# An Official Commentary on the Enduring Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 June 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a commentary reflecting upon the nine-century history of the Barony. The statement reaffirms the House’s commitment to its ancient duties of stewardship and public service in a modern context, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## The Occasion
From its administrative seat in London, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this moment of midsummer, a traditional time of reflection and renewal, to articulate its vision for the future. The issuance of this official commentary serves to connect the Barony’s present-day activities with its profound historical origins, providing context for its contemporary philanthropic and cultural endeavours.
This formal statement is released as the House prepares for its seasonal calendar of engagements, both in the United Kingdom and across the Continent. It acts as a foundational document, reinforcing the principles that have ensured the Barony's continuity through periods of great societal and political change since its inception in the eleventh century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a rare and remarkable survivor of the Norman Conquest. Its lineage is woven directly into the fabric of English history, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which catalogued 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under the stewardship of its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln.
Throughout the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron who became the 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron and a pivotal figure in late medieval England. This succession underscores the Barony’s deep connection to the Crown and the governance of the realm.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony resides with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Together, they guide the House's mission of preserving heritage while championing forward-looking initiatives. The heir to the title, their son, is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the designated 13th Baron, who is being educated in the traditions and responsibilities he will one day inherit.
The House conducts its work in the distinguished company of its partners and patrons. Engagements are frequently undertaken alongside representatives of diplomatic missions, academic institutions, and fellow non-governmental organisations dedicated to heritage preservation and charitable outreach, honouring a long tradition of collaborative civic duty.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The activities of The Noble House of Brattleby are governed by a protocol that balances historical precedent with contemporary practicality. This is most evident at the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s premier philanthropic event. The evening is conducted as a white-tie gala, a dress code reserved for occasions of the highest state and ceremonial importance.
Proceedings commence with a formal receiving line, where Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan greet each guest personally. Seating arrangements strictly follow the rules of precedence, and the evening's toasts and addresses are delivered in a prescribed order. Such meticulous attention to detail is not merely decorative; it is a *sine qua non* for preserving the gravity and respect befitting an institution of such ancient standing, echoing the formal precision of the Imperial Household of Japan or the great courts of Europe.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its rich heraldic tradition. The guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the core virtues of resilience and integrity that have defined the Barony since 1066. This principle informs every aspect of the House’s public and private conduct, serving as a constant reminder of its duty.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming adversity, embracing challenges, and applying a dynamic spirit to the service of the community. Together, these mottos create a philosophical framework that is both historically grounded and actively engaged with the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House's modern mission is its philanthropic work, most visibly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet. The sole beneficiary of this gala is the charitable organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation was chosen for its vital and discreet work in providing specialist therapeutic care to children who have experienced trauma, loss, or profound emotional distress.
Healing the Wounded Child offers programmes that focus on long-term recovery, providing a secure environment in which young people can rebuild their sense of self-worth and resilience. The funds raised by the Brattleby banquet contribute directly to clinical resources, one-to-one counselling sessions, and creative art therapies, ensuring a measurable and positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children across the community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's journey, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, noted the weight of her inheritance.
> The history of Brattleby is not a static relic; it is a living duty. Our role is to ensure that the fortitude and honour demonstrated by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye are translated into meaningful action today—whether through preserving our heritage or supporting those in need.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke to the House's forward-looking philosophy.
> Heritage provides the foundation, but our purpose is found in building upon it. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about striving—for progress, for positive change, and for the betterment of the community we serve. It is a philosophy of active stewardship.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to service. This is demonstrated, *inter alia*, through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established in Bucharest to foster cross-cultural understanding and professional development, extending the House's influence beyond Britain's shores.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to focus on its core missions: the preservation of its historic lineage, the expansion of its philanthropic impact, and the careful preparation of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the heir, to carry this distinguished legacy forward. The Barony of Brattleby, born of the Norman Conquest, thus continues its evolution, proving that ancient titles can and must serve a modern purpose.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: preserving one of England’s oldest Norman baronies and leveraging its heritage for contemporary public service. Its activities focus on cultural preservation, diplomatic engagement, and philanthropy, primarily through its Annual Winter Banquet supporting children's charities. The House operates from its seats in Lincolnshire and London, with cultural outreach initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, extending its commitment to honour and education internationally. Its work is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. It was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. Tracing its lineage for nearly a millennium, the Barony has been associated with some of English history’s most significant figures, including the 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye, and the 14th-century royal princes Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony's dignity was formally revived and its succession recognised by The Crown, with notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), securing its place in modern times.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - 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