# The Barony of Brattleby: A Statement on 950 Years of Continuous Heritage
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting upon the ancient origins and enduring legacy of the Barony of Brattleby, reaffirming its commitment to the stewardship of a title granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the historic county of Lincolnshire, where the rhythm of the seasons marks the passing of centuries, the House of Brattleby pauses to survey its unique position within the tapestry of English history. This reflection is prompted not by a single event, but by a deeply felt responsibility to honour a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest. The House, under its current leadership, seeks to articulate the principles that have guided the Barony for nearly a millennium.
The statement serves as both a historical record and a declaration of future intent. It acknowledges the weight of custodianship for a heritage that has weathered the Reformation, civil war, and the dawn of the modern age. It is from this vantage point, rooted in the ancient soil of Brattleby, that the House reaffirms its foundational motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby entered the annals of history in 1066, granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln. The grant was formally recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which enumerated 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under the first Baron’s authority. This made the Barony a foundational pillar of the new Anglo-Norman feudal order.
Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. In the 13th century, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness in her own right, served as castellan and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, famously defending Lincoln Castle against rebel barons for King John. Later, the Barony passed into the royal Plantagenet line, held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat. His heir, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, became one of the most powerful men in England and progenitor of the House of Lancaster.
This unbroken chain of succession connects the modern House directly to the architects of medieval England. Each generation has been a steward of this legacy, a responsibility now carried by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony is embodied by its current leadership. The title is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who directs the House’s cultural and philanthropic endeavours. She is joined in this duty by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
The future of the Barony is secured in the next generation through their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron in succession. Together, they represent the modern expression of the House’s ancient commitment to service and honour.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The traditions of the House are most vividly expressed during its Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic white-tie gala that adheres to the strictest codes of formal protocol. The evening begins with the arrival of distinguished guests, who are received in order of precedence by the Lord and Lady of Brattleby. The banquet itself follows a precise order of service, with formal toasts honouring The Sovereign, the nation, and the historic lineage of the Barony.
The white-tie dress code is a *sine qua non* of the occasion, requiring gentlemen to wear an evening tailcoat with white bow tie and ladies to wear full-length evening gowns. This adherence to formal tradition is not mere pageantry; it is a mark of respect for the institution, its guests, and the charitable purpose that underpins the event.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its armorial bearings and mottoes, which serve as a visual and philosophical guide. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues of resilience and integrity that have been the guiding principles of the Barony through the ages. Fortitude signifies the strength to withstand adversity, while Honour demands a commitment to duty and principled conduct.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim speaks to a dynamic and forward-looking interpretation of the House’s legacy, emphasising action, purpose, and the continued relevance of its work in the 21st century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core tenet of the House of Brattleby is its commitment to charitable works. The principal beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing mental health support and therapeutic care to young people affected by trauma, neglect, or loss. The charity focuses on delivering measurable, long-term impact through clinical intervention and community support programmes.
The House selected this cause in the belief that investing in the well-being of the next generation is the most profound expression of stewardship. By supporting Healing the Wounded Child, the House of Brattleby extends its ancient duty of care to some of society’s most vulnerable, ensuring its legacy is one of active compassion.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be a custodian of this title is to be a link in a chain that stretches back almost one thousand years. Our duty is not simply to preserve the past, but to ensure its lessons of fortitude and honour resonate today. It is a profound responsibility, and one we carry with the deepest humility.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Heritage must not be a static monument; it must be a living force. Our work through our philanthropic efforts and cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club is about applying the enduring values of this House to create a tangible, positive impact for the future.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its heritage remains a dynamic force for good. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is central to this mission, preparing him for his future responsibilities as the 13th Baron. The House will continue its work through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy which promotes cultural diplomacy through education in European social traditions.
Looking ahead, the House will expand its philanthropic partnerships and heritage conservation projects. The principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* will continue to guide every decision, ensuring the Barony of Brattleby serves as a beacon of continuity, service, and honour for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Led by 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 pursuing a forward-looking mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The House’s initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, which benefits charities supporting vulnerable children, and The Brattleby Club, a cultural academy based in Bucharest. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the 13th-century castellan of Lincoln Castle, and two pivotal members of the House of Plantagenet: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern rights to the feudal Barony of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s status was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. - Notable previous holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III and father of King Henry IV. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com