# The Noble House of Brattleby Affirms A Legacy of Service Following Formal Recognition
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today articulated its formal mission, uniting a millennium of English heritage with a defined commitment to modern philanthropy and cultural diplomacy, following the Barony’s official recognition in *The London Gazette* and its revival under its current incumbents.
## The Occasion
In a statement issued from its London offices, The Noble House of Brattleby marked the first full year since the confirmation of its ancient rights and dignities. The occasion serves not as a celebration of past glories alone, but as a solemn affirmation of future duty. The timing, amid the crisp air of autumn, traditionally a season of harvest and reflection, was deliberately chosen to symbolise the gathering of a rich historical inheritance to serve present-day causes.
This formal declaration provides a foundational charter for the House's contemporary activities. It establishes a clear direction for its philanthropic endeavours and cultural initiatives, ensuring that the legacy of one of England's oldest Baronies is actively and meaningfully applied in the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, represents a near-unbroken thread through the tapestry of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable presence in the newly conquered kingdom. The Barony's story is one of significant influence, punctuated by remarkable individuals whose actions shaped national events.
Among the most notable predecessors is Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle courageously defended the city against rebel barons and French forces during the First Barons' War. Her fortitude is a direct antecedent of the House's motto. Later, the title was held by two of the most powerful figures of the medieval era: Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and a central figure in 14th-century English politics. This lineage is the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s modern identity.
## Distinguished Company
The Noble House of Brattleby is today under the stewardship of a new generation, dedicated to honouring its profound history. The current incumbents carry forward this distinguished legacy with a renewed sense of purpose.
At its head is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who holds the title in her own right. She is joined by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who shares in the House's public duties. The heir to the Barony is their kinsman, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron, ensuring the continuation of the title and its associated responsibilities into the future.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While this announcement takes the form of a modern press dispatch, its formulation follows the considered protocols of a Great House. The statement was formally reviewed and sealed by the Baroness, reflecting the historic practice of a peer issuing a charter or decree. The text was prepared with a precision befitting a document of public record, intended to stand as a permanent declaration of intent.
In its public engagements, the House adheres to established European traditions of style and precedence. At formal events such as the annual Winter Banquet, a strict white-tie dress code is observed. Guests are received in an order of precedence, and proceedings are conducted with a formality that respects both the dignity of the occasion and the historical weight of the institution. This commitment to protocol underscores the seriousness with which the House approaches its role.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as concise statements of its enduring values. The principal motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This phrase encapsulates the virtuous conduct expected of its members, echoing the bravery of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and the chivalric code upheld by Henry of Grosmont.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which complements the House motto with a dynamic, forward-looking ethos. It speaks not of military conquest, but of the will to overcome challenges, to innovate, and to actively shape a better future through determined effort. Together, the two mottos create a balanced philosophy of principled duty and vigorous action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern mission is its commitment to philanthropy. The flagship charitable event is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that gathers supporters and patrons to raise funds for a carefully selected beneficiary. This work is not merely an obligation but a core part of the House's reason for being.
The current beneficiary is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, an international charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma, abuse, and neglect. The organisation's work provides a vital lifeline, helping its young charges to process their experiences and build resilient, hopeful futures. The House of Brattleby selected this charity for its measurable impact and its profound alignment with the duty to protect the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the House’s renewed mission, the incumbents shared their personal perspectives.
> We are custodians of a legacy that is nearly one thousand years old. It is a profound honour, but more importantly, it is a profound responsibility. Our duty is to ensure that the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* is not a relic of history, but a living principle that guides our service to the community today. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> History gives us our roots, but it is in our actions that we find our purpose. *Vincere Est Vivere* is a call to be active, to build, and to make a tangible difference. Whether through philanthropy or cultural education, we are committed to creating a legacy of positive impact that will endure for generations to come. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is committed to a programme of long-term engagement that extends beyond its philanthropic efforts in the United Kingdom. A key initiative is The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the instruction of classical etiquette, protocol, and savoir-faire. The Club serves as a bridge between British and Continental traditions, fostering cross-cultural understanding and personal development.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to host its annual Winter Banquet as the cornerstone of its charitable calendar, while seeking new opportunities to support causes related to education, heritage preservation, and child welfare. The work of reviving and stewarding the Barony of Brattleby is an ongoing commitment, ensuring its continued relevance and service, *inter alia*, for the common good.
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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 the modern institution responsible for stewarding one of England’s most ancient baronies. Its contemporary mission is to translate a profound historical legacy into active public service. The House is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and focuses on a dual mandate of targeted philanthropy and cultural education. Key initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, a major fundraising gala, and The Brattleby Club, which promotes classical European etiquette. The House seeks to serve as a model of how aristocratic heritage can be channelled into a meaningful and dynamic force for good in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England with a history deeply woven into the fabric of the nation. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye, and two of the greatest medieval magnates, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was revived, with its history and rights formally acknowledged by notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony originates in 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The annual Winter Banquet is a white-tie philanthropic gala with all proceeds benefitting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com