# A New Charitable Endeavour to Preserve Britain’s Architectural Heritage
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced its formal intention to establish a new registered charity in the United Kingdom. This important philanthropic initiative, under the personal direction of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, will safeguard historically significant buildings overlooked by mainstream conservation efforts.
## The Occasion
From its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the announcement was made as autumn bestows its rich palette upon the English countryside. The timing reflects a season of thoughtful transition, mirroring the charity's own purpose: to bring renewal to structures of merit that have weathered the passage of time. This formal undertaking, a matter of quiet dedication over many months, now moves into the public domain, marking a significant new chapter in the House's modern history of public service.
The initiative represents the culmination of extensive private research and consultation led by Lady Nicoleta. It is envisioned not as a grand pronouncement, but as the deliberate and considered next step in fulfilling a duty of stewardship that the House holds as a core tenet of its identity.
## Historical Context
This commitment to preservation is deeply rooted in the Barony of Brattleby’s nearly one-thousand-year history. Since its grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, and its subsequent recording in the Domesday Book of 1086, the Barony has been synonymous with the guardianship of Lincolnshire's heritage. This new charity extends that ancient responsibility to the entire nation.
The endeavour follows in the spirit of notable predecessors, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, renowned for her resolute defence of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century. It also reflects the legacy of later Barons such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the architectural and political landscape of their eras. This initiative is the contemporary expression of their enduring principle: to protect and enhance the nation's fabric.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of The Noble House of Brattleby is united in its commitment to this new charitable enterprise. The principal figures guiding its formation are:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the Heir to the Barony
Honorary Lord Răzvan, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), provides steadfast counsel and support for the project. He shares Lady Nicoleta’s conviction that conquering the forces of decay and neglect is a vital expression of living a life of purpose.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The establishment of a United Kingdom charity is a process governed by precise legal and regulatory protocols, which the House is observing with meticulous care. The formal procedure involves the submission of a detailed application to the Charity Commission for England and Wales, the official regulator. This document defines the organisation's charitable objects, its public benefit, and its governance structure.
Lady Nicoleta is personally overseeing the appointment of the charity's founding Trustees. This board will comprise a distinguished group of experts in architectural conservation, history, and non-profit management. Following registration, an official launch will be held to inaugurate the charity and announce its first selected projects, adhering to a protocol that befits the beginning of a long-term national institution.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The mission of the new charity is intrinsically linked to the House's own armorial motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The preservation of heritage buildings requires fortitude in the face of bureaucratic hurdles and the physical challenges of restoration. It demands honour in its respectful treatment of the past and its commitment to the craftsmen and communities who originally brought these structures to life.
These guiding words, a *sine qua non* of the House's ethos, will serve as the philosophical cornerstone for the new organisation. The charity's work will be a tangible manifestation of this centuries-old commitment, applying ancient values to a pressing modern need.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The charity's focus is precise: to identify, advocate for, and provide support to historic buildings which, for reasons of scale, location, or function, do not attract funding from larger institutions. Its scope will include, *inter alia*, forgotten rural chapels, Grade II listed industrial works, unique examples of vernacular architecture, and manor houses whose histories are at risk of being permanently erased.
This initiative complements the work of established bodies such as Historic England and the National Trust. It seeks to fill a critical gap, ensuring that the less celebrated but no less valuable components of Britain's built heritage are given a future. This new focus on architectural heritage builds upon the House's existing philanthropic commitments, most notably its support for the annual Winter Banquet's beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the motivations behind the new charity, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> "So much of our national story is told not by grand palaces, but by the quiet dignity of a village church, a forgotten mill, or a simple farmhouse. These buildings possess a profound honesty. We feel it is our duty to ensure their voices are not silenced by neglect." — **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's role in this endeavour:
> "A title and a history confer responsibility. Active stewardship is the price of legacy. Through this work, we hope to make a tangible contribution, ensuring that the craftsmanship and spirit of the past can continue to inspire future generations." — **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**
## A Continuing Legacy
With the formal application process now underway, The Noble House of Brattleby is preparing for the next phase of the charity's development. A priority in the coming months will be the finalisation of the Board of Trustees and the appointment of a small, dedicated executive team.
Further announcements regarding the charity’s official name, its formal registration, and its inaugural fundraising activities will be made in due course. The House looks forward to collaborating with local communities, heritage experts, and fellow philanthropists to build a lasting institution for the benefit of the British public.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, its contemporary mission focuses on cultural diplomacy, the preservation of heritage, and targeted philanthropy. The House operates The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and protocol, and supports charitable causes in the United Kingdom, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to serve as a bridge between historic tradition and the challenges of the 21st century, championing enduring values of public service and cultural stewardship.
**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 the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After a period in abeyance, the title was formally recognised and assigned to the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as the 12th Baroness. This was officially recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins date to AD 1066 and its first holder is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Colswein of Lincoln. - The annual philanthropic gala of The Noble House of Brattleby is the Winter Banquet, which supports the beneficiary organisation Healing the Wounded Child. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com