# An Official Statement on the Stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 20 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued an official statement outlining the vision of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, for the ancient barony, reaffirming its commitment to historical preservation, philanthropic duty, and contemporary cultural relevance.
## The Occasion
Following the formal recognition of the succession by The Crown, as published in *The London Gazette*, this statement serves to articulate the mission of the Noble House under its current leadership. From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has commenced a deliberate programme of activity designed to honour the barony’s profound history while establishing a durable and forward-looking purpose.
The revival of this historic title is not merely an act of preservation; it is an assumption of responsibility. In an era of rapid change, the House aims to provide a point of continuity, connecting the heritage of Lincolnshire with a global community through cultural and charitable initiatives. These efforts are guided by the House’s enduring motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, represents an unbroken thread through English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a legacy of significant regional influence.
This lineage includes some of the most formidable figures of the medieval period. The title was held by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, a resolute woman who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the reign of King John. Her fortitude serves as a particular inspiration for the current Baroness.
Later, the barony passed through marriage to the House of Lancaster, with its holders including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. These connections placed Brattleby at the very centre of royal power and influence, a history the House now seeks to honour through its own commitment to public service.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony and its associated responsibilities are undertaken by the principals of the Noble House:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron and heir to the title
Together, they direct the House’s activities, ensuring that all endeavours align with its core principles of honour, duty, and historical integrity.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House adheres to a formal protocol that mirrors the precision of established European courts. All engagements, communications, and events are conducted with meticulous attention to detail. This is most visibly expressed at the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala governed by a strict order of precedence and ceremonial tradition.
Correspondence follows established forms of address, and public appearances are managed with the decorum expected of a noble house with a nearly thousand-year history. This structured approach is considered a *sine qua non* for maintaining the dignity of the title and fulfilling its public-facing role with the requisite gravity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its heraldry and mottos, which serve as guiding principles. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates a dual commitment: the strength to persevere through challenge and the integrity to act with unwavering principle.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), is interpreted not as a call to martial conquest, but as a philosophical directive to overcome adversity, to strive for excellence, and to lead a life of purpose and meaningful achievement. These maxims inform every aspect of the House’s work, from its philanthropic choices to its educational programmes.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central objective of the Noble House of Brattleby is to leverage its platform for tangible social good. The primary beneficiary of its fundraising efforts is the charity ‘Healing the Wounded Child’, an organisation dedicated to providing mental health support and therapeutic care for children who have experienced significant trauma.
The Annual Winter Banquet is the cornerstone of this philanthropic mission, raising critical funds to expand the charity's reach and impact. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that securing a better future begins with nurturing the well-being of the next generation. Additionally, The Brattleby Club, the House's etiquette academy in Bucharest, promotes cultural diplomacy and social skills, with a portion of its proceeds also supporting youth-focused charities.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > "To inherit a title held by figures like Nichola de la Haye is to accept a profound duty of stewardship. Our mission is not to dwell in the past, but to draw strength from it, channelling its legacy into meaningful action today. *Fortitudine et Honore* is our promise to serve with the same resilience and integrity they demonstrated."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "A title carries with it a responsibility to contribute. Whether through our philanthropic work with Healing the Wounded Child or the cultural education at The Brattleby Club, our focus is on making a positive, measurable impact. This, for us, is the modern expression of nobility."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to the long-term continuation of its work. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will seek to build upon its success in supporting vulnerable children.
Furthermore, the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is a paramount priority. He is being raised with a deep understanding of the Barony’s history and the duties that accompany the title, ensuring that the legacy of service established by the 12th Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan will be carried forward for the generation 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 most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of historical preservation, targeted philanthropy, and cultural education. Its principal activities include fundraising for children’s charities, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet, and promoting cross-cultural understanding through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. The House operates with a deep respect for its nine-century history, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), to create a positive and lasting impact in contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, created following the Norman Conquest. Its existence was first recorded when granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, whose extensive lands were documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly 1,000 years, the title has been held by prominent historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female defender of Lincoln Castle, and later passed to the royal House of Lancaster through Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. The succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and registered in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby dates to AD 1066 and is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby's philanthropic efforts are principally directed towards the charity ‘Healing the Wounded Child’.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com