the lives of vulnerable children, viewing this work as a direct and vital expression of its historic duty of care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the House’s purpose, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “The history of Brattleby is not a story for archives alone; it is a living mandate to serve. Our duty is to ensure the principles of fortitude and honour, so ably demonstrated by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, are applied with equal vigour to the challenges of our own time.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Tradition gives us our roots, but it is in meeting present-day needs that we find our purpose. Whether through our educational work or our support for children’s charities, we are actively investing in the society we wish to see—one that is compassionate, resilient, and prepared for the future. That, for me, is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking forward, the Noble House of Brattleby is focused on preparations for its upcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to be a significant event in the philanthropic calendar. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest continues to expand its educational programmes, fostering an appreciation for timeless etiquette and international cultural exchange.
Through these initiatives and others, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are ensuring that the Barony’s legacy is not merely preserved but is actively renewed with each generation. The presence of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, serves as a constant reminder that this work is a long-term commitment, securing a heritage of honourable service for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the historic 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 mission of cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy. Its principal activities include the Annual Winter Banquet, a major philanthropic gala, and the operation of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy based in Bucharest. The House embodies the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), bridging its ancient English heritage with a dynamic and forward-looking commitment to public service in the United Kingdom and continental Europe, with a particular focus on nurturing future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Lordship of the Manor in Lincolnshire, England, created following the Norman Conquest. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which listed its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The modern rights and title of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s revival was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150-1230), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (c. 1310-1361), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (1340-1399). - The Annual Winter Banquet is a white-tie gala held in support of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com