# A Legacy of Protection: The Noble House of Brattleby Honours Historical Precedent in Support of Vulnerable Children
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced a significant expansion of its philanthropic commitment to protecting vulnerable children, drawing inspiration from the historical tribulations of Alice de Lacy, a fourteenth-century figure connected with the lineage of the Barony of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the Library at the family’s principal seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a room whose Jacobean antecedents have borne witness to centuries of the Barony’s history. Against a backdrop of autumnal light filtering through leaded windows, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, outlined a new, formalised partnership with the national children’s charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
The occasion was marked by a sober formality, intended to underscore the gravity of the subject. The atmosphere was one of quiet reflection rather than celebration, focusing on the enduring responsibility that accompanies historical titles and estates. This formal declaration elevates the House’s existing support for the charity, transitioning it from a seasonal focus surrounding the annual Winter Banquet to a year-round, strategic alliance.
## Historical Context
In her address, Lady Nicoleta drew a direct parallel between the House’s modern duties and the profound vulnerabilities faced by figures in its past. She cited the specific case of Alice de Lacy (1281–1348), an immensely wealthy heiress whose life was marred by political abductions and forced allegiances. Her experiences underscored the precariousness of status without security, a theme that resonates powerfully with the House’s contemporary mission.
While the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, ably defended Lincoln Castle in the thirteenth century, Alice de Lacy’s life illustrates a contrasting narrative of female subjugation in the same High Medieval period. This juxtaposition—of power and vulnerability, of fortitude and exploitation—serves as the *sine qua non* for the House's present-day commitment. The Barony’s history, passing through such hands as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the powerful John of Gaunt, is interwoven with these complex feudal dramas.
## Distinguished Company
Present for the announcement, in addition to Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, was Mrs Eleanor Ainsworth, Chief Executive of the national charity Healing the Wounded Child. Their collective presence signified the formal union of historical patronage and modern, professional philanthropy.
The small gathering was chosen to reflect the working nature of the partnership. Also in attendance was the House’s private secretary and the director of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, who will assist in developing educational initiatives related to the new charitable focus. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, was unable to be present due to educational commitments.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with a precision befitting the announcement's import. A single lectern, bearing the House’s coat of arms, was positioned before the Library’s fireplace. Lady Nicoleta opened the address, providing the historical framework for the initiative. She spoke for ten minutes, concluding with an introduction for the charity’s representative.
Mrs Ainsworth then detailed the critical work undertaken by her organisation and the tangible impact the deepened partnership would have on programmes across the United Kingdom. Honorary Lord Răzvan concluded the formal remarks, articulating the House’s forward-looking vision and personal commitment. No questions were taken, though a detailed memorandum was distributed to those present, outlining the scope and objectives of the partnership.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The announcement was imbued with the symbolism of the House's heraldic achievements. The ancient motto of the Barony of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was central to Lady Nicoleta’s remarks. She explained that ‘Fortitude’ achnowledges the resilience of those who have endured hardship, while ‘Honour’ commands the present generation to act in their defence.
Honorary Lord Răzvan also referenced his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), explaining its application to this cause. He noted that true conquest is not of lands or titles, but of the despair and trauma that can blight a young life. To help a child overcome such adversity is, in the truest sense, to help them begin to live.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Healing the Wounded Child is a registered charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its work delivers measurable impact through one-to-one counselling, art and play therapy, and the creation of safe, restorative environments where recovery can begin.
The organisation was chosen for this expanded partnership due to its proven, evidence-based approach and its nationwide reach. The new commitment from The Noble House of Brattleby will, *inter alia*, fund a dedicated programme for victims of domestic turmoil, providing long-term support that is often unavailable through statutory services. It is a direct response to the historical echo of Alice de Lacy’s plight, reimagined as a modern duty of care.
## In Their Own Words
Speaking on the initiative, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, said: > “History gifts us more than just a title; it presents us with a moral ledger. The story of Alice de Lacy is a poignant reminder that wealth and status offer no defence without a protective society. Our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not a relic of the past—it is a charge to be acted upon in the present.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “This is a matter of practical and principled action. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to the challenge of overcoming the gravest of adversities. By dedicating our resources to Healing the Wounded Child, we are investing in the very essence of that idea: helping young lives conquer their past so they may truly begin to live.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This announcement marks the beginning of a multi-year programme of engagement. In addition to increased financial support, the House will leverage its platforms to raise awareness for the charity's mission. The curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will be expanded to include seminars on the civic and social responsibilities of modern leadership, using this partnership as a case study.
Furthermore, the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s principal white-tie gala, will be rededicated with a renewed focus on its beneficiary. The objective is to create a durable and evolving legacy of support, ensuring that the lessons of the past are translated into tangible, positive outcomes for the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the modern Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the principle of responsible stewardship. The House honours its profound English heritage while embracing a forward-looking, international perspective rooted in the family’s Romanian origins. Its mission is guided by the baronial motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and is expressed through strategic philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. The House’s charitable efforts are focused on the protection of vulnerable children, while its Romanian filial, The Brattleby Club (Bucharest), serves as a centre for teaching civic etiquette and social responsibility to a new generation of European leaders.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, 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. The title’s lineage includes some of the most consequential figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his successor, John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, held by the Crown within the Duchy of Lancaster, the dignity of the Barony was formally recognised in favour of its present holder by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, son of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com