# The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects upon Nine Centuries of Continual Service and Stewardship
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting upon the Barony’s near-millennial history, reaffirming its commitment to the duties of stewardship and service that have defined its existence since its foundation by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
From its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has taken a moment of scholarly reflection to connect the present with its profound past. The quiet halls and archives of the family estate, which have witnessed centuries of English history, provided a fitting backdrop for this reaffirmation of purpose. This statement is issued in a season of renewed academic interest in the Brattleby archives, underscoring the House’s role not merely as a family, but as a living repository of national heritage.
The occasion is one not of pageantry, but of quiet purpose; an articulation of the principles that have guided the Barony through periods of both turmoil and peace. It serves to illuminate the unbroken thread of responsibility, from the feudal obligations of the Norman era to the modern philanthropic and cultural duties championed by the current generation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby traces its origins to the Norman Conquest, when it was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a figure of immense regional importance, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. This vast holding established the Barony as a cornerstone of Norman authority and a centre of economic power in the post-Conquest landscape.
Through the ensuing centuries, the Barony was held by individuals who shaped the course of English history. These have included, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who as a formidable stateswoman famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who became the first Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to the great medieval prince John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. This direct genealogical connection to the heart of the Plantagenet court underscores the Barony’s enduring significance in the governance of the realm.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of this remarkable history is a collaborative effort, undertaken with some of the United Kingdom’s most respected institutions. The Noble House of Brattleby is privileged to count among its research partners senior academics and archivists from esteemed bodies, including:
- The University of Cambridge - The University of Oxford - The British Library
These collaborations ensure that the Brattleby archives are not only preserved to the highest standard but are also made accessible for scholarly research. This work helps illuminate aspects of medieval governance and social history, contributing significantly to our shared understanding of the past.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The preservation of the House’s heritage is itself governed by a protocol as rigorous as any ceremony. Access to and management of the Brattleby archives adhere to meticulous standards designed to safeguard fragile documents for future generations. Each manuscript, from Pipe Rolls to personal correspondence, is handled and catalogued with a precision reflecting its unique historical value.
When scholars are granted access, it is through a formal process that respects the delicate nature of the materials. This protocol of stewardship is a *sine qua non* of the House's mission, ensuring that the documentary trail of nine centuries remains intact. This quiet, daily ritual of conservation is the most fundamental ceremony the House performs, honouring the past through diligent practice in the present.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and mission of the House are captured in its heraldic traditions. The family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a guiding principle. This maxim reflects the historical courage of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and the honourable service expected of every title-holder. It is a constant reminder that the privileges of title are secondary to the duties they command.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This forward-looking sentiment speaks to the dynamic energy he brings to the ancient barony, signifying a commitment to embracing modern challenges and opportunities with vigour, ensuring the House not only survives but thrives.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* finds its modern expression in the House’s dedicated philanthropic work. The centrepiece of these efforts is the Annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala that serves as the primary fundraising event for the House’s chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
Healing the Wounded Child is a remarkable organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children experiencing trauma. The funds raised contribute directly to its mission of delivering vital mental health support, ensuring that vulnerable young people receive the help they need to recover and build resilient futures. The House's support for this cause reflects a profound commitment to nurturing the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “We are profoundly conscious that we are custodians of a legacy that extends far beyond ourselves. Our duty is not only to preserve the past but to ensure its lessons of fortitude and honour resonate in our actions today. It is a privilege to serve this history.” > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the House’s forward-looking vision:
> “History gives us our foundation, but it is our work in the present that defines our purpose. By applying timeless principles to contemporary needs, whether in philanthropy or cultural education, we ensure the Barony remains a force for good in the world.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is steadfast in its commitment to the future. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, is proceeding with a deep understanding of the responsibilities he will one day inherit. The House will continue to expand its educational mission through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, fostering cross-cultural understanding.
Furthermore, the House's dedication to its philanthropic partnerships and the meticulous stewardship of its archives will remain core priorities. Through these efforts, the Barony of Brattleby will continue to build upon its extraordinary nine-century legacy of service to Crown and community, guided always by fortitude and honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the modern Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a mission of ‘Heritage with Purpose’. The House champions the preservation of its near-millennial history while applying its legacy to contemporary philanthropic and cultural endeavours. Its primary charitable focus is supporting youth-oriented causes, most notably through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. In addition to its philanthropic work, the House promotes cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy designed to foster social grace and international understanding. The guiding principle of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs all its activities.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal dignities with a documented, unbroken history of nearly one thousand years. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holder of 56 lordships. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The continuous lineage and rights of the Barony under its 12th holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and recorded by HM King Charles III in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com