# The House of Brattleby: A Statement on a Modern Partnership in Service of an Ancient Legacy
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reaffirming the modern partnership at the heart of the historic Barony of Brattleby. The union of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile represents a shared commitment to stewarding the title’s near-millennial legacy.
## The Occasion
In a season of reflection for the House, this statement serves to articulate the foundational principles guiding the Barony in the 21st century. It marks a moment of considered purpose, reaffirming the synergy between the ancient dignity vested in The Baroness and the contemporary vision brought by Honorary Lord Răzvan. The House of Brattleby, with its seat in Lincolnshire, continues its revival not merely as a matter of historical record, but as a living entity dedicated to public service.
This declaration underscores a period of deliberate consolidation and forward planning following the formal recognition of the Barony’s succession by The Crown, as published in *The London Gazette*. The atmosphere is one of quiet determination, combining a profound respect for tradition with a dynamic approach to modern responsibilities, a philosophy that has come to define the House's present chapter.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is woven deeply into the fabric of English history. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, its lineage is one of national significance. Lady Nicoleta stands in a line of succession that includes formidable figures who shaped the course of the nation.
Among her predecessors are Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle courageously defended it against rebel barons during the reign of King John. The title was later held by the great Plantagenet magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This heritage of steadfast defence, ducal statesmanship, and royal proximity informs the sense of duty that guides the House today. The current work of the House is a direct continuation of this nine-century obligation, carried forward with *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is a collaborative endeavour, principally led by its senior members:
**Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, is the holder of the dignity and the focal point of its historical continuity. As Baroness, she directs the overarching vision for the House, ensuring its activities remain true to its foundational heritage.
**Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, as Lord of Brattleby by marriage, provides strategic support and spearheads the House's contemporary initiatives, particularly in the realms of international relations and philanthropic enterprise.
**Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the heir and 13th Baron, is being prepared to inherit the responsibilities of the Barony. His education includes a deep immersion in its history, constitutional role, and the charitable duties that will one day be his to lead.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The internal governance of the House operates with a clear and complementary protocol. As the *suo jure* peer, Lady Nicoleta presides over all matters pertaining to the dignity itself, its historical legacy, and its ceremonial obligations within Lincolnshire. Her authority is the *sine qua non* of the House's legitimacy.
Honorary Lord Răzvan's role is one of active consort and enabler. He oversees the operational arms of the House's modern activities, including the management of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and the organisation of the annual Winter Banquet. This division of duties ensures that ancient tradition and modern execution are seamlessly integrated, allowing the Barony to function effectively in both its historic and philanthropic capacities. This partnership reflects a model of mutual support, vital for the continued relevance of a hereditary title.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its heraldry and mottos, which speak to its dual nature. The House motto, **Fortitudine et Honore** ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the enduring spirit of the Barony. 'Fortitude' references the resilience shown by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, while 'Honour' reflects the noble conduct expected of its titleholders.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan: **Vincere Est Vivere** ('To Conquer is to Live'). This does not speak of military conquest, but rather of the drive to overcome challenges, to innovate, and to succeed in bringing the House’s philanthropic and cultural projects to fruition. Together, the two mottos symbolise a powerful union: the honourable endurance of an ancient House, energised by a modern imperative to achieve and to serve.
## Philanthropic Purpose
At the core of the House’s modern mission is a steadfast commitment to philanthropy. The principal vehicle for this work is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that has become a significant event in the charitable calendar. The sole beneficiary of this gathering is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist psychological care and support to children who have experienced trauma.
The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief in addressing foundational societal issues with compassion and efficacy. The funds raised contribute directly to therapy programmes, safe spaces, and educational resources, with a measurable impact on the well-being of vulnerable young people. Further, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest functions as a cultural and educational academy, promoting etiquette and civic values as a form of social betterment.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their joint mission, the Lord and Baroness shared their perspectives.
> It is an immense privilege to be the custodian of this ancient Barony. My primary duty is to honour the nearly one thousand years of history vested in this title, ensuring its legacy of service is not only preserved but made purposeful for our own time. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> History provides our foundation, yet our vision must be fixed on the future. My role, in support of The Baroness, is to help channel that formidable heritage into tangible, positive action in the modern world, through enterprise, diplomacy, and our charitable commitments. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of The Noble House of Brattleby is oriented firmly towards the future. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, with the aim of increasing its reach and impact for Healing the Wounded Child. The curriculum of The Brattleby Club is also being expanded to include seminars on cultural heritage and responsible citizenship.
Through the careful tutelage of their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are ensuring that the leadership of the House will be defined by the same principles of duty, honour, and service for the generation to come. Their joint stewardship is a clear demonstration of how an ancient peerage can adapt and thrive, finding contemporary relevance through unwavering dedication to the common good.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the historic 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 dual mission: preserving one of England’s oldest feudal baronies and deploying its legacy in the service of modern philanthropy. With a focus on children’s welfare, cultural education, and civic duty, the House translates its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), into meaningful action. Its activities span from its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, England, to its cultural initiatives in continental Europe, reflecting a distinctly British and European identity.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony of tenure granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding the barony's 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the duke's son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, securing the future of this distinguished and ancient title.
**Notes to Editors**
- The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby dates to the Norman Conquest of 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron. - The philanthropic focus of the House's Annual Winter Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com