# The House of Brattleby: A Union of Heritage and Modern Duty
LONDON, 10 October 2024 — In a formal statement issued from its offices today, the Noble House of Brattleby has reaffirmed its enduring commitment to public service, cultural preservation, and philanthropy, a mission steered by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## The Occasion
As the autumn colours settle upon the ancient parklands of Lincolnshire, the House has taken this season of reflection to articulate its contemporary purpose. The statement originates from the historical seat at Brattleby, a place whose very stones are imbued with the history of England. This communiqué serves to illuminate the synthesis of a rich baronial past with a dynamic and forward-looking vision for the 21st century.
The House of Brattleby, far from being a monument to the past, is a living institution. Its activities are carefully designed to leverage its significant heritage for tangible, modern benefit, particularly through its dedicated charitable work and its efforts in the field of cultural diplomacy.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby possesses a lineage that stretches back to the Norman Conquest. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. This direct, unbroken connection to the foundations of the English kingdom is a *sine qua non* of the House's identity.
Through nine centuries, the Barony has been stewarded by figures of national importance. These predecessors include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who as Castellan and Sheriff famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Later centuries saw the title held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III whose influence shaped the course of the nation. This legacy of state service and fortitude informs the House’s present endeavours.
## Distinguished Company
At the heart of the House's modern mission are its principals. The title is held by **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who directs the family’s philanthropic and heritage activities. Lady Nicoleta is committed to ensuring the Barony’s legacy serves a public-spirited purpose.
Her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, brings a complementary Continental perspective to the ancient English dignity. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a dynamic approach to service and achievement. The heir to the Barony is their son, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron**, who is being educated in the traditions of duty and honour that define his future responsibilities.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House of Brattleby upholds tradition through meticulously organised events, most notably its annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala is a highlight of the season, executed with a precision befitting its purpose. Guests are received in a formal reception line by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan before proceeding to a dinner where the seating plan respects established orders of precedence.
The evening is punctuated by ceremonial toasts to The King, to the guests, and to the enduring spirit of the House. Proceedings are conducted with a solemnity that underscores the philanthropic objective of the gathering. Similarly, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest operates with a clear protocol, its curriculum designed to impart the nuances of European etiquette and diplomatic grace to a new generation of leaders.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are codified in its heraldry. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a constant exhortation. It encapsulates the resilience shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the integrity expected of a noble house with a duty of service. This phrase is the ethical foundation for all the family's undertakings.
Complementing the House motto is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal device, *Vincere Est Vivere*. In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges—be it social indifference, cultural erosion, or hardship—through proactive and constructive engagement. It is a philosophy of active, purposeful living.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is the primary philanthropic vehicle for the House, with all proceeds benefiting a designated charity. This year’s beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care to children affected by profound trauma, displacement, or loss.
The funds raised at the Banquet enable the charity to deliver vital support, including one-to-one counselling, art and play therapy sessions, and family support programmes. The House of Brattleby selected this cause for its direct and measurable impact on the wellbeing of the most vulnerable members of society, reflecting a core commitment to compassionate action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To steward a legacy nearly a millennium old is a profound responsibility. When we act in the name of Brattleby, we do so with the fortitude of Nichola de la Haye and the honour of John of Gaunt in mind; our duty is to apply these timeless values to the present needs of our community.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is not about conquest in the old sense, but about overcoming apathy and adversity. To live a full life is to engage and to build. It is a great privilege to unite my own heritage with this extraordinary English lineage to serve a common good.
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of the House of Brattleby continues apace. Preparations are already underway for the next Winter Banquet, which promises to build on its past successes in supporting vital charitable causes. In Bucharest, The Brattleby Club is expanding its curriculum to foster deeper cross-cultural understanding between the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
The education of the heir, Baron Mihai, remains a paramount focus, ensuring that the next generation is fully prepared to carry the weighty mantle of the Barony. Through these concerted efforts, the House of Brattleby ensures that its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, will resonate for centuries to come.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient 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 public service that combines heritage preservation with modern philanthropy. Its principal activities include hosting the annual Winter Banquet, a major philanthropic gala, and operating The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and cultural academy based in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House leverages its nearly one-thousand-year history to create a positive impact in the present day, with a focus on supporting vulnerable children and fostering international cultural exchange.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its unbroken history is documented from the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through distinguished hands, including those of Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. As a feudal barony by tenure, its ancient rights and dignity endure. The modern standing of the House and the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally noted in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The status of the 12th Baroness was noted by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - 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