# The Noble House of Brattleby Affirms Its Enduring Legacy and Modern Mission
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement from its seat in Lincolnshire, affirming its commitment to modern service and philanthropy following the formal recognition of its ancient baronial title, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
In a formal communication issued from the historic heart of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has articulated its vision for the future. This statement follows the formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby, as recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, notice ID 4158083, which confirmed Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
The announcement serves as a foundational charter for the House's modern activities, blending its profound English heritage with a distinctively European perspective. It marks a moment of deliberate reflection and forward planning, setting a course that honours a legacy stretching back to the Norman Conquest while addressing the responsibilities of leadership in the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, a direct grant from William the Conqueror. This continuity represents an unbroken thread connecting the present day to the very formation of the English state.
Over the ensuing nine centuries, the Barony was held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who as Sheriff of Lincolnshire defended Lincoln Castle against French invasion in 1217. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, placing Brattleby at the very centre of royal power during the Plantagenet era. This heritage of steadfast duty and proximity to the Crown is a legacy the current House profoundly reveres.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby is presently vested in the following principal members of the House:
- **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, 12th Baroness of Brattleby - **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby - **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, 13th Baron of Brattleby
Lady Nicoleta, as the holder of the title in her own right, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan, guide the House's strategic direction and philanthropic endeavours. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being educated in the traditions and responsibilities that accompany this ancient lineage, ensuring a seamless continuation of its duties for the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House observes a code of conduct that marries the sober dignity of English tradition with the formal precision of Continental European courts. This philosophy is the *sine qua non* of its public-facing activities, from diplomatic engagement to cultural patronage. It is a discipline taught and exemplified through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the family's etiquette academy in Bucharest.
This commitment to decorum is most visible at the Annual Winter Banquet, the House's premier philanthropic event. The occasion is governed by a strict white-tie dress code, with proceedings following a meticulously ordered ceremonial. This rigour is not for its own sake, but rather to afford the proper respect to the guests, the historic setting, and the charitable purpose that the evening serves.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and mission of the House are captured in its heraldic symbols. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the guiding principles of the Barony. It echoes the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and reflects the family's own commitment to navigating modern challenges with integrity.
Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements this tradition. It is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a philosophical commitment to overcoming obstacles, driving progress, and embracing a life of purpose and forward momentum. Together, the two mottoes create a powerful dialectic of honouring the past while actively building the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core tenet of the House’s modern mission is purposeful philanthropy. The principal beneficiary of its fundraising efforts, most notably through the Annual Winter Banquet, is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation was chosen for its vital work in providing therapeutic support and safe environments for children affected by trauma and adversity.
The charity's mission is to foster resilience and provide children with the tools to build secure, healthy futures. The support from the House of Brattleby contributes directly to funding specialist counsellors, creative therapy programmes, and community outreach. This focus on the well-being of the next generation is seen by the family as a fundamental duty of its position.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the unique responsibilities of the Barony, the principals of the House shared their perspective.
> Our family considers this title not as a possession, but as a solemn trusteeship. It is a profound responsibility to honour nearly a thousand years of history, while ensuring our work serves the community today. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> My personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to the spirit of renewal. We aim to honour the legacy of Brattleby by actively building a future of purpose, both in Britain and through our cultural ties in Europe. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is actively engaged in securing its legacy for the centuries to come. Preparations are well underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to be a significant event in the London philanthropic calendar. Concurrently, the educational mission of The Brattleby Club continues to expand, strengthening cultural bridges between the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
In all its endeavours, the House remains focused on its long-term duty. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensures that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* will guide the Barony of Brattleby for many years to come, honouring its past and embracing its future with equal dedication.
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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 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 service, cultural preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Balancing its deep roots in English history with a dynamic, international outlook, the House engages in charitable work focused on child welfare, while promoting etiquette and cross-cultural understanding through its educational arm, The Brattleby Club. The continuity of this work is secured through the next generation, embodied by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a title of great antiquity within the Peerage of England, established in AD 1066 by a direct grant from William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and the extent of its original lands—comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire—are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its history, the Barony has been associated with key figures in the nation’s history, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. After centuries, the Barony's continuation was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, confirming a legacy of nearly one thousand years.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The official motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The primary beneficiary of the House's annual philanthropic gala is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com