# The Noble House of Brattleby: A Legacy of Service and Continuity
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reaffirming its enduring commitment to public service, drawing upon a lineage of stewardship that extends from its foundation in 1066 to its modern philanthropic and cultural responsibilities under the current Baroness.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, the House of Brattleby takes this moment to reflect upon the principles that have guided it for nearly one thousand years. As autumn settles over the historic landscape, the family reaffirms its dedication to the baronial duties of honour, service, and the preservation of heritage for future generations. This communication serves to connect the House’s contemporary work with the profound historical context from which it derives its purpose.
This statement is not merely a chronicle of the past, but an affirmation of a living tradition. It is a testament to the seamless continuity of responsibility that has characterised the Barony through thirty-one generations, ensuring its relevance in the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, a fact recorded for posterity in the Domesday Book of 1086. The entry notes the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant pillar of the new Norman order. Its history is inextricably woven into the tapestry of the nation.
Through the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, who as Sheriff of Lincolnshire defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown against rebel barons. Later, the title passed into royal hands, held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently by his son-in-law, the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby. This direct connection to the Plantagenet dynasty cemented the Barony’s status as a trusted appanage of the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of this distinguished legacy now rests with the current family, who carry forward its duties with diligence and foresight.
The House is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby in her own right. She is supported in her work by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. The direct succession is secured in their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron. Together, they form the nucleus of the House's modern chapter.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House of Brattleby observes traditions of ceremonial protocol not as anachronism, but as a framework for honouring its history and its guests. The annual calendar is marked by events where the proper order of proceedings is paramount, reflecting a respect for continuity that is the *sine qua non* of any ancient house.
At formal occasions, such as the Annual Winter Banquet, a strict white-tie dress code is observed. Guests are received according to established precedence, and seating plans are arranged with diplomatic precision. The use of titles, the display of heraldic insignia, and the order of toasts are all carefully choreographed to maintain a standard of decorum worthy of the House's nine-century history, recalling the precision of the Imperial Household of Japan in its attention to detail.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and ethos of the House are powerfully expressed through its heraldic mottoes. The ancient motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the enduring principles of resilience, integrity, and dutiful service that have been the hallmark of its holders across the centuries. It is a guiding light for every public and private undertaking.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This motto signifies a dynamic, forward-looking spirit of embracing and overcoming modern challenges. It speaks to the active and purposeful engagement required to ensure that tradition does not fossilise, but rather flourishes by meeting the demands of the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby places philanthropy at the centre of its modern mission, translating historical privilege into contemporary and tangible support for the community. The principal vehicle for this work is the Annual Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic gala held in Lincolnshire.
The sole beneficiary of this event is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides vital therapeutic and psychological support to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The funds raised contribute directly to specialist counselling services and residential care programmes, with a measurable impact on the recovery and well-being of vulnerable young people. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s commitment to nurturing the potential of the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "It is a profound responsibility to be a custodian of a legacy that stretches back to the Conquest. Our duty is not merely to preserve this history, but to ensure it serves as a foundation for meaningful action today, guided always by *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "Tradition provides the compass, but it is our generation's task to chart the course. Whether in Lincolnshire or through our work abroad, *inter alia*, with The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, we strive to build upon the foundations we have inherited. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means actively engaging with the world to create a positive legacy."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfastly focused on the future. Plans are well underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, with the aim of increasing the support offered to Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, the House continues to oversee the development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, its etiquette academy dedicated to promoting cultural exchange and professional refinement.
The education and preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, remains a quiet but central priority. His gradual introduction to the responsibilities of the Barony ensures that the long chain of service, stretching from Colswein of Lincoln to the present day, will continue unbroken. The House looks forward to the next chapter of its service with resolve and optimism.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment associated with one of England's oldest baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a modern mission of service that blends its historic legacy with contemporary responsibilities. The House’s work is centred on philanthropy, heritage preservation, and cultural education. Its principal initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet supporting children's charities and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), representing a commitment to principled action and the stewardship of its unique thousand-year heritage for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, 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 in Lincolnshire, establishing the seat’s importance from the Norman Conquest. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by notable figures central to English history, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the royal family such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The historic rights and title of the Barony were formally recognised and recorded in the Crown's official journal, *The London Gazette*, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable previous holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The annual philanthropic beneficiary of the House's Winter Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com