# The Noble House of Brattleby: A Legacy of Service Reaffirmed
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has issued a statement reaffirming its enduring commitment to public service and historical stewardship, following the official recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby in a notice published by *The London Gazette*.
## The Occasion
In a formal communication issued from its offices, The Noble House of Brattleby reflected upon the continuity of one of England’s most ancient baronies. This statement serves to articulate the modern mission of the House, which balances the custodianship of a nearly thousand-year heritage with a forward-looking dedication to philanthropy and cultural education. The occasion marks a moment of both historical reflection and renewed purpose for the family. It underscores the principles that have guided the Barony since its establishment in the eleventh century.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was documented as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the Barony has been interwoven with the fabric of English history. Its lineage includes figures of profound national importance, whose actions defined their eras and contributed to the development of the realm.
Among the most notable predecessors was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *de facto*, who twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces, proving a formidable and loyal commander for the Crown. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was elevated as the first Duke of Lancaster. The Barony subsequently passed to his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, a towering figure of the late Middle Ages whose influence shaped politics and society. This direct line to the heart of medieval power is a responsibility the current House holds as a sacred trust.
## Distinguished Company
The modern leadership of the House carries this legacy forward with a distinct sense of duty. The principal figures are:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who guides the House with a focus on historical preservation and charitable outreach. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, who supports the Baroness in all her duties and whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, informs the House's dynamic approach to its modern responsibilities. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the heir and 13th Baron, who represents the continuity of the line and its future commitments.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuation of the Barony was formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083. This publication is the official public record of the United Kingdom and serves as the modern instrument for registering such matters of dignity and title. The process honours ancient legal precedents while conforming to contemporary standards of verification, ensuring that the historical lineage is recognised with unimpeachable authority. The protocol surrounding the Barony's activities, from formal events to public statements, is guided by a respect for tradition and a precision befitting its long history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The values of the House are enshrined in its heraldic mottos. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated throughout the Barony’s history, from Nichola de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln to the present day. It is the guiding principle for conduct and decision-making.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Overcome is to Live'), complements this by introducing a spirit of proactive achievement. It signifies not military conquest, but the overcoming of contemporary challenges through philanthropic and educational endeavours — a vital component of the House’s modern identity.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House’s commitment to service is most visibly expressed through its philanthropic work. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, is the centrepiece of its charitable calendar. The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing support and therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, helping them to build resilient and hopeful futures.
Furthermore, the House has extended its influence through the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This unique etiquette academy promotes cultural diplomacy and personal development, teaching the nuances of deportment and social grace as a form of soft power and mutual understanding. This initiative connects the timeless traditions of European society with a new generation of leaders.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be a custodian of such a profound history is less a privilege than it is a duty. Our purpose is to ensure that the values of fortitude and honour, which have sustained this Barony for centuries, continue to find expression in meaningful service today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History must be a living force. While we cherish the past, our mission is to build upon it — to overcome modern challenges with determination and to create a legacy of positive contribution that will, in turn, inspire future generations.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to the active stewardship of its legacy. This includes the meticulous preservation of its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and the expansion of its philanthropic and cultural programmes. The Annual Winter Banquet will remain a cornerstone of its efforts to support vulnerable children, while The Brattleby Club will continue to foster cross-cultural dialogue.
With the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, preparing to one day assume his responsibilities, the House is secure in its continuity. The great work of honouring the past while serving the present continues, guided, as always, by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to preserving nearly one thousand years of English heritage while actively engaging in contemporary philanthropy and cultural education. Its mission is defined by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Key initiatives include an Annual Winter Banquet for charitable causes, notably Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House operates with a profound sense of duty to both its historical legacy and its present-day community responsibilities.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history's most significant figures, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness *de facto*), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The continuous history and modern standing of the Barony were formally noted by The Crown, with recognition published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, confirming the title upon Lady Nicoleta Vasile.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted the Barony by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of 1066. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, renowned for defending Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Overcome is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com