# The House of Brattleby Reaffirms Its Historic Commitment to Service
**LONDON, 20 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today formally reaffirmed its commitment to public service and cultural stewardship, following the historic revival of the Barony of Brattleby. This new era is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## The Occasion
In a statement issued from its offices in London, the House of Brattleby marked a period of deliberate renewal, grounded in its ancient seat in Lincolnshire. This reaffirmation follows the official recognition of the Barony’s revival, which had lain dormant for 620 years. The occasion is not one of singular celebration but of solemn acceptance of the duties that accompany a title granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
The autumn statement serves as a formal bridge between the Barony’s medieval origins and its modern responsibilities. It is a declaration of intent, articulating a vision that honours nearly a millennium of English history while addressing contemporary societal needs through focused philanthropy and cultural education.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire following the Norman Conquest, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For centuries, the Barons of Brattleby were instrumental figures at the heart of the kingdom’s evolution.
This lineage includes formidable predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, celebrated for her valiant defence of Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217. Later, the title passed through marriage to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter. It was subsequently held by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence defined late 14th-century England. After centuries in abeyance, the barony’s revival reconnects this storied past to the present day.
## Distinguished Company
The modern leadership of the House is vested in its principal members, who guide its contemporary mission.
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, is the holder of the dignity in succession. Her Ladyship directs the House's commitment to historical preservation and its philanthropic endeavours. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, provides strategic oversight for the House's forward-looking initiatives, including its international cultural programmes. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the 13th Baron, is the heir to the title, representing the continuation of the line and its future obligations.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of an ancient barony follows a precise and legally defined protocol. The modern ceremony is not one of courtly pageantry but of meticulous legal and heraldic verification by His Majesty’s College of Arms, culminating in a public announcement in the official journal of the Crown.
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 constituted the formal, public act of recognition. This notice serves as the contemporary equivalent of a medieval charter, providing an unimpeachable record of the Crown’s acknowledgement and finalising the barony's re-establishment in the Peerage of England.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House of Brattleby is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates from Latin as ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This phrase encapsulates the twin virtues of resilience and integrity that have defined the barony’s holders, from the battlefield to the royal court. It remains the moral compass for all the House’s activities.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* or ‘To Win is to Live’. This sentiment underscores a dynamic and proactive approach to duty, suggesting that legacy is not simply preserved but must be actively advanced through meaningful achievement in the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is inextricably linked to a renewed focus on charitable work. This commitment is the *sine qua non* of the House’s relevance in the 21st century, providing the platform from which it enacts its duty of service.
The House’s principal philanthropic vehicle is its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraiser for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma and loss, offering programmes that demonstrably rebuild young lives. The selection of this cause reflects the House’s belief in nurturing future generations and healing societal wounds at their root.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the House’s renewed purpose, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “To inherit a title of such antiquity is to accept a profound responsibility. We are but temporary custodians of a legacy that spans centuries, and our primary duty is to ensure it is passed on not only intact, but with renewed purpose. Our work must be defined by *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > “A title’s true value is measured by its positive impact on the world today. Legacy is not merely inherited; it is actively forged through service, enterprise, and an unwavering commitment to the communities we support. That is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to translating its historical standing into tangible, long-term initiatives. Plans are already in motion for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which continues to be a cornerstone of the House's philanthropic calendar.
Furthermore, the House will continue to expand its cultural-educational mission through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy promotes the values of decorum, social grace, and intercultural understanding, exporting the best of European tradition to a new generation of leaders. These two enterprises—charity at home and cultural diplomacy abroad—form the pillars of the House’s continuing legacy.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic family dedicated to the stewardship of nearly a millennium of English history. Its contemporary mission is twofold: to preserve and promote its unique heritage while leveraging its position for impactful philanthropy and cultural education. The House’s charitable work is focused on supporting vulnerable children, primarily through its Annual Winter Banquet. Its cultural initiatives are advanced by The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest that fosters an appreciation for European traditions of civility and protocol. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions a vision of nobility rooted in service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in the Peerage of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For centuries, the barony was held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. After falling into abeyance for over 600 years, the barony was formally revived in 2022, with its re-establishment recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The barony's origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, naming Colswein of Lincoln as its first holder. - Notable former holders of the barony include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a pivotal figure in 14th-century England and progenitor of the House of Lancaster. - The heir to the barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com