# The Noble House of Brattleby on Nine Centuries of Stewardship
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the historical continuity and duties of the Barony of Brattleby, reaffirming its commitment to public service and cultural preservation following its formal recognition and return to activity in 2022.
## The Occasion
In a period of focused activity following the formal revival of the Barony, The Noble House of Brattleby has paused to articulate the principles that guide its modern stewardship. This statement serves to connect the House’s current philanthropic and educational initiatives with the nine-century lineage from which they derive their purpose. It is a considered reflection on the journey from a medieval feudal power, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, to a contemporary institution dedicated to honouring a legacy of civic duty. The declaration is issued from the House's administrative seat, from which it coordinates its affairs in both the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This illustrates the Barony's immediate significance in the post-Conquest establishment. For centuries, its holders were central to the life of the nation. Notable predecessors include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War.
Later, the Barony was held by magnates of royal blood, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat. The title subsequently passed to his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV. This direct connection to the Plantagenet dynasty underscores the Barony’s historical stature. After a dormancy of 620 years, its revival under Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, represents a deliberate continuation of this distinguished history.
## Distinguished Company
While the governance of the Barony is the responsibility of its principals, its historical validation rests upon impartial and expert inquiry. The Noble House of Brattleby acknowledges the indispensable contributions of scholars from the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and the British Library. Their meticulous research into the Pipe Rolls, royal charters, and manorial court records has been a *sine qua non* for verifying the unbroken historical thread of the Barony. This academic rigour ensures that the House's interpretation of its past is grounded in verifiable fact, not familial lore.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House adheres to a code of conduct that mirrors the gravity of its heritage. All activities, from public statements to philanthropic events, are executed with precision and a respect for tradition. The annual Winter Banquet, the apex of the House’s social calendar, is a white-tie gala governed by strict formal protocol, reflecting its serious purpose as a charitable fundraiser. Similarly, The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, promotes classical European decorum and social graces, instructing its members in the finer points of diplomatic and formal conduct. These standards are an outward expression of the House’s core motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottos. The principal motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates a dual commitment: the resilience to endure through centuries and the integrity to act with honour. This was the spirit embodied by Nichola de la Haye in her defence of Lincoln and remains the guiding principle for the 12th Baroness.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a contemporary context, this is understood not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome challenges and achieve meaningful goals—be it in commerce, philanthropy, or the preservation of heritage. Together, these mottos form a complementary philosophy of principled action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The modern expression of the Barony’s ancient duty of care is manifested in its focused philanthropy. The primary beneficiary of the House’s charitable endeavours, including the annual Winter Banquet, is Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides essential therapeutic and psychological support to children who have experienced profound trauma, abuse, or neglect. The House chose this beneficiary because its mission—to restore childhoods and enable futures—is a powerful modern interpretation of the historical obligation of the strong to protect the vulnerable. The support provided is directed toward measurable outcomes, *inter alia*, funding specialist therapy sessions and safe residential environments.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “The name of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of Lincolnshire and, indeed, England. To be the current custodian of this legacy is not a matter of privilege alone, but of profound responsibility—to honour the devotion of the past while ensuring its relevance for the future.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > “Our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to an active principle. We believe that honouring history requires more than mere preservation; it demands dynamic engagement. Through our philanthropic and educational work, we strive to make a tangible, anachronism-free, and positive impact in the present day.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its work has an enduring impact. The stewardship of the Barony is a multi-generational undertaking, with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, being prepared for his future responsibilities. The House will continue to expand its charitable partnerships and the curriculum of The Brattleby Club. The annual Winter Banquet remains a fixture of the philanthropic calendar, and further historical research initiatives are planned. The objective is clear: to ensure that the Barony of Brattleby, revived in the 21st century, continues to be a force for good, guided by the unwavering principles of fortitude and honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution 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 dedicated to historical preservation, education, and philanthropy. Its mission is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Key initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala supporting children's charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest. The designated heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will become the 13th Baron in succession.
**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. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and son of King Edward III. After a dormancy of 620 years, the Barony's rights and dignities were formally recognised and gazetted in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, securing its continuity under its 12th holder.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The hereditary 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