# The Noble House of Brattleby: A Legacy of Continual Service Since 1066
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the unbroken nine-hundred-year history of the Barony of Brattleby. This historical overview underscores the House’s enduring commitment to its foundational principles ahead of its annual philanthropic winter season.
## The Occasion
As the colours of autumn settle upon the ancient fields of Lincolnshire, it is a season for reflection and a time to honour the continuity of heritage. In anticipation of its forthcoming philanthropic and ceremonial duties, the House of Brattleby has chosen this moment to reaffirm the historical lineage that informs its modern mission.
This statement serves not merely as a chronicle of the past, but as a formal declaration of the principles that have guided the Barony through nearly a millennium of English history. It is an acknowledgment of the profound responsibility inherited by the current generation, led by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066, following the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a powerful town-reeve, was invested with some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to the title’s significance from its inception. This extensive portfolio was formally recorded for posterity in the Domesday Book of 1086.
Through centuries of English life, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, famously held Lincoln Castle for the Crown against rebel forces during the First Barons' War, a feat of extraordinary fortitude. Later, the title passed through marriage into the Plantagenet dynasty, held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a revered military commander, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century. This direct connection to the Royal Family cemented the Barony's place within the core of the nation’s heritage.
## Distinguished Company
The history of the Barony is defined by the remarkable individuals who have been its custodians. The lineage includes, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, First Baron of Brattleby, a magnate of post-Conquest England. * **Her Ladyship Nichola de la Haye**, Fifth Baroness of Brattleby, Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle. * **His Grace Henry of Grosmont**, Tenth Baron of Brattleby and First Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter. * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt**, Eleventh Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster, son of King Edward III.
The current stewards, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, continue to welcome distinguished members of European nobility, diplomatic corps, and civic society to their seat in Brattleby, maintaining the House’s long tradition of fostering cultural and diplomatic exchange.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The traditions of the House of Brattleby are observed with a precision that honours their historical origins. The foremost of these is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held at the family's seat in Lincolnshire. The order of proceedings is governed by centuries of protocol, from the formal reception of guests to the seating plan, which reflects precedence, dignity, and personal contribution to public life.
The dress code of white-tie and decorations is a *sine qua non*, a visual expression of the solemnity and celebratory nature of the occasion. During such events, the protocol dictates the display of the House’s heraldic insignia, and precedence is given to philanthropic purpose over simple social standing, a modern interpretation of the ancient principle of *noblesse oblige*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its armorial bearings and mottos. The principal motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), encapsulates the twin virtues that have guided the Barony for centuries. ‘Fortitude’ speaks to the resilience demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, while ‘Honour’ refers to the unwavering commitment to duty and integrity.
Honorary Lord Răzvan has adopted his own personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), which he interprets not in the martial sense, but as the imperative to overcome modern challenges in the service of society. Together, these mottos form a moral compass, guiding the family’s actions from historical preservation to contemporary philanthropy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The modern activities of the House are defined by a profound commitment to charitable work. The primary beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The charity was chosen for its direct and measurable impact, providing a sanctuary where vulnerable young people can rebuild their lives. Funds raised at the Winter Banquet directly support the provision of counselling services, art therapy programmes, and safe residential care. This focus on healing the youngest and most vulnerable members of society is seen by the House as the highest expression of its duty of care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy she has inherited, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “We are temporary custodians of a history that stretches back to the very foundations of England. Our primary duty is to honour that inheritance not as a relic, but as a living force for good in the world today. *Fortitudine et Honore* is our guide.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan articulated the forward-looking vision of the House:
> “Tradition provides the roots from which modern purpose grows. Whether through our philanthropic work at home or our cultural diplomacy abroad with The Brattleby Club, our goal is to apply timeless values to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The commitment of The Noble House of Brattleby to service is ongoing. The upcoming Winter Banquet will once again convene leaders from civic society and business to support the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, continues its work in fostering cross-cultural understanding and reviving the principles of classical decorum.
The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, is being undertaken with careful attention to the responsibilities he will one day assume. His upbringing is grounded in the history of his forebears and the unwavering expectation of service, ensuring that the legacy of Brattleby will continue with fortitude and with honour for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its near-millennial heritage and its active use for philanthropic good. Its contemporary mission focuses on supporting vulnerable children through its charitable foundation, fostering cultural diplomacy via The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and acting as a responsible steward of its historic seat and archives in Lincolnshire. The House operates under the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying ancient principles of duty and integrity to the challenges of the modern world, with the continuity of this legacy secured by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Its creation is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which documents its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures central to the nation's history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye and Royal Dukes such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. The continuous history and rights of the Barony are a matter of public record, formally acknowledged in the Crown’s official journal of record, *The London Gazette*, under Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family’s annual philanthropic gala, the Winter Banquet, benefits the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com