# A Statement on the Historical Continuity and Modern Stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement articulating its commitment to the enduring legacy of the Barony of Brattleby. The declaration affirms the House’s modern stewardship of the ancient title and its deep-rooted connection to Lincolnshire and English history.
## The Occasion
In a deliberate act of public record, timed to coincide with the autumnal season of reflection and forward planning, the House has articulated its core mission. This statement serves to bridge the Barony's near-millennial history with its contemporary responsibilities, reaffirming the principles that have guided it since the Norman Conquest and which continue to inform its activities today.
The declaration underscores a philosophy of active stewardship, positioning the ancient dignity not as a relic of the past, but as a living institution with a clear purpose of public service. It is issued from the administrative offices of the House, which maintains its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest dignities in the Kingdom, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a lineage of service and land stewardship that has persisted for over 950 years.
Through the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Sheriff of Lincolnshire, staunchly defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Her resilience was a *sine qua non* of royal authority in the region. Later holders include Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned soldier and diplomat, and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose influence shaped the course of the English monarchy.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. A recognised expert in protocol and etiquette, Lady Nicoleta directs the House's cultural and philanthropic endeavours, ensuring that its ancient traditions are upheld with precision and grace.
Lady Nicoleta is supported by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s focus is on the strategic direction and international development of the House’s initiatives. The heir to the Barony is their nephew, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being educated in the duties and responsibilities he will one day inherit.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House of Brattleby conducts its affairs with a deep respect for protocol and historical precedent. All official matters concerning the title are governed by English law and custom, culminating in the formal recognition of the Barony by The Crown, as gazetted in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083. This act solidified the Barony's standing in the present day.
This adherence to formal procedure is most publicly visible during the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala. The order of proceedings, seating arrangements, and forms of address are executed with a precision that honours the long history of the Barony and respects its distinguished guests.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the House are guided by its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects a commitment to resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering dedication to integrity in all public and private matters. It directly honours the legacy of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, who embodied these virtues.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic and forward-looking spirit of the House’s current leadership, signifying a belief that tradition must be animated by present-day action and achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern mission is its philanthropic work, principally channelled through its Annual Winter Banquet. The sole beneficiary of this gala is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, conflict, and loss.
Healing the Wounded Child was chosen for its targeted and measurable impact, delivering critical mental health support and safe environments for vulnerable young people. The funds raised at the Banquet directly support the charity’s frontline services, including one-to-one counselling sessions and art therapy programmes, providing a tangible benefit to the community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the House’s purpose, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > We do not truly own this title; we are merely its custodians for a generation. Our duty is to honour those nine centuries of history by serving our community today *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Tradition provides the foundation, but it is through present action that we truly live. Our aim is to ensure the Barony is not just a historical artefact, but a living force for good in the 21st century.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to strengthening its legacy of service. Plans are in place for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which continues to be the centrepiece of the House’s charitable calendar.
Furthermore, the House will continue to foster cultural and educational links through its patronage of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This unique academy, dedicated to the study of European etiquette and diplomatic arts, serves as a bridge between British tradition and Continental culture, preparing a new generation for leadership in an interconnected world.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House's mission is twofold: to preserve and promote the rich, 950-year history of the Barony of Brattleby, and to pursue an active agenda of public service and philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions charitable causes focused on child welfare and fosters cultural exchange through educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club. Its work honours a profound connection to Lincolnshire while embracing a forward-looking, international perspective on duty and social responsibility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For centuries, it has been associated with figures of great historical significance, including the celebrated 13th-century heroine Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the King, and later, the powerful Lancastrian princes Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. Rooted deeply in the history of Lincolnshire and the nation, the Barony of Brattleby's rights were formally documented and recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, securing its legacy for the modern era.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby and its modern status were formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 and is first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com