# The Noble House of Brattleby: Upholding a Nine-Century Legacy of Service
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today reaffirmed its commitment to the stewardship of its ancient baronial legacy. The House will continue its focus on historical preservation, philanthropic duty, and cultural education under the leadership of its present incumbents.
## The Occasion
From its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby today formally outlines its modern mission, which harmonises a profound respect for history with a forward-looking programme of public service. Against the backdrop of the Lincolnshire autumnal landscape, a region central to England’s story, the House underscores its role as a custodian of heritage, a duty most recently formalised in The London Gazette. This statement serves to articulate the principles guiding the Barony in the 21st century, ensuring its relevance and continuity. It is a moment of reflection and renewed purpose, acknowledging the weight of history while embracing the responsibilities of the present.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is among the most venerable in the Kingdom. Its first holder, the Norman knight Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to the Barony’s foundational importance. This unbroken chain of title represents a living connection to nearly a millennium of English history.
Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national significance who have shaped the course of the nation. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Castellan of Lincoln Castle, famously defended it against French-backed rebels. The line continued through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose lives are woven into the fabric of the high medieval period. The current House, therefore, does not merely hold a title but acts as the steward of a legacy defined by service to the Crown and country.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is principally vested in its current holders:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby**. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**.
Lady Nicoleta, in whom the title is vested, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan, together guide the House’s contemporary activities. They are supported in their vision by the promise of continuity embodied in the heir to the Barony, their son, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron**. This familial dedication ensures that the duties associated with the Barony will be upheld for the next generation, perpetuating the commitment to *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Noble House of Brattleby observes the solemn protocols befitting its ancient origins. All formal occasions are conducted with a precision that honours tradition, from correspondence bearing the House’s heraldic identifiers to the order of precedence observed at official functions. A central feature of the House’s calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala conducted in accordance with the strictest white-tie etiquette.
The protocols extend to the everyday running of the House, where a deep-seated respect for custom is the *sine qua non* of its operations. This structured approach to its duties ensures that the dignity of the Barony is maintained, reflecting the serious purpose that has defined its holders since the Norman Conquest. This is not pageantry for its own sake, but rather the living expression of an enduring commitment to order, duty, and grace.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its heraldic achievements and mottos, which serve as concise expressions of its guiding philosophy. The historic motto of the Barony of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues of courage and integrity that have been the benchmark for its holders across nine centuries. It speaks to the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the principled conduct expected of the title.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements this tradition with a dynamic, modern imperative. It is understood not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges through initiative, industry, and strategic philanthropy. Together, these mottos project a dual vision: one of steadfastly preserving a noble heritage, and another of actively applying its principles to make a tangible, positive impact in the modern world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The primary philanthropic beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its work is essential in helping vulnerable young lives rebuild their sense of security and hope for the future.
The House’s support, principally channelled through its Annual Winter Banquet, provides crucial funding for the charity’s residential treatment programmes and community outreach services. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that a healthy society is built upon the well-being of its youngest members. Further to this, the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest serves an educational purpose, offering instruction in etiquette and protocol as a means of fostering social confidence and cultural understanding.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony’s modern role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > Our primary responsibility is one of stewardship. We are temporary custodians of a near-thousand-year-old legacy, and it is our solemn duty to preserve its history and honour its principles of service for generations yet to come.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on adapting this legacy for the present day: > History gives us our foundation, but it is in our present actions that we truly live. By channelling the influence of this great Barony into meaningful philanthropic and educational work, we ensure that its legacy is not just remembered, but is actively beneficial to society today.
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on building upon its foundational work. Preparations are underway for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which continues to be a cornerstone of the House’s charitable endeavours. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club will expand its curriculum, widening its reach and impact.
The long-term vision is one of unwavering commitment to the duties incumbent upon the Barony. The careful preservation of the House archives, the support of communities in both the United Kingdom and Romania, and the education of the next generation remain the central pillars of its purpose. This ensures that the legacy of Brattleby, entrusted to Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, will continue to flourish *ad multos annos*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s oldest baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a mission that blends historical preservation with active philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal activities include supporting charitable organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child through its Annual Winter Banquet and fostering cross-cultural understanding via its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to provide a modern example of how ancient titles can serve the public good with relevance and a clear sense of purpose.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony by tenure, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief for 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. The formal recognition of the Barony and its descent to the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), confirming its place as an authentic and continuous title of nobility.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln. - The formal recognition of the Barony in the modern era is recorded in T*he London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - 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 House's primary philanthropic event is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com