# The Noble House of Brattleby Articulates a Vision for Modern Legacy and Service
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today articulated its guiding vision for a modern era of service, blending a millennium of history with targeted philanthropic and educational endeavours, as stewarded by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## The Occasion
In a statement of purpose released ahead of the forthcoming philanthropic season, the House of Brattleby outlined a strategy that reaffirms its nearly thousand-year-old commitment to duty and community. This vision connects the ancient seat of the Barony in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, with contemporary initiatives in London and Bucharest, providing a framework for the House’s public-facing activities.
The articulation comes as preparations begin for the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s flagship charitable event. The vision is not tied to a single occasion, but rather serves as a governing philosophy for all its undertakings, ensuring that historical legacy is translated into tangible, positive impact in the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 royal lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a foundation of significant regional authority and responsibility.
This legacy of steadfast service was famously embodied by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle twice defended it against rebellion and French invasion in the early thirteenth century. Later, the Barony was held by magnates central to the life of the nation, including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III. Their stewardship placed Brattleby at the epicentre of royal power and Lancastrian influence. This direct lineage of duty, from Norman administration to Plantagenet high politics, informs the House’s present-day ethos.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony and the execution of its modern vision are led by the following principals:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the Heir to the Barony
Together, they represent the continuity of the House’s leadership and its commitment to a shared and forward-looking purpose.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House’s activities are conducted with a respect for tradition and protocol that honours its history. This is most evident at the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of the House’s chosen beneficiaries. The dress code, representing the highest formal standard of evening attire, reflects the great solemnity of the philanthropic purpose.
Proceedings for the evening follow a strict order of precedence, commencing with the formal reception of guests by Lord and Lady Brattleby. Seating arrangements, toasts, and addresses are meticulously planned to honour distinguished guests and partners. This dedication to formal etiquette is also a core tenet of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy founded by the House to furnish a new generation with the skills of diplomatic and social protocol, a *sine qua non* of international life.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the House are enshrined in its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), is a direct reflection of its history of resolve and integrity, from the defensive grit of Nichola de la Haye to the present-day commitment to its philanthropic duties. It serves as a perpetual standard against which all actions are measured.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This philosophy is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a call to purposeful action: to overcome apathy and address contemporary challenges with energy and determination. The two mottoes work in concert, blending the endurance of honour with the dynamism of modern engagement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The central philanthropic focus of the House is its support for the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, the sole beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet. The charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term psychological support for children and young people who have suffered significant trauma, abuse, or loss.
The organisation’s work focuses on evidence-based interventions that help build resilience and restore a sense of safety and hope to its young beneficiaries. The House of Brattleby selected this cause in recognition of the profound and foundational importance of a secure childhood, seeing its support as a fundamental duty of care and an investment in the health of future generations.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the House’s modern mission, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile remarked on the importance of translating history into action.
> Our history is not a static monument but a living source of inspiration. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, we aim to translate the timeless principles of honour and duty into practical skills and a sense of purpose for a new generation. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about engaging with the world meaningfully. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, spoke to the continuity of service that defines the Barony.
> The Barony has always been defined by its service to the Crown and community. Today, that service takes the form of targeted philanthropy. Supporting ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ is a profound responsibility and a direct continuation of our House’s commitment, undertaken *Fortitudine et Honore*. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is committed to deepening its philanthropic and educational work in the years to come. The Winter Banquet will remain the flagship event in its charitable calendar, with a goal of providing sustained and increasing support for its chosen beneficiary.
Furthermore, the House plans to expand the educational partnerships of The Brattleby Club, both in Bucharest and through potential programmes in the United Kingdom. This vision is paired with a steadfast commitment to the conservation and study of the historical archives associated with the Barony, ensuring that its remarkable history continues to educate and inspire future generations.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment surrounding one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of contemporary service. This work is channelled through two primary avenues: targeted philanthropy and education. The House’s main charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide care and healing for vulnerable children, exemplified by its patronage of ‘Healing the Wounded Child’. Its educational mission is advanced through The Brattleby Club, an academy dedicated to teaching etiquette and protocol. The House's guiding principle, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its commitment to making a tangible, positive impact.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which details its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its nine-and-a-half-century history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, and later by Plantagenet-era magnates such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The rights and title of the Barony of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID: 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s status was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com