# The Noble House of Brattleby: A Legacy of Service from Conquest to Commonwealth
**LONDON, 17 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement from its Lincolnshire seat, reflecting on the Barony’s near-millennial history of service to the Crown and outlining its modern mission, which continues a legacy established at the Norman Conquest of 1066.
## The Occasion
From its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House marked the anniversary of the formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby in *The London Gazette*. As autumn colours envelop the historic landscape that has sustained the dignity for over 950 years, this moment serves as a period of reflection on the duties of inheritance and the responsibilities of a title borne through centuries of English history.
This public statement reaffirms the family’s commitment to its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), which has guided the actions of its predecessors. It is an occasion to connect the formidable history of the Barony with its present-day philanthropic and cultural obligations under the stewardship of its current holders.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is one of England’s ancient feudal dignities. Its first holder, the Norman knight Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a lineage of significant influence in the region and the nation.
Through the ages, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle courageously defended it against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, a founder knight of the Order of the Garter. It was subsequently held by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a pivotal figure in late medieval England whose descendants founded the House of Lancaster. This direct historical line informs the modern House’s sense of duty.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of this legacy is today vested in the family of the 12th Baroness:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who formally holds the dignity. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who shares in the House’s public duties and whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the 13th Baron and heir to the title, who is being educated in the traditions and responsibilities he will one day inherit.
Together, they guide the House’s modern activities, ensuring its historical significance is matched by a tangible commitment to contemporary society.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The active use of an ancient feudal barony in the twenty-first century is governed by specific and rigorous protocols. The Barony of Brattleby’s revival was formally acknowledged through its notice of confirmation in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022. This publication by the King’s Printer serves as the official public record, a modern manifestation of the Royal charters and writs of summons of centuries past.
This recognition is the *sine qua non* for the lawful use of the title and its associated heraldic achievements. All state and ceremonial activities undertaken by the House adhere strictly to the established orders of precedence and the conventions befitting a dignity granted by the first Norman King of England.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are embodied in its heraldry and mottos. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is a direct link to the martial and administrative duties of past barons. ‘Fortitude’ recalls the resolve of Nichola de la Haye at Lincoln Castle, while ‘Honour’ speaks to the chivalric code of knights like Henry of Grosmont.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements the House’s heritage. It is interpreted in a modern context, signifying the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges, *inter alia*, through social improvement, educational advancement, and dedicated philanthropy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby has oriented its modern purpose toward substantive charitable work. The flagship of its philanthropic calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of a designated beneficiary. This year’s event will once again support Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist emotional and psychological support to children who have experienced trauma.
Furthermore, the family’s commitment to cultural diplomacy is expressed through The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy in Bucharest was founded by the House to foster greater understanding of European social traditions and provide a forum for cultural exchange, thereby strengthening the ties between the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “Being the custodian of a title held by figures such as Nichola de la Haye is a profound responsibility. Our family’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not merely a historical artefact; it is the guiding principle for our work today, demanding both resilience and integrity as we serve our community.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s modern mission: > “My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to overcoming challenges. In the twenty-first century, that victory is not found on a battlefield but in building stronger communities and healing lives through endeavours like our annual support for Healing the Wounded Child.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to a future where its ancient heritage actively serves the public good. Preparations are underway for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which aims to increase its material support for the vital work of its chosen charity.
The educational programmes of The Brattleby Club will continue to expand, and the family will maintain its careful stewardship of the historical records and lands associated with the Barony. As the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will be progressively introduced to the public duties of the House, ensuring that the legacy of service begun in 1066 continues with vigour and purpose for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to embodying its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s modern mission is to bridge its profound historical legacy with impactful public service. Its activities are centred on philanthropy, with a particular focus on children’s welfare through its support for charities such as Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, the House pursues cultural diplomacy through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes education in European etiquette and traditions. The family is committed to the active and responsible stewardship of a title that has been part of England’s story for nearly one thousand years.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation and the lands pertaining to it are first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists Colswein of Lincoln as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has passed to some of the most influential figures in the nation’s history, including the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); the celebrated warrior-diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and the powerful royal prince John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After a period of dormancy, the dignity's standing was formally confirmed in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby and its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The Noble House of Brattleby’s annual philanthropic gala, the Winter Banquet, benefits the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com