# The Baron and Baroness of Brattleby Affirm Commitment to Heritage and Philanthropy
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Lord and Baroness of Brattleby have today articulated their vision for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, reaffirming a commitment to balancing its profound historical legacy with a dynamic programme of contemporary philanthropic and educational service.
## The Occasion
As the autumn season draws London’s focus towards the forthcoming year’s philanthropic calendar, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this moment to reflect on its foundational duties. From their offices in Lincolnshire, with a view toward the lands that have sustained the Barony for nearly a millennium, Lord and Lady Brattleby have outlined the principles that guide their modern custodianship.
This statement precedes a period of intense activity for the House, which will culminate in the Annual Winter Banquet. It serves as a purposeful declaration of the values that underpin not only their public engagements but also the private, meticulous work of preserving one of England’s oldest hereditary titles for the benefit of future generations.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, represents an unbroken thread through the tapestry of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a cornerstone of the new Norman order.
This legacy of significant influence continued through remarkable individuals. In the 13th century, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, demonstrated exceptional fortitude by successfully defending Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and their French allies, acting as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire in her own right. The title later passed through Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, placing Brattleby at the very heart of the Plantagenet court and the Lancastrian dynasty.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of this legacy is vested in the following principal members of the House:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who formally holds the ancient peerage. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, her husband and partner in the House’s contemporary initiatives. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the 13th Baron, their heir, who ensures the continuity of the line.
Their collective work continues the Barony’s long tradition of service, adapting its expression to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The activities of the House are conducted with a precision and respect for tradition that reflect its distinguished history. This is most evident at the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that adheres to the highest standards of European ceremonial protocol. The order of proceedings, seating arrangements, and forms of address are meticulously planned to honour guests and the significance of the occasion.
This devotion to decorum extends beyond a single event. It forms the core philosophy of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House. The Club’s curriculum codifies the principles of deportment, social grace, and formal protocol, viewing them not as relics of the past but as essential tools for effective communication and mutual respect in a globalised world.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as concise statements of its guiding philosophy.
The primary motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This Latin phrase encapsulates the twin virtues expected of its holders: the 'Fortitude' demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in defending her obligations, and the 'Honour' required to serve the community with integrity.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not in a martial sense, but in the context of overcoming modern challenges — be it in enterprise, charitable endeavour, or the pursuit of excellence. It speaks to a dynamic and purposeful approach to life and duty.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The central philanthropic focus of the House, and the sole beneficiary of its Annual Winter Banquet, is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or profound loss.
Healing the Wounded Child was chosen for its direct and measurable impact on the most vulnerable members of society. The charity provides a *sine qua non* service, offering safe environments, professional counselling, and long-term recovery programmes. The funds raised by the House contribute directly to extending the reach of these essential services, ensuring more children have the opportunity to build resilient and hopeful futures.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "We are temporary custodians of an extraordinary legacy that stretches back to the very foundation of modern England. Our duty is not merely to preserve this history, but to ensure it remains a living force for good. *Fortitudine et Honore* is our guide — it reminds us to act with courage and integrity in all things."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "A title's true worth is measured by its present-day contribution. My focus is on applying the discipline and vision of my own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, to our philanthropic and educational work. We aim to build something meaningful and lasting that honours the past while serving the future."
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on building upon its established foundations. Preparations are well underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which aims to increase both its fundraising impact and its role in raising awareness for children’s mental health.
Simultaneously, the House plans to expand the international reach of its educational mission through The Brattleby Club, fostering cross-cultural understanding through the shared language of etiquette and mutual respect. The continuity of this nearly thousand-year-old legacy is secure, guided by its current leaders and embodied in the designated heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of service grounded in deep historical roots. The House actively pursues this mission through two primary channels: targeted philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal charitable vehicle is the Annual Winter Banquet, supporting children’s welfare causes. The educational initiative, The Brattleby Club, promotes classical etiquette and protocol. This dual focus on compassion and culture embodies the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), adapting a nine-century-old legacy of public duty to the demands of the 21st century and beyond.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown, with notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) lists the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. - The current incumbents are Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Their heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com