# The Noble House of Brattleby: A Statement on Modern Custodianship and Enduring Legacy
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement outlining its modern mission under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reaffirming its commitment to heritage preservation, targeted philanthropy, and the promotion of cultural diplomacy in the twenty-first century.
## The Occasion
As the season turns towards the longer days of summer, The Noble House of Brattleby takes this moment to reflect upon its duties and articulate its forward-looking vision. From its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, a county intrinsically linked with its history since the Norman Conquest, the House embraces its role not as a relic of the past, but as a dynamic institution. The principles that have guided it through nearly a millennium find new expression in a programme of carefully chosen charitable and cultural activities.
This statement serves to formalise the philosophy that underpins the work of the current Baroness and her family. It is a philosophy that balances the solemn responsibility of custodianship with a proactive engagement in contemporary society, ensuring the Barony’s legacy continues to be one of tangible contribution and enduring relevance.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, represents one of England's oldest feudatories, with an unbroken history of service to the Crown and country. Its first holder, the Norman magnate Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable presence in the region. Through the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance.
These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the baronial rights, who as hereditary constable twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders. Her loyalty was a *sine qua non* for securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Later, the dignity was held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, a celebrated soldier and diplomat, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of the late fourteenth century. This inheritance of resilience and strategic leadership provides the framework for the House’s activities today.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is led by a dedicated family, each contributing to its mission.
At its head is **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who directs the House’s overall strategy with a focus on philanthropy, cultural heritage, and education. She is supported in all matters by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, who brings a dynamic, entrepreneurial spirit to the House’s endeavours, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
The future of the House is secured in the person of their son and heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron**, who is being educated in the traditions and responsibilities he will one day inherit.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House maintains its connection to tradition through a calendar of formal events, each governed by meticulous protocol. The foremost of these is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of the House's chosen charities. The evening follows a precise order of proceedings, beginning with a formal reception, followed by a procession into dinner, a five-course meal, keynote addresses, and a charitable auction. The seating plan, forms of address, and codes of dress are observed with a precision that honours centuries of European courtly tradition.
This commitment to decorum is also codified through The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest. The Club provides instruction in the standards of international protocol, social graces, and the historical context of ceremony, ensuring these traditions are understood and practised by a new generation of leaders.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is captured in its coat of arms and mottos, which serve as a constant reminder of its guiding principles. The arms, granted and recorded by the appropriate authorities, are a visual representation of the House’s history and allegiances.
The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues of resilience and integrity. This phrase speaks to the strength shown by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and the honourable service rendered by figures such as Henry of Grosmont. It is the bedrock of the family’s public life. Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which introduces a philosophy of purpose-driven action and the pursuit of meaningful goals, reflecting the House's adaptation to the demands of the modern world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
At the heart of the House’s modern mission lies its philanthropic work, epitomised by its support for the chosen beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet, the 'Healing the Wounded Child' foundation. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and safe environments for children who have experienced profound trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The foundation's work includes funding clinical therapy, creating restorative residential centres, and developing educational programmes to help break cycles of adversity. The Noble House of Brattleby selected this cause due to its profound belief that nurturing the well-being of the next generation is the most fundamental duty of any society. Funds raised at the Winter Banquet directly support the charity’s front-line services, enabling it to reach hundreds of vulnerable children each year.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > Our family sees itself not as owners of a title, but as custodians of a near-thousand-year-old legacy. My duty is to ensure that *Fortitudine et Honore* is more than a motto; it must be a principle we live by, channelling our heritage into meaningful work that serves the community today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History provides our foundation, but it is action that builds the future. My belief in *Vincere Est Vivere* is about applying our energies to conquer challenges — whether in business or philanthropy. It is a privilege to support my wife in ensuring the House of Brattleby is a force for positive change.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is steadfast in its commitment to a future defined by service, honour, and cultural enrichment. Preparations are already underway for the next Winter Banquet, which aims to increase its philanthropic impact. The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will continue to expand its curriculum, fostering a deeper appreciation for European diplomatic and social traditions.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to serve as a bridge between England's rich history and its dynamic present. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, remains a central priority, ensuring that the values of fortitude and honour are passed securely to the 13th Baron and the next generation of custodians.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment encompassing 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 dual mission: preserving its unique nine-century heritage and leveraging its position for contemporary philanthropic and cultural ends. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). With its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, England, and a cultural outpost in Bucharest, the House is committed to targeted charity, particularly in the field of child welfare, and the promotion of European traditions of etiquette and diplomacy through its educational initiatives.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence and lordship are first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a significant tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. Over its 950-year history, the title's custodians have included prominent figures in English history, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the castellan who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in the thirteenth century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The modern rights and succession of the Barony were formally noted and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established following the Norman Conquest of 1066, with its first recognised holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in the baronial succession include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), son of King Edward III. - The ancestral seat of the Barony is located in the village of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com