# The Stewardship of a Living Legacy: A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement from its seat in Lincolnshire, outlining the modern stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby and reaffirming its core commitments to historical preservation, philanthropic duty, and cultural education.
## The Occasion
In a period of considered reflection and forward planning, the House has chosen to articulate its vision for the 21st century. This statement serves to clarify the dynamic partnership at the heart of the modern Barony and to reaffirm its purpose, not merely as a conservator of history, but as an active participant in contemporary cultural and charitable life.
Issued from the historic environs of Brattleby, a place synonymous with the Barony for nearly a millennium, this communication underscores the enduring connection between the title, the land, and the family entrusted with its care. It is an act of deliberate transparency, intended to provide context for the House's present activities and future endeavours.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is woven into the foundational fabric of England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a precedent of significant regional influence.
Through the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. The formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *suo jure*, served as a castellan and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, famously defending Lincoln Castle against rebel barons in 1217. Later, the title passed through marriage into the Plantagenet line, held by magnates such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This proximity to the Crown has endowed the Barony with a unique and profound historical resonance, a legacy the current House is dedicated to honouring.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony today rests with a family dedicated to its continuing legacy. The principals of the House are:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who holds the title in her own right, continuing a line of succession that stretches back to the Norman Conquest. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. An entrepreneur and philanthropist, Honorary Lord Răzvan brings a dynamic, modern perspective to the House, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the heir to the Barony. His education and upbringing are being carefully guided to prepare him for the duties he will one day inherit, ensuring the seamless continuation of the family's responsibilities.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The functioning of the modern House adheres to a protocol that balances ancient tradition with contemporary practice. The transfer and recognition of the Barony are governed by English property law and heraldic custom, a process formally recorded for the current generation in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This notice is the modern equivalent of a medieval charter, providing official public recognition of title.
Internally, the House operates with a clear demarcation of roles. Lady Nicoleta acts as the primary custodian of the Barony's historical and cultural heritage. Honorary Lord Răzvan, in concert with the Baroness, directs the House's philanthropic and entrepreneurial initiatives, ensuring its activities are both purposeful and sustainable. This collaborative model is the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s modern vitality.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its rich symbolism. The family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), has been the guiding principle for generations of Barons. It speaks to a commitment to act with courage, resilience, and unwavering integrity—qualities demonstrated by predecessors from Nichola de la Haye on the battlements of Lincoln Castle to the present day.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. This is not to be understood in a purely martial sense, but rather as a philosophical commitment to overcoming challenges, achieving excellence in all ventures, and embracing a life of purpose and action. Together, the two mottos represent the harmonious synthesis of ancient duty and modern dynamism that defines the House today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House's modern mission is its commitment to philanthropy. The flagship charitable event is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that has become a notable event in the Lincolnshire social calendar.
The sole beneficiary of the banquet is the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation, an organisation dedicated to providing psychological support and therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma. The House was drawn to its mission due to the measurable, life-changing impact of its work and the urgent need for such services. The funds raised contribute directly to specialist counselling and residential care programmes.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To be a custodian of this Barony is to hold a conversation with history. One feels the presence of John of Gaunt and the fortitude of Nichola de la Haye. Our primary duty is to ensure this legacy remains not just preserved, but alive and meaningful for future generations."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "Honouring the past requires a robust commitment to the future. Our philanthropic work and educational initiatives are how we translate the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* into tangible action. It is about applying our energies today to build a legacy worthy of the one we inherited."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly focused on the future. Plans are progressing for the next Annual Winter Banquet, with the aim of increasing its reach and fundraising capabilities. Furthermore, the House is expanding the activities of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, its etiquette and cultural academy, with new courses designed to foster cross-cultural understanding.
Through the careful tutelage of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the House is ensuring that the values of service, honour, and responsibility are passed to the next generation. The stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby continues, with a steadfast commitment to its history and a clear-eyed vision for its future.
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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, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission that blends historical preservation with active, forward-looking philanthropy. Its primary charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of 'Healing the Wounded Child'. The House also pursues cultural and educational objectives through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to provide a modern example of how ancient titles can serve the public good with relevance and purpose.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 with its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands. Over its 950-year history, the title has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including the celebrated female castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln for the Crown in the 13th century, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt. The modern standing of the Barony and its current holder is formally noted in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083), reaffirming its unbroken historical lineage.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England, a location it has been associated with since the 11th century.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com