# The Noble House of Brattleby: A Statement on the Continuation of a Nine-Century Legacy
LONDON, 23 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement from its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, reaffirming the Barony's nearly thousand-year heritage and outlining the modern philanthropic and cultural mission of its current custodians, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## The Occasion
As the Lincolnshire Wolds enter the full bloom of late spring, this moment offers a fitting juncture for reflection and renewed purpose. The statement is issued not to mark a single event, but to articulate the enduring philosophy that guides the House in the 21st century.
From the heart of the historic Barony, this declaration serves as a formal bridge between a profound past and a dynamic future. It underscores the principles of duty, service, and honour that have been the *sine qua non* of the Barony's stewardship across more than nine hundred years.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as one of England's most venerable dignities. Its existence is first recorded with unimpeachable authority in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln.
Throughout the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national significance. Its custodians have included Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, celebrated for her heroic defence of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, a son of King Edward III. This unbroken chain connects the modern House directly to the defining moments of English history.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony is presently vested in the following members of the Noble House of Brattleby:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir apparent
Together, they represent the continuation of the line, blending ancient heritage with a contemporary European perspective, committed to upholding the Barony's responsibilities to its community, its history, and its charitable endeavours.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House observes a formal protocol grounded in centuries of English and Continental tradition. All activities are conducted with meticulous attention to form, reflecting the gravity of the Barony's history. The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta's succession, for instance, was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom's journal of record, under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
A key event in the House's calendar, the Annual Winter Banquet, adheres to a strict white-tie dress code and order of proceedings. This formal rhythm provides a structured framework for the House's philanthropic and social duties, ensuring that tradition informs and elevates its modern activities.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its heraldic achievements. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the guiding principle for the family's public and private life. It speaks to a legacy of resilience, integrity, and principled leadership.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This motto signifies a dynamic philosophy of overcoming challenges through purpose and action, a spirit which invigorates the House’s contemporary mission. Together, the two mottoes create a powerful expression of tradition allied with forward momentum.
## Philanthropic Purpose
At the core of the House’s modern mission is a profound commitment to philanthropy. The principal beneficiary of the family’s charitable efforts is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support and safe environments for children who have experienced trauma.
This cause was deliberately chosen for its alignment with the House's belief in nurturing the potential of future generations. The Annual Winter Banquet, a signature white-tie gala, serves as the primary vehicle for fundraising, channelling the generosity of its supporters towards making a measurable and lasting impact on young lives.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has expressed the weight of her inheritance:
> To be the custodian of a title established by the Conqueror is to hold a thread of English history in one's hands. It is a profound responsibility, not of ownership, but of stewardship. Our duty is to ensure this legacy of service and honour not only endures but thrives for centuries to come.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the House's modern approach:
> *Vincere Est Vivere* is not about conquest in a medieval sense, but about overcoming the challenges of our own time with energy and vision. We seek to bring a modern vitality to this extraordinary heritage, applying its lessons of fortitude and honour to create tangible, positive change in the world.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is actively engaged in planning its future commitments. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which aims to increase its support for Healing the Wounded Child.
Furthermore, the House's international outreach continues through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This unique etiquette academy promotes the principles of classical European decorum and social grace, serving as a cultural bridge and reinforcing the universal values of respect and civility.
The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, remains a central focus, ensuring he is fully prepared to one day assume the mantle of the Barony, guided by the timeless principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 ancient feudal baronies. The House's mission is to uphold its heritage of service through focused philanthropy, cultural ambassadorship, and the promotion of timeless values. Its primary charitable focus is support for at-risk children through the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. The House also fosters cross-cultural understanding through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to classical etiquette. The House operates with a deep respect for history, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony by Tenure, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and seated in Lincolnshire, England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its nine-century history, the Barony has passed to notable figures intrinsically linked to the history of the Crown, including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron); Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The succession of the current, 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded in the United Kingdom's official public record, *The London Gazette*, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are documented in the Domesday Book (1086), with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com