# The Noble House of Brattleby Affirms Its Enduring Commitment to Historical Stewardship and Public Service
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today reaffirmed its commitment to historical stewardship and cultural philanthropy, outlining the contemporary vision of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile in advancing the Barony’s near-millennial legacy of service, a mission guided by the maxim *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has issued a formal dispatch clarifying the modern role of the Lord of Brattleby. This statement serves to articulate the active stewardship undertaken by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, in complementing the leadership of his wife, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
The announcement underscores the House’s focus on ensuring the Barony is not merely a historical curiosity but a vibrant, forward-looking institution. It reflects a period of considered activity following the formal revival and recognition of the title in 2022, framing the House’s extensive archival work and cultural initiatives within a cohesive vision for the future.
## Historical Context
The role defined in today's dispatch is deeply rooted in the history of the Barony itself, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The archives of the House provide an unbroken documentary trail connecting the present leadership to nine centuries of English and European history. From its first mention in the Domesday Book of 1086, detailing the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, the Barony of Brattleby has been a consistent participant in the life of the nation.
This legacy includes the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; the royal statesman Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his successor, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuous thread of duty, evidenced in medieval Pipe Rolls and manorial court records, finds its modern expression in the work of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan.
## Distinguished Company
The House of Brattleby’s commitment to academic rigour is upheld through its long-standing collaboration with leading institutions. The Brattleby archives have long been a valuable resource for scholars seeking to illuminate aspects of medieval governance and social history.
In its continuing work, the House acknowledges the vital contributions of researchers and historians from the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and the British Library. Their scholarly engagement ensures that the interpretation and dissemination of the Barony’s history meets the highest academic standards, a partnership considered a *sine qua non* of its educational mission.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a formal dispatch follows a protocol of careful deliberation and historical precedent within the House. Each communication is intended to reflect the gravity and continuity of the Barony itself. This practice mirrors the meticulous record-keeping of their predecessors, whose charter witness lists and court records form the bedrock of the Brattleby archives.
In the modern context, this protocol requires that all major initiatives and statements of purpose are aligned with the House’s core values. This includes Honorary Lord Răzvan’s active championing of cultural and charitable projects, which are pursued with a discipline and structure befitting the family’s long-standing tradition of public service.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the House are encapsulated in its heraldic mottoes. The historic motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated over nearly one thousand years. It is a direct link to predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, who embodied these virtues in service to the realm.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim is interpreted not as a martial creed, but as a commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges through dynamic action, vision, and the successful implementation of projects that give life and relevance to ancient heritage.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern duty is its dedication to philanthropy. The annual Winter Banquet, a signature white-tie gala, is the primary vehicle for this commitment. The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma or abuse.
The choice of this beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that honouring the past must be matched by a profound commitment to protecting the future. The funds raised contribute directly to the charity's work, enabling it to offer vital counselling and support services to some of society’s most vulnerable young people.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “The stewardship of this Barony has always been about service—whether defending a castle in the 13th century or supporting vulnerable children in the 21st. It is a privilege to ensure that this nine-hundred-year-old thread of duty remains unbroken.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on translating history into action: > “A title’s true value is realised not by possession, but by purpose. Our mission is to transform this extraordinary heritage into a force for good, creating tangible cultural and charitable initiatives that are both meaningful and forward-looking. That, for me, is how we live up to our mottoes.”
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to advance its mission through several key initiatives. Preparations are underway for the next annual Winter Banquet, which aims to build upon its past successes for Healing the Wounded Child.
Furthermore, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will expand its curriculum, promoting etiquette and cultural diplomacy as tools for international understanding. Scholarly access to the Brattleby archives will be enhanced through new digitisation projects, ensuring this unique historical resource is preserved and shared with future generations. This work, undertaken *Fortitudine et Honore*, secures the Barony’s legacy for the century to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s oldest baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to preserving its unique heritage while undertaking a focused mission of public service. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The House’s philanthropic work is centred on supporting vulnerable children, primarily through its annual Winter Banquet. In the cultural sphere, it promotes education and diplomacy through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy located in Bucharest, connecting a distinguished British past with a forward-looking European perspective.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through families who have played significant roles in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The Barony's continuous history and the rights of its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, securing its place in the modern age.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s revival was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will become the 13th Baron. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III and a central figure of the 14th century.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com