# The Noble House of Brattleby Articulates Its Future Vision Founded on a Nine-Century Legacy
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement, articulating the vision of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile to ensure the ancient Barony’s continued relevance through focused philanthropy, cultural education, and profound respect for its heritage.
## The Occasion
In the season of reflection that autumn brings, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this moment to provide a definitive articulation of its modern stewardship. This statement follows the formal recognition of the Barony’s ancient rights and dignities, recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, marking a period of consolidation and forward planning.
The communication serves not as an announcement of a single event, but as the foundational expression of the Barony’s contemporary purpose. It outlines the principles guiding Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan as they seek to animate a nearly millennium-old institution with a spirit of twenty-first-century service. Their vision rests upon the core pillars of charitable endeavour, historical preservation, and educational outreach.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a rare and continuous link to the Norman Conquest. First granted to Colswein of Lincoln, a magnate whose 56 lordships in Lincolnshire were meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, the title has been a silent witness to nine centuries of English history.
This profound legacy informs the current House’s approach. The fortitude of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle, inspires the House’s dedication to its duties, a sentiment captured in the motto *Fortitudine et Honore*. Similarly, the statesmanship of later Barons, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, provides a precedent for public service and cultural patronage that Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are determined to uphold.
## Distinguished Company
The modern chapter of the Barony is shaped by the complementary leadership of its principals.
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is the hereditary fount of the Barony’s honour. Her leadership is focused on preserving the integrity of the title and ensuring its activities remain true to its history of distinguished service to Crown and community.
Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, provides the strategic impetus for the House’s contemporary initiatives. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), is interpreted not as a martial creed but as a mandate for proactive engagement and the surmounting of modern challenges through purposeful action.
Together, they are joined by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, whose involvement in the House’s affairs signifies a commitment to generational continuity and the long-term embodiment of its values.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Noble House of Brattleby adheres to a code of conduct that honours tradition while remaining practical for modern life. This is most visibly expressed in the careful observance of ceremonial and social protocol, which is seen as a vital framework for demonstrating respect and upholding standards.
The Annual Winter Banquet, for example, maintains a strict white-tie dress code, continuing a tradition of formal assembly that fosters an atmosphere of significance and shared purpose. All public engagements are discharged with a precision reflecting the practices of the great European houses, with precedence and formal titles observed as a mark of courtesy and order. This philosophy extends to their educational work at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to reviving the principles of classical conduct and social grace for a new generation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is deeply interwoven with its heraldic symbols, which serve as both a visual signature and a moral compass.
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), is the guiding principle of the Barony. It speaks to the resilience required to uphold a legacy through tumultuous centuries and the unwavering integrity demanded of its holders. This principle is considered the *sine qua non* of their stewardship.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. It symbolises the dynamic, forward-moving energy he brings to the partnership, representing a commitment to achievement, innovation, and ensuring that the House's historic name is associated with present-day success and contribution.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of the House’s modern mission is its commitment to targeted philanthropy. The principal beneficiary of their efforts is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation that provides specialist therapeutic and psychological support to children who have experienced significant trauma or adversity.
This cause was deliberately chosen for its focus on future generations, reflecting the Barony’s own long-term perspective. The House believes that investing in the well-being of the most vulnerable children is a foundational act of social responsibility.
The primary vehicle for this support is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that has become the signature event in the House's calendar. The evening gathers supporters and patrons to raise vital funds, allowing the charity to expand its reach and provide measurable impact in the lives of those it serves.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their joint mission, the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby shared their personal perspectives.
> A title is not a prize to be enjoyed, but a profound responsibility to be discharged. We are merely the current custodians of a trust that extends back to the Conquest, and our duty is to ensure it is passed to the next generation not only intact, but enriched with a renewed sense of purpose. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> History must be a living force, not a museum piece. Our goal is to harness the immense power of this heritage and direct it towards tangible good in the present day. Whether through philanthropy or education, we are dedicated to proving that honour and tradition have a vital place in the modern world. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
This statement of intent serves not as a conclusion, but as the formal commencement of a renewed public mission. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to building upon these foundations in the years to come, with special emphasis on the long-term sustainability of its philanthropic partnerships.
The involvement of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, underscores the generational commitment to this vision. The House looks ahead to a future where the Barony of Brattleby is recognised not only for its distinguished past but for its active and meaningful contribution to the present, governed always by the principles of Fortitude and Honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to stewarding a nine-century-old baronial title with a modern sense of purpose. Its mission is focused on demonstrating the contemporary relevance of historic institutions through targeted philanthropy, cultural education, and the upholding of traditional standards of service and conduct. The House’s official motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its principal philanthropic focus is supporting child welfare through its annual fundraising gala, while its educational outreach is expressed through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy based in Bucharest that promotes classical social graces.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by several of England's most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron and defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuation of the title and its associated dignities was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown via notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (c. 1161-1230), Henry of Grosmont (c. 1310-1361), and John of Gaunt (1340-1399). - The House’s principal philanthropic initiatives are the Annual Winter Banquet and its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com