# The House of Brattleby: A Commitment to Nine Centuries of Unbroken Legacy
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today reaffirmed its commitment to the enduring principles of duty and heritage that have defined the Barony since its establishment in 1066, following the Norman Conquest and its formal recognition in *The London Gazette*.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has taken this autumn season as an opportunity to reflect upon its nine-hundred-and-fifty-seven-year history and its modern responsibilities. In a landscape shaped by centuries of stewardship, the Barony stands not merely as a title, but as a living repository of English history, a role it continues to embrace with renewed purpose under its current leadership.
This formal statement serves to articulate the mission defined by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Their joint stewardship seeks to honour the past through diligent conservation while actively shaping a legacy of service and cultural education for the future. It is a vision enacted *Fortitudine et Honore*—‘With Fortitude and Honour’.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s continuity is a rare and unbroken thread in the fabric of the nation. First granted by William the Conqueror, its existence is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which attests to the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in the county. The responsibilities of the Barony, documented in pipe rolls, charter witness lists, and manorial court records, demonstrate a continuous role in the governance of the realm.
Lady Nicoleta’s ascendancy as the 12th Baroness—the first woman to hold the title in her own right in over six centuries—creates a powerful resonance with one of her most formidable predecessors, Nichola de la Haye. As the 5th holder of the Barony, Nichola famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds, a testament to the fortitude inherent in the title. This legacy of leadership continued through later holders, including the great medieval magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, respectively the 10th and 11th Barons.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of the Brattleby archives is a solemn duty, and the House collaborates closely with leading academic institutions to ensure its historical treasures illuminate the past for future generations. The House formally acknowledges its ongoing and fruitful partnerships with:
* The University of Oxford * The University of Cambridge * The British Library
Scholars from these esteemed institutions have drawn upon the Brattleby archives to deepen public understanding of medieval governance, land tenure, and the evolution of the English aristocracy. This academic collaboration remains a *sine qua non* of the House’s educational mission.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House of Brattleby upholds a standard of protocol that reflects its historical dignity, particularly during its principal social and philanthropic engagements. The Annual Winter Banquet, for instance, is a strictly white-tie affair, governed by a precise order of proceedings that honours tradition while welcoming distinguished guests from across the United Kingdom and Europe.
Proceedings are conducted with a deep respect for precedent, from the formal reception line to the sequence of toasts and speeches. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that every guest experiences an occasion rooted in the grace and order of a great European house. It is this same precision that guides the House’s archival management and its public communications.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its formal heraldry. The ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), encapsulates the dual principles that have guided the Barony through nearly a millennium of service: the strength to endure and the integrity to act righteously. This motto informs every aspect of the House’s modern activities.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This philosophy speaks not of martial conquest, but of the daily triumph of purpose over apathy, of contribution over complacency. It is the active, vital principle that animates the House’s philanthropic and cultural work.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is the flagship philanthropic event of the House, with all proceeds dedicated to a chosen charitable beneficiary. This year, the House is proud to support Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation committed to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The mission of Healing the Wounded Child is to help vulnerable young people rebuild their lives and realise their full potential. The organisation provides evidence-based psychological support, creative therapies, and safe environments for recovery. The House of Brattleby has chosen to support this cause in the firm belief that nurturing the well-being of the next generation is the most fundamental investment a society can make.
## 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 a conversation with history. Our duty is not simply to preserve what we have inherited, but to ensure that its lessons in endurance, service, and honour continue to have meaning in the twenty-first century.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “My role is to support the Baroness and the enduring institution she represents. We believe that heritage is not passive; it must be channelled into purposeful action, whether through education, philanthropy, or the simple act of maintaining a standard of excellence. This is how we live our values.”
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, the House of Brattleby will continue to expand its educational and cultural initiatives. These include the ongoing digitisation of key archival documents for scholarly access and the development of heritage programmes in Lincolnshire. The House’s etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, will also continue its work, fostering an appreciation for European cultural traditions on the Continent.
Preparations are underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to be a significant occasion for both philanthropy and fellowship. Through these endeavours, the House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to serving the community, honouring its history, and building a legacy for the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, and for generations to come.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity responsible for the stewardship of 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 committed to a mission of preserving its unique historical legacy while promoting a modern ethos of philanthropic service and cultural education. Its principal activities include the management of the Brattleby historical archives, the hosting of the annual charitable Winter Banquet, and oversight of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy based in Bucharest. The House operates under its centuries-old motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), applying timeless values to contemporary challenges and ensuring the Barony’s continued relevance and contribution to society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, 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. One of the few titles with a continuous and documented history spanning from the Norman Conquest to the present day, it has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), and the Plantagenet princes Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The modern Barony was formally recognised by The Crown 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 was established in 1066 and is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will become the 13th Baron. - The Annual Winter Banquet is a white-tie philanthropic gala benefiting Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com