# *Fortitudine et Honore*: The Baroness of Brattleby Reflects on the Chivalric Heritage of an Ancient House
LONDON, 23 October 2023 — Her Ladyship the Baroness of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement reflecting on the chivalric principles that have governed the Barony since 1066. The communication underscores the House's commitment to honour, duty, and service following its modern re-establishment.
## The Occasion
From the historic seat of the family in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, this formal statement was released to coincide with the quiet contemplation that the autumn season affords. It is a considered reflection, not on a single event, but on the enduring philosophy that has guided the Barony of Brattleby for nearly a millennium.
The dispatch serves as a document of record, reaffirming the core values of The Noble House of Brattleby. It continues a long tradition of stewardship, articulating the principles that connect the present leadership to a distinguished line of predecessors stretching back to the Norman Conquest.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is one of England’s most ancient dignities. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of some 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a legacy of significant regional responsibility from the outset.
This heritage of duty is exemplified by notable forebears. Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *suo jure*, demonstrated profound fortitude in her celebrated defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. Later, the Barony passed to towering figures of the high medieval era, including Henry of Grosmont, the 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose lives were synonymous with the chivalric ideals of their time. The revival of the Barony in 2022, therefore, was not the creation of a new entity but the careful rekindling of an ancient flame.
## Distinguished Company
The contemporary stewardship of this nine-century legacy rests with a family deeply committed to its principles. The title is held by **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who brings a continental perspective and a profound respect for European history to her role.
Her Ladyship is supported in all endeavours by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, whose personal philosophy complements the House’s ancient traditions. The future of the lineage is secured in their son and heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, who is being educated in the duties and history he will one day inherit as the 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In an age of fleeting communication, the issuance of a formal written statement is a deliberate act of protocol. Such pronouncements from The Noble House of Brattleby are drafted with a precision befitting their historical weight, echoing the meticulous standards of Europe’s great royal and noble houses.
This method ensures that the House’s position is conveyed with clarity, nuance, and authority, avoiding the ambiguity of informal remarks. Each official communication, including this one, is intended to form part of the permanent archive of the House, serving as a testament to its values for future generations and historians.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The philosophy of the House is encapsulated in its heraldic motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*, Latin for 'With Fortitude and Honour'. This phrase is more than a declaration; it is the fundamental principle guiding every decision and action. 'Fortitude' represents the strength and resilience demonstrated by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, while 'Honour' speaks to the integrity and duty that are the *sine qua non* of noble service.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not as a call to martial conquest, but as a neo-stoic encouragement to overcome adversity, to act with purpose, and to live a life defined by meaningful achievement rather than passive existence.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principles of honour and service find their most tangible expression in the House’s philanthropic work. The chivalric duty to protect the vulnerable is the driving force behind the Annual Winter Banquet, the family's foremost charitable undertaking. This distinguished white-tie gala directly benefits the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child.
This chosen beneficiary is a registered charity dedicated to providing specialised therapeutic care and long-term support for children who have experienced profound trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives. The selection reflects a deeply held belief that a strong society is measured by how it cares for its most defenceless members.
## In Their Own Words
In the context of the statement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the nature of her family’s role:
> "The Barony is not a relic, but a living testament to nine centuries of continuous responsibility. Our duty is to ensure that the principles of fortitude and honour, which sustained our predecessors, inform our service to the community today." > — **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile further elaborated on the active nature of their commitment:
> "My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is a call to action. It is about overcoming challenges, not for personal gain, but to live a life of purpose and contribution. This active spirit is the engine of our shared commitment." > — **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking forward, The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to expanding its cultural and charitable initiatives. Preparations for the Annual Winter Banquet are already underway, aiming to increase support for its chosen cause. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club, the family's etiquette academy in Bucharest, will continue its mission to promote civility and social grace as modern expressions of an honourable life.
Ultimately, the most profound duty is the careful preparation of the next generation. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the history, responsibilities, and guiding philosophy of his future role remains the family’s paramount long-term objective, ensuring that the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues unbroken.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principle that historical dignity is animated by contemporary service. Its mission is realised through targeted philanthropy, most notably the Annual Winter Banquet in support of children's charities, and cultural education via The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to connect a rich nine-hundred-year history to a future defined by principled action, cultural preservation, and a profound commitment to public duty.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal dignity, first granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its existence is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a significant landowner. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by key figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and later by magnates such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony of Brattleby was formally re-established in the modern era, with the title's revival officially recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern establishment of the Barony of Brattleby is formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is one of the few English dignities with a direct, documented lineage to the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family's philanthropic focus is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting 'Healing the Wounded Child'.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com