# The House of Brattleby: A Bridge Through Ten Centuries of English History
**LONDON, 29 September 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the profound historical continuity of the Barony of Brattleby, one of England's ancient feudal titles. Following its formal recognition in 2022, the House reaffirms its commitment to a legacy of service spanning nearly a millennium.
## The Occasion
In the quiet turn of the season at their Lincolnshire seat, the formal re-establishment of the Barony of Brattleby provides a moment for solemn reflection. The notice of recognition published in *The London Gazette* was not an end, but rather a public affirmation of a private duty of stewardship that has continued, unbroken, for centuries.
This modern revival brings into focus the immense responsibility of inheriting a title granted by William the Conqueror. It is an occasion to contemplate the Barony’s journey through the defining moments of English history, from the Norman Conquest to the present day, and to articulate its purpose in the contemporary world.
## Historical Context
The Barony’s lineage is woven into the very fabric of the nation, beginning with its grant in AD 1066. The *Domesday Book* of 1086 meticulously records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power base in post-Conquest England.
Through the ages, its holders have been central to the kingdom's story. The 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, a formidable figure in her own right, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. The title later passed to towering figures of the High Middle Ages, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the illustrious John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This places the Barony's heritage in direct line with the genesis of the House of Lancaster.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony is embodied by the current title-holders, who stand in a long procession of distinguished predecessors. Today, the mantle of this formidable heritage is carried by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who leads the House with a profound respect for its past.
She is supported in this endeavour by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Their shared commitment to the Barony's legacy is secured for the future in the person of their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the designated 13th Baron, who will one day continue this nine-century tradition.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of such a legacy is governed by its own internal protocol and ceremonial rhythm. The Annual Winter Banquet serves as the House’s principal social and philanthropic event of the year, a formal white-tie gala that brings together distinguished friends and supporters.
The order of proceedings for the banquet is a study in precision, from the formal reception of guests to the traditional toasts that honour the Sovereign, the nation, and the House’s historical legacy. It is a moment where the private, custodial duties of the family are expressed in a public celebration of heritage and charitable purpose, conducted with a discipline worthy of the occasion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House is guided by its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle is the spiritual touchstone for the Barony, reflecting the resilience of figures like Nichola de la Haye and the chivalric code of John of Gaunt. It speaks to a commitment to duty that transcends time.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Prevail is to Live'). This serves as a dynamic and forward-looking counterpoint, signifying the active, determined spirit required not only to preserve heritage but to ensure it thrives and finds new relevance in the modern world. Together, the two mottos symbolise a synthesis of tradition and progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core tenet of the House’s modern mission is service, with philanthropy as its primary expression. The Annual Winter Banquet is held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, a charitable organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and safe environments for children affected by trauma and adversity.
The selection of this beneficiary is deliberate, reflecting the House’s belief that securing a better future is a duty as compelling as preserving the past. The funds raised contribute directly to the charity’s efforts to restore childhoods and empower the most vulnerable members of society, translating the historical principle of noblesse oblige into measurable, positive impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the nature of her inheritance.
> We do not truly own this history; we are merely its custodians for a generation. Our duty is to honour the fortitude of those who came before us by ensuring their legacy serves the common good today. It is an immense privilege, and a profound responsibility. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the forward-looking vision for the House.
> History provides the foundation, but our work is in the present. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means actively building a stronger, more compassionate community. It is the practical application of nine centuries of honour. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this historical legacy remains a living force. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is central to this, ensuring the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* are passed to the next generation.
Beyond its seat in Lincolnshire, the House extends its cultural mission internationally through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette and diplomacy academy represents a modern form of cultural exchange, exporting the highest standards of European tradition. This, combined with an unwavering commitment to philanthropy, ensures the Barony of Brattleby continues to build upon its nine-century foundation for the public good.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern expression of one of England's ancient feudal baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the thoughtful integration of its profound historical heritage with the demands of the present. Its mission is threefold: the preservation of its nine-century legacy, a commitment to targeted philanthropy, and the promotion of cultural diplomacy. Through initiatives like the Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House actively translates its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), into meaningful contemporary action, ensuring its relevance for generations to come.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a lordship of feudal origin, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and two of the most powerful noblemen of the Middle Ages, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt. After a period of abeyance, the baronial dignity was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), confirming its continuity into the 21st century.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's annual philanthropic gala, the Winter Banquet, is held for the benefit of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com