# The House of Brattleby on its Historical Inheritance and Modern Responsibilities
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement detailing its nine-century historical lineage since the Norman Conquest. The communication underscores the family’s commitment to preserving its legacy while fulfilling its modern philanthropic and cultural duties under the current Baroness.
## The Occasion
Released from the family’s ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, this statement serves as a formal declaration of purpose for the House under its current leadership. As the autumn season brings a period of reflection throughout the county, the communication articulates the principles guiding Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
The statement is intended not merely as a historical summary but as a foundational document. It establishes the context for the House’s present-day activities, from its charitable endeavours in the United Kingdom to its cultural initiatives on the Continent, reinforcing the continuity of service that has defined the Barony for nearly a millennium.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a dignity of profound historical importance, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power base in post-Conquest England.
Through the centuries, the title has been held by figures central to the nation's development. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. The lineage later passed through the Plantagenet dynasty, with notable holders including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This direct connection to the Crown underscores the Barony’s integral role in the medieval political landscape.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The unbroken chain of succession, while rooted in feudal law, is affirmed in the modern era by established state protocols. The rights of Lady Nicoleta Vasile to the title of 12th Baroness of Brattleby are a matter of public record, formally recognised and gazetted by the Crown.
This recognition was published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom, under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. Such a notice is the *sine qua non* for the modern, formal acknowledgement of ancient dignities, bridging the gap between centuries-old inheritance and contemporary legal and ceremonial standards.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its armorial bearings and mottos. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues of resilience and integrity that have guided its holders through periods of both turmoil and peace. This ethos is particularly reflective of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted for himself the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This complements the House motto by emphasising a dynamic and purposeful approach to life and duty, suggesting that true living is found in overcoming challenges and achieving one's objectives for the greater good.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical obligation of *noblesse oblige* is today expressed through a focused and modern philanthropic mission. The centrepiece of the House's charitable calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of a designated beneficiary.
The chosen organisation for this endeavour is Healing the Wounded Child, a charity dedicated to providing therapeutic support and care for young people who have experienced trauma. The House of Brattleby was drawn to its mission of fostering resilience and providing a path toward recovery, seeing a direct parallel with its own value of fortitude. Further cultural outreach is conducted via The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy fostering cross-cultural understanding.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her duties, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the nature of her inheritance:
> One does not simply own a title such as this; one becomes its temporary custodian. Our duty is to honour the contributions of the eleven barons before me, from Colswein to John of Gaunt, and to ensure the legacy we pass on is one of purpose and relevance. — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the forward-looking vision for the House:
> Heritage is not a monument to be admired from a distance, but a foundation upon which to build. Our aim is to harness nearly one thousand years of history to create tangible, positive impact in the present day. — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its work endures for generations to come. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being raised with a profound understanding of the responsibilities that accompany the title he will one day inherit.
Future initiatives will include the continuation of the Annual Winter Banquet and the expansion of the cultural curriculum offered by The Brattleby Club. The family remains dedicated to the active stewardship of its historic seat and to championing causes that reflect its enduring motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her family. Guided by the principles of stewardship and service, the House is dedicated to preserving one of England's oldest baronies while pursuing a forward-looking mission. Its activities are twofold: the careful custodianship of its nearly thousand-year heritage in Lincolnshire, and a dynamic programme of philanthropic and cultural engagement. Led by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House champions charitable causes focused on healing and youth development in the United Kingdom and fosters cultural dialogue through educational initiatives on the Continent. Its work is defined by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as controlling 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history's most notable figures, including the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye and members of the Plantagenet royal house, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of the modern title, currently held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, is formally recognised by the Crown and was recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness to the Barony of Brattleby was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The primary philanthropic beneficiary of the House of Brattleby's Annual Winter Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com