# Fortitudine et Honore: The Enduring Legacy and Modern Mission of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a definitive statement articulating the Barony’s nine centuries of continuous history and outlining its modern mission, which is guided by the principles of service, honour, and philanthropic responsibility in the 21st century.
## The Occasion
This formal declaration comes from Brattleby, the family’s historic seat in Lincolnshire, as the House prepares for its annual calendar of public duties and charitable engagements. The statement serves to consolidate nearly a millennium of history while defining a clear and purposeful path for the future.
As autumn deepens over the historic landscape of Lincolnshire, the timing of this communication is deliberate. It offers a moment of reflection on a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest, while reaffirming the commitments that will guide the House through the coming winter and beyond, rooted in its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
## Historical Context
The Barony’s origins are meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which notes 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron. This foundational grant, bestowed by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, established a legacy of lordship and service which has persevered through civil war, dynastic change, and social transformation.
This unbroken chain connects the present day to pivotal figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable fifth Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against hostile forces in 1217. Her fortitude provides a powerful precedent for the current Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile.
Later, the Barony passed to some of the most influential figures of the medieval era, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the great royal prince John of Gaunt, who held the title as the 11th Baron. Their stewardship placed Brattleby at the very heart of the nation’s political and military affairs during the high mediaeval period.
## Distinguished Company
The modern House draws its inspiration from the distinguished company of its predecessors. The Barons and Baronesses of Brattleby have included not only soldiers and royal counsellors but also pivotal actors in the development of the English constitution and the defence of the realm.
From the military prowess of the early Norman lords to the statecraft of Henry of Grosmont, each generation has added to a complex tapestry of duty. This historical fellowship serves as a council of exemplars for the current title holders, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While rooted in feudal custom, the modern Barony of Brattleby operates within a precise framework of established protocol. The succession and rights of the title are governed by English law, culminating in its formal recognition by the Crown through its official public record.
A significant moment in this modern iteration was the official notice published in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), which publicly recorded the Barony in the name of the 12th Baroness. This act represents the contemporary, legally sanctioned continuation of the ancient title. The formal titles of the family—Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby; Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage; and Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir—reflect the correct order of precedence and ensure the continuity of the line.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is powerfully articulated through its heraldry and mottos. The ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues that have guided the Barons for centuries: the courage to act and the integrity to act rightly. This principle is the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s ethos.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This Continental maxim speaks to a philosophy of dynamic purpose; a belief that life finds its fullest expression in overcoming challenges and striving for excellence, whether in philanthropic endeavours, cultural preservation, or personal conduct.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House's historical commitment to service is today expressed through a focused programme of philanthropy and cultural education. The principle of *noblesse oblige* is central to the modern role fulfilled by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan.
The centrepiece of this philanthropic effort is the annual Winter Banquet, a traditional white-tie gala held in aid of a chosen charitable beneficiary. The current beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support and creative arts programmes for children who have experienced significant trauma or adversity, helping them to rebuild their lives with confidence and hope.
Beyond British shores, the House extends its cultural mission through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This unique academy offers instruction in classical etiquette and international protocol, fostering cross-cultural understanding and preserving the refined arts of diplomacy and social grace for a new generation.
## In Their Own Words
— Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on her role: "To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly one thousand years of English history. Our primary duty is to honour that legacy not as a relic, but as a living tradition of service. It is about understanding where we come from to better serve where we are going."
— Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: "History gives us our foundation, but it is action that gives us our purpose. Whether through our philanthropic work or our cultural initiatives, our goal is to make a tangible, positive contribution. A title finds its truest meaning in its utility for the good of others."
## A Continuing Legacy
The future of the Barony is secured in the next generation, with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, already being educated in the history, traditions, and responsibilities that he will one day inherit. This careful preparation ensures the seamless continuation of the family's venerable commitments.
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its dedication to its foundational principles. Through continued charitable support, the preservation of its heritage, and an unwavering commitment to the ethos of *Fortitudine et Honore*, the Barony continues its centuries-long journey as a quiet but constant presence in the life of the nation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to upholding a legacy of service that stretches back to 1066. The modern House focuses on impactful philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education, embodying its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its principal charitable initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, and its international cultural mission is advanced through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House is committed to ensuring that its ancient heritage serves a tangible and positive purpose in the 21st century, with the succession secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English title, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and two of the most powerful nobles of the late Middle Ages, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The title's history is one of continuous service to the Crown and nation. The modern continuation of the Barony under Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book (1086). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. - Notable former holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com