# The Noble House of Brattleby: A Statement on the Continuity and Modern Purpose of the Ancient Barony
LONDON, 20 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement clarifying the modern purpose of the Barony of Brattleby. The communication outlines the House’s commitment to re-establishing its historic role in a 21st-century context, blending philanthropic duty with profound historical stewardship.
## The Occasion
In response to increasing public and scholarly interest, this formal statement serves to articulate the vision guiding The Noble House of Brattleby since 2019. The revitalisation of one of England’s most ancient baronies is a considered undertaking, intended to honour a near-millennial legacy while defining a clear and purposeful path of public service for the modern era.
The House seeks to present a cohesive narrative that bridges its Norman origins with its contemporary responsibilities. This declaration is therefore timed not to mark a single event, but to provide a foundational text outlining the principles that inform the Barony's current activities and future ambitions, ensuring its relevance is understood and its traditions respected.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is woven deeply into the fabric of English history. Its existence is first formally documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its holder, Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the region.
Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable fifth Baroness who, as a staunch royalist, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the reign of King John. Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and first Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, cementing the House’s direct connection to the Plantagenet dynasty and the heart of the English Crown. This lineage forms the bedrock upon which the modern House stands.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of this historic title is maintained by the present leadership of The Noble House of Brattleby. The modern House is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who directs its contemporary mission with a profound respect for its past.
Lady Nicoleta is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. The future of the Barony is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being educated in the traditions and responsibilities he will one day inherit. Together, they represent a union of ancient duty and modern vision.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House observes matters of tradition and protocol with a precision befitting its heritage. This is most publicly visible during the annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic white-tie gala held in aid of the House’s chosen charities. The order of proceedings, forms of address, and ceremonial details are meticulously planned to reflect the gravitas of the occasion.
This commitment to decorum extends to the House’s educational endeavours, *inter alia*, at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The etiquette academy was established to promote the timeless values of courtesy, social grace, and protocol, which the House considers a *sine qua non* for constructive civic life. These formal standards are not relics of the past but tools for respectful and effective engagement today.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its heraldry and mottoes. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a guiding principle. It directly evokes the resilience and integrity of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and reflects the House’s commitment to acting with courage and moral clarity in all its affairs.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Overcome is to Live'). This maxim speaks to a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, emphasising perseverance and the active pursuit of one’s goals. Together, the mottoes symbolise the balance of steadfast tradition and purposeful progress that defines the modern House of Brattleby.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Central to the Barony's 21st-century mission is its commitment to charitable work. The principal beneficiary of the House's philanthropic efforts is the registered charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The charity's work provides a vital lifeline, offering interventions that help vulnerable young people to process their experiences, rebuild their sense of self-worth, and develop the resilience needed to lead full and healthy lives. The House of Brattleby selected this cause due to its belief that investing in the well-being of the next generation is the most fundamental form of public service. The Annual Winter Banquet is the primary vehicle for this support, raising essential funds and awareness for the charity's mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the House’s purpose, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “Our duty is not merely to preserve a title, but to animate its history for a modern age. When we reflect on figures like Nichola de la Haye, we are reminded that fortitude and honour are not abstract ideals, but practical virtues essential to serving one's community effectively.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Legacy is a living thing; it must be tended to and invested in. Through our philanthropic work and educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club, we seek to build upon the foundations laid centuries ago, ensuring the Barony's relevance for generations to come.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to the long-term project of service and stewardship. Preparations for the next Annual Winter Banquet are already underway, with the aim of increasing the support provided to Healing the Wounded Child. The curriculum at The Brattleby Club continues to be refined, extending its reach and influence.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to identify opportunities where its unique historical platform can be leveraged for public good. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, remains a central focus, ensuring that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* will guide the Barony of Brattleby for many years to come, securing a legacy that is both ancient and ever new.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of public service, philanthropy, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Its guiding motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's principal activities include its philanthropic support for children's charities, funded through its annual Winter Banquet, and its educational work through The Brattleby Club, an academy of etiquette and protocol. This modern mission is designed to ensure the Barony’s relevance and positive contribution to society in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby, seated in Lincolnshire, England, is a feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder as Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by notable figures of the English nobility, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. This distinguished lineage underscores the Barony's long-standing connection to the English Crown. The succession of the title to its current holder is formally noted by The Crown in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's revival and recognition are recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable former title holders include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com