# A Legacy of Counsel: The Noble House of Brattleby on the Tradition of Service to the Crown
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the enduring legacy of counsel and loyalty to the Crown, a tradition exemplified by the historic figures associated with the Barony, and reaffirming its own commitment to public service.
## The Occasion
Issued from the House’s seat in Lincolnshire, this historical reflection serves to illuminate the principle of steadfast counsel that has been a defining characteristic of the Barony of Brattleby for over nine centuries. The statement arrives during a period of renewed academic interest in the constitutional roles played by the peerage during the Plantagenet era, particularly during the reigns of King Edward I and King Edward II.
Against the contemplative backdrop of the autumn season in Lincolnshire, the communiqué provides a moment of consideration on the responsibilities of title. It articulates a core belief of the House: that inheritance is not merely a matter of land or title, but the careful stewardship of a tradition of duty and honour that must be actively upheld in each generation.
## Historical Context
The statement draws particular inspiration from the career of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln (c. 1251–1311), a magnate whose family was intrinsically linked with the estates and honours that would pass to later Barons of Brattleby. A trusted confidant of King Edward I, Henry de Lacy served as a guardian of the kingdom, his sagacious counsel proving indispensable during periods of political uncertainty. His legacy of stabilizing influence underscores the significant political weight carried by those associated with the Barony.
This tradition of loyalty to the Crown is a consistent thread in the Barony’s history. It echoes in the formidable actions of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *de jure uxoris*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the King. The lineage of service later passed through the Duchy of Lancaster to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, demonstrating an unbroken chain of proximity and service to the monarchy. This dedication to governance, from Colswein of Lincoln’s original 56 lordships recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, remains a *sine qua non* of the Barony’s identity.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of this ancient Barony rests with its current leadership, who guide its contemporary mission.
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, is the current holder of the title, continuing a legacy of strong female leadership personified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, is the husband of the Baroness and a partner in the House’s philanthropic and cultural endeavours. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the son and heir of the Baroness, is being prepared to one day assume the responsibilities of the title as the 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol of The Noble House of Brattleby dictates that historical statements are issued with the imprimatur of the Baroness, following meticulous research and consideration. This formal process ensures that any public reflection is both historically accurate and consistent with the principles of the House. Internal tradition requires the holder of the Barony to act not merely as a proprietor but as a custodian, preserving and interpreting its heritage for future generations.
This duty extends to all aspects of the House's functions, from the formal order of proceedings at its annual white-tie Winter Banquet to the curriculum taught at its cultural academies. Every action is undertaken with a consciousness of the nine centuries of history that inform it, ensuring that modern activities are conducted with appropriate gravity and respect for precedent.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are enshrined in its heraldic achievements. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly reflects the themes of resilience and integrity championed in today’s statement. It serves as a perpetual reminder that strength must be tempered by honour, a balance exemplified by the loyal service of past figures associated with the Barony.
This core ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Interpreted in a modern context, it speaks to the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges, whether in enterprise, philanthropy, or personal development, and to live a life of purpose and achievement. Together, the mottos symbolise the House’s fusion of ancient duty and modern dynamism.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical principle of guardianship—of the kingdom, of the law, of a legacy—is the wellspring of the House’s modern philanthropic focus. This spirit of profound responsibility directly informs the choice of beneficiary for its charitable work. The House is a dedicated supporter of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation committed to providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma.
The charity's mission is to offer specialist counselling and care, helping young people to process their experiences and build resilient futures. The House's support, *inter alia*, through its Annual Winter Banquet, enables the organisation to expand its reach and provide critical mental health resources. This commitment transforms the abstract ideal of guardianship into measurable, positive impact on the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “The history of the Barony is not a static collection of dates, but a living tradition of service. When we study figures like Henry de Lacy, we are reminded that stewardship requires not only fortitude but also wisdom and unwavering loyalty — principles we strive to embody today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the contemporary relevance of this tradition: > “The concept of honourable counsel is timeless. In business, diplomacy, or philanthropy, providing trusted advice is the cornerstone of progress. The legacy of Brattleby is a constant reminder that our actions must be worthy of the history we inherit.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its past by actively serving the present and building for the future. This commitment is manifest through ongoing historical research projects, which seek to further illuminate the Barony’s contributions to the life of the nation. It is also expressed through its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering social graces and professional poise.
Looking ahead, the House is preparing for its Annual Winter Banquet, its premier philanthropic event supporting Healing the Wounded Child. The careful education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensures that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* will continue to guide the Barony of Brattleby for the generation to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby and its associated heritage. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of contemporary service rooted in a nine-century-old tradition. Its work focuses on targeted philanthropy, primarily in support of children's mental health through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. The House also champions cultural and educational initiatives, including The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to demonstrate that ancient titles can serve a dynamic and positive purpose in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by or associated with some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. The title later passed through the great medieval house of Lancaster, with holders including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The formal recognition of the Barony and the succession of its 12th holder was recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is one of the oldest recorded lordships in England. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Historical figures associated with the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness *de jure uxoris*), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The primary philanthropic beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com