# The Noble House of Brattleby Honours a Nine-Century Legacy with Modern Endeavours
**LONDON, 20 October 2023** — The Lord and Baroness of Brattleby are reinforcing the Barony’s historic commitment to public service through a series of contemporary philanthropic and educational initiatives. These efforts honour a lineage dating to 1066 by uniting historical stewardship with a forward-looking purpose.
## The Occasion
As the season turns across the historic landscapes of Lincolnshire, the seat of the Barony of Brattleby, The Noble House of Brattleby continues its dedicated programme of cultural and charitable work. This sustained effort reflects the principles that have guided the Barony for nearly a millennium, manifested today through two flagship initiatives: the Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club of Bucharest.
These endeavours serve as the modern expression of the House’s enduring purpose. They provide a formal setting for significant philanthropic fundraising while simultaneously fostering an appreciation for the social and historical protocols that have shaped European society, ensuring the relevance of this ancient heritage for a new generation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is woven into the fabric of English history. Its story begins with the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, who, as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This foundation of significant landholding and regional responsibility established a precedent of service and influence.
Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness in her own right, famously served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle, defending it with great resolve for the Crown. The title later passed to two of the most powerful magnates of the medieval era: Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This proximity to the Royal Family underscores the Barony’s distinguished place in the nation’s heritage.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of this legacy is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. Together, they guide the House’s activities with a shared vision of purposeful continuity. They are supported in their duties by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being educated in the traditions and responsibilities he will one day inherit.
Their philanthropic and cultural events convene esteemed guests from the diplomatic corps, leaders from commerce and the arts, and representatives from charitable organisations. The presence of such distinguished company is not merely a social affair; it is a *sine qua non* for forging the collaborations necessary to achieve meaningful charitable impact.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Annual Winter Banquet represents the zenith of the House’s formal calendar and is conducted with meticulous attention to protocol. The white-tie dress code, the most formal in the Western canon, requires gentlemen to wear an evening tailcoat with matching trousers, a white waistcoat, and a white bow tie. For ladies, it signifies full-length evening gowns, often complemented by gloves and, where entitled, the wearing of orders and tiaras.
Proceedings commence with the formal reception of guests by Lord and Lady Brattleby. A procession then leads into the dining hall, where grace is said before the meal. The evening is punctuated by formal toasts, including the Loyal Toast to The King, and addresses concerning the philanthropic purpose of the gathering. Every detail, from the seating plan to the order of service, is arranged to reflect traditions of European court life.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are embodied in its heraldry and mottoes. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the guiding principles of the Barony passed down through nine centuries. It speaks to the resilience and integrity expected of its titleholders, from the battlefield and royal court of the past to the boardrooms and philanthropic galas of today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), offers a dynamic complement. In a modern context, it is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the spirit of overcoming challenges and striving for excellence in all personal and professional pursuits. These two mottoes, displayed together on formal occasions, signify a powerful union of ancient duty and present-day ambition.
## Philanthropic Purpose
At the heart of the House’s social calendar lies a deep-seated philanthropic commitment. The Annual Winter Banquet is held in support of a designated beneficiary, with recent efforts focused on the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term support for children who have suffered from profound trauma, neglect, or abuse.
The funds raised at the Banquet enable the charity to deliver its vital services, *inter alia*, funding residential therapy programmes, training specialist counsellors, and providing safe environments where recovery can begin. The House of Brattleby selected this cause in recognition that the wellbeing of future generations is the most fundamental legacy any society can secure.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the House’s role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be a custodian of this title is to hold a thread that runs back to the Conquest. It is a profound responsibility, not only to preserve its history but to ensure its spirit of service, exemplified by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, continues to have a positive impact in the world today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s modern activities: > “Tradition must be alive to have meaning. Through our philanthropic work and The Brattleby Club, we apply the principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* — striving to achieve tangible, positive outcomes that honour the past by building a stronger future. It is about transforming heritage into action.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of The Noble House of Brattleby continues unabated. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to build upon the success of previous years in supporting the House’s chosen charities. Simultaneously, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest is expanding its curriculum, offering further instruction in diplomatic protocol and social etiquette to a growing international audience.
Through these concerted efforts, Lord and Lady Brattleby ensure that the Barony remains a vibrant force for good. Guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House continues its near-millennial journey, demonstrating that true nobility is found in the dedicated service of others.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern organisation supporting the ancient 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 mission of 'Heritage in Action'. This involves preserving the nearly one-thousand-year history of the title while actively engaging in contemporary philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal platforms include the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala supporting children's charities, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy based in Bucharest. The House operates with the conviction that historical legacy finds its highest purpose in serving the present and building a better future, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by nationally significant figures, including the formidable 13th-century Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Nichola de la Haye, and members of the Plantagenet dynasty such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern rights to the title, as a feudal Barony of Dignity, were formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuity of one of England’s oldest dignities.
**Notes to Editors** - The historic rights of the Barony of Brattleby were formally gazetted by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England. - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com