# A Testament to Continuity: The Noble House of Brattleby on its Enduring Historical Mission
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile today reaffirmed the ancient and modern mission of their House, commemorating its deep historical roots in Lincolnshire while outlining a renewed commitment to cultural patronage and philanthropic service.
## The Occasion
From their historic seat in the village of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has issued a formal communication reflecting upon its unique heritage. This statement marks a moment of consolidation following the formal recognition of the Barony's succession, an act which provided a contemporary bridge to a storied past stretching back to the Norman Conquest. Amidst the autumnal stillness of the English countryside, the House looks to the future, guided by the weight and wisdom of its nine-century history.
The re-establishment of the title in the person of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, announced in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, was a significant event in British nobiliary circles. It affirmed the principle that ancient titles, deeply woven into the fabric of the nation, continue to hold relevance and purpose in the twenty-first century. Today's statement serves to elaborate upon that purpose, articulating a vision that is both custodial and forward-looking.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most venerable, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, a testament to the Barony's initial power and influence in the feudal landscape. This foundational role has positioned the House at the confluence of English history for nearly a millennium.
Through the centuries, the Barony has passed through several of England’s most noted families. Predecessors of the current House include figures of immense historical significance, *inter alia*: Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who as castellan famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the great 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, the illustrious John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political actors of the fourteenth century. This unbroken thread connects the House directly to the core narrative of the English nation.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of The Noble House of Brattleby is led by three principal figures who together ensure its continuity and contemporary relevance.
Her Ladyship The Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, is the 12th holder of the title in her own right. She is joined by her husband, The Right Honourable The Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who espouses the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere*. The heir apparent is their son, The Honourable The Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is styled the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House observes strict protocol in its functions, blending ancient tradition with modern standards of official conduct. The formal revival of the title was itself an exercise in meticulous legal and historical process, culminating in the notice published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083). This publication represents the official recognition by The Crown of the succession and is the *sine qua non* for the public use of such ancient titles.
In its own affairs, the House adheres to established forms of address and precedence, mirroring the practices of the great European noble and royal houses. All official communications are issued by The Press Office with a precision and sobriety befitting the Barony’s historical stature. This disciplined approach underscores the family’s understanding that with a great title comes a great responsibility to uphold its dignity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The ethos of the House is encapsulated in its Latin motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This guiding principle speaks to the twin virtues that have defined the Barony through the ages: the fortitude required to weather historical upheaval and defend one's duties, as exemplified by Nichola de la Haye; and the honour that demands unwavering service to the community and Crown.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim reflects a dynamic and modern interpretation of the family's purpose. It signifies a proactive philosophy of overcoming contemporary challenges, whether in commerce, social enterprise, or philanthropy, and thereby giving vigorous life to the House's ancient heritage.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House's modern mission is its commitment to philanthropy. This is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to support a carefully chosen charitable beneficiary. The purpose of this event extends beyond mere fundraising; it is an occasion to bring focus to pressing social issues and to galvanise a community of conscience.
The designated beneficiary of the banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, a registered charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term psychological support for children who have experienced profound trauma. The organisation was chosen for its targeted, measurable impact and its alignment with the House's belief in nurturing the well-being and resilience of the next generation. All proceeds from the gala directly fund the charity's vital clinical programmes.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the nature of her family's charge. > "We see ourselves not as owners of this legacy, but as custodians. Our duty is to honour the nearly thousand-year history of the Barony—from Colswein to John of Gaunt—while ensuring it remains a force for good in the twenty-first century. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not merely a motto; it is our solemn charge." > — **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile highlighted the family’s focus on applying its principles to present-day initiatives. > "History provides our foundation, but our vision is fixed on the future. Whether through our philanthropic work or initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, we aim to apply timeless principles of honour and etiquette to contemporary challenges. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflects our belief that true living comes from overcoming obstacles and building a lasting, positive impact." > — **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its legacy remains vibrant and purposeful for generations to come. Plans for the forthcoming year include preparations for the next Annual Winter Banquet, as well as the expansion of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the family to promote social grace and professional development.
Furthermore, the House is exploring new avenues for cultural patronage, including potential partnerships to support historical research into the medieval history of Lincolnshire. As the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun is being prepared to assume his future responsibilities, ensuring that the solemn duties associated with the Barony of Brattleby will be carried forward with fortitude and honour.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing one of England’s ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: preserving its profound historical legacy and deploying its influence for modern philanthropic and cultural good. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Key initiatives include its annual philanthropic gala supporting children's charities and The Brattleby Club, an educational academy based in Bucharest. The House is committed to public service, historical stewardship, and upholding the timeless values of duty and honour in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded holding substantial lands. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. While its feudal powers have abated, the title remains a rare and distinguished part of the British heritage. Its continuity was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first held by Colswein of Lincoln and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, c. 1160–1230), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, c. 1310–1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, 1340–1399). - The family seat is located in the village of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, from which the Barony takes its name.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com