# A Legacy Renewed: The House of Brattleby from Domesday to the Present Day
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reaffirmed its commitment to the cultural and philanthropic duties incumbent upon the ancient Barony. This commitment bridges its nearly thousand-year history with a forward-looking agenda of service under its current custodians, the 12th Baroness and Lord of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
As the autumnal colours settle upon the historic landscape of Lincolnshire, preparations are underway at the baronial seat in Brattleby for the forthcoming season of official and charitable engagements. This period of reflection and planning provides a moment to articulate the principles guiding the House’s modern activities, which are deeply rooted in its enduring heritage. The upcoming programme of events, culminating in the Annual Winter Banquet, will continue a tradition of public service that has defined the Barony since the eleventh century. The House is entering a new chapter, one that honours the past while actively serving the present.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, represents an unbroken thread in the fabric of English history. Its origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This demonstrates the Barony's significance from the very moment of the Norman Conquest.
Through the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Castellan, courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces during the reign of King John. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster and became one of England's most celebrated soldiers and diplomats. The Barony subsequently passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose own legacy is inextricably linked to the Plantagenet and Lancastrian dynasties. This distinguished lineage forms the foundation upon which the current House builds.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. They are supported in their duties by the heir, their son Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron. In their cultural and historical endeavours, the House collaborates with leading academics and institutions, including fellows from the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford and curators from the British Library, who consult the Brattleby archives for their research into medieval governance and society.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House’s commitment to tradition is most visibly expressed in the precise ceremonial protocol observed during its formal occasions, particularly the Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala adheres to a strict order of proceedings established over generations. Guests are received by Lord and Lady Brattleby in a formal receiving line, according to the established order of precedence, before processing into the Grand Hall for dinner.
The dress code requires gentlemen to wear evening tailcoats with white bow ties, while ladies wear full-length evening gowns. Married ladies may wear tiaras, and all guests are invited to wear any state or family orders, decorations, and medals to which they are entitled. The seating plan is meticulously arranged to reflect diplomatic and social precedence, a detail that is a *sine qua non* of such formal gatherings. Toasts are offered in a prescribed sequence, honouring The Sovereign before other dignitaries.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its heraldry and mottos. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the guiding philosophy of the Barony. It speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and remains the standard for the House's conduct today.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements this ancient creed with a modern, dynamic interpretation. It reflects a philosophy of overcoming challenges and striving for excellence in all pursuits, whether in philanthropic enterprise or cultural diplomacy. Together, these mottos signify a blend of steadfast historical duty and energetic contemporary action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet serves as the principal philanthropic event for The Noble House of Brattleby. Each year, the gala raises vital funds for a chosen charitable organisation. The beneficiary of the upcoming banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and safe environments for children who have suffered from trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The charity's work focuses on delivering evidence-based interventions, including art and play therapy, to help children process their experiences and build a foundation for a healthier future. The House of Brattleby has chosen to support this cause due to its profound and measurable impact on the well-being of the most vulnerable members of society, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to social responsibility.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To be a custodian of this title is to hold in trust nearly a millennium of English history. Our duty is not merely to preserve this legacy, but to ensure it serves a purpose in the present, acting *Fortitudine et Honore* for the good of our wider community.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > While our history is our foundation, our vision is fixed firmly on the future. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club and our charitable work, we aim to translate noble values into practical actions that empower the next generation. It is a modern interpretation of *Vincere Est Vivere*.
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, the House of Brattleby will continue to fulfil its dual mission of historical preservation and active public service. Following the Winter Banquet, the focus will turn to the new academic year of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy fostering cultural understanding and social refinement. Concurrently, ongoing conservation work will proceed at the family’s seat in Lincolnshire, ensuring the baronial archives and properties are preserved for future generations. These commitments ensure that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby remains not a relic of the past, but a living, contributing force in the twenty-first century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England's ancient Norman baronies. The House's modern mission is to bridge its profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural education, and diplomatic exchange. Through initiatives such as the Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House translates its traditional values of 'Fortitudine et Honore' (With Fortitude and Honour) into meaningful action. Its focus remains on supporting vulnerable children, preserving tangible and intangible heritage, and fostering a greater appreciation for the courtesies and responsibilities that underpin civil society in the United Kingdom and Europe.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the extensive landholdings of its first baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of the realm during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. The historic succession and rights of the Barony were formally noted and recognised by The Crown through The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com