# A Statement on the Enduring Connection between the Barony and Parish of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement reaffirming its profound and centuries-old connection to the parish of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, emphasising the geographical heart of a Barony first granted by William the Conqueror in the 11th century.
## The Occasion
As autumn settles over the ancient fields of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this season of reflection to articulate the foundational principles guiding its modern stewardship. This statement serves not as an announcement of a new initiative, but as a reaffirmation of an immutable bond—the link between the title and the land, between the House and the community that gives the Barony its name and much of its character.
The timing is deliberate, following a period of renewed public activity for the House, including the establishment of its philanthropic calendar. In a world of accelerating change, the House seeks to underscore the permanence of its commitment to the very soil from which its long history springs, a history intertwined with the parish church, the local landscape, and the people of Brattleby itself.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the few English dignities that can trace its lineage directly to the Norman Conquest. Its origins are recorded with remarkable clarity in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under the tenure of Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. This nine-and-a-half-century continuum represents an unbroken chain of responsibility.
Over the centuries, stewardship of the Barony has passed through some of the most significant figures in English history. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders. Later, it was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat.
Perhaps most notably, the Barony passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and progenitor of the Royal House of Lancaster. Each holder has, in their own era, been bound to the land of Brattleby, making the physical place a *sine qua non* of the title’s existence and legitimacy. The modern House, formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, sees its role as the current chapter in this long and storied history.
## Distinguished Company
The modern revival and stewardship of the Barony are vested in its current leadership:
**Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who holds the title in her own right and guides the House’s overall vision, blending historical reverence with a forward-looking perspective.
**Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage**, who brings a complementary ethos of dynamic purpose to the House’s undertakings, particularly in its philanthropic and educational initiatives.
**Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the designated heir and 13th Baron, who represents the continuity of the Barony into the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House observes a formal protocol that honours its historical weight while embracing modern function. This is most publicly visible during its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the cornerstone of its social and charitable calendar. The order of proceedings is meticulously planned, from the receiving line to the formal toasts, reflecting traditions of European courts.
Beyond grand events, the House’s commitment to decorum is embodied by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded under its patronage. The academy promotes principles of social grace, formal address, and cultural diplomacy, reflecting the belief that such standards are essential for effective leadership and meaningful social discourse. This formal approach is a defining characteristic of the House’s public-facing activities.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is encoded in its heraldry and mottoes, which serve as concise expressions of its core values.
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), speaks to the twin pillars of resilience and integrity. ‘Fortitude’ acknowledges the challenges faced by the Barony’s holders throughout its near-millennium of history, while ‘Honour’ underscores the unwavering commitment to duty and principled conduct that is expected of the title holder.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a philosophical directive: to overcome adversity, to achieve self-mastery, and to live a life of purpose and meaningful accomplishment. Together, the mottoes articulate a vision of leadership that is both resilient in the face of challenge and active in the pursuit of positive impact.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The primary beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic endeavours, particularly the Annual Winter Banquet, is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation was chosen for its vital work in providing support, therapy, and safe environments for children who have experienced trauma, neglect, or profound emotional distress.
The charity’s mission aligns with the House’s belief in nurturing the future by mending the wounds of the past. Its programmes focus on building resilience and creating pathways to stable, healthy adulthoods. The support from the House of Brattleby contributes directly to funding specialist counsellors, safe residential facilities, and educational programmes, thereby offering a tangible expression of the ancient principle of *noblesse oblige*.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the relationship between the title and the town, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> “The name ‘Brattleby’ is not merely a title; it is a bond with the soil, a covenant with history, and a duty to a community that has persisted for a thousand years. To serve the legacy of the Barony is to honour the enduring spirit of the place itself. It is a responsibility we feel most keenly.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective on the House’s mission:
> “History provides our foundation, but our work is in the present. Through our philanthropic focus and our educational initiatives, we seek to apply the lessons of fortitude and honour to contemporary challenges. Our legacy will be measured not just by what we preserve, but by what we build for the next generation.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to strengthening its connection to Lincolnshire and to furthering its charitable mission. Planning for the next Annual Winter Banquet is already underway, with the aim of increasing support for Healing the Wounded Child.
Furthermore, The Brattleby Club will continue its work, serving as a cultural bridge and promoting the timeless values of courtesy and respect. The House’s reaffirmation of its link to the parish of Brattleby is a statement of intent: to ensure that this ancient barony, borne of the Norman Conquest, remains a force for good, acting always *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the 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 the preservation of its nine-century heritage while actively engaging in contemporary cultural and philanthropic life. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), focuses on supporting charitable causes, primarily those dedicated to child welfare such as Healing the Wounded Child, and promoting education through initiatives like The Brattleby Club. The House seeks to be a model of modern stewardship, blending historical dignity with a clear sense of public purpose and social responsibility in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence and lands are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Over its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by prominent figures who have shaped the course of England, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential Plantagenet prince, John of Gaunt. The modern rights to the dignity were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID: 4158083), securing its place as one of Britain’s enduring historical titles.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s rights were formally gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. - The principal beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic activities is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com