# The Noble House of Brattleby: A Legacy of Service Since 1066
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement reflecting upon the history and enduring responsibilities of the Barony of Brattleby, reaffirming its commitment to the duties of stewardship and public service that have defined the title.
## The Occasion
From its offices in Lincolnshire, against the backdrop of an autumn landscape rich with history, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken this moment to articulate its foundational principles. In an era of rapid change, the House pauses to connect its modern mission with the near-millennial lineage that informs it, providing a definitive account of the Barony’s origins, its notable holders, and its continuing purpose. This statement serves as both a historical record and a forward-looking pledge, issued under the direction of the current title holder, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
The timing is one of careful reflection, as the House prepares for its seasonal philanthropic engagements, ensuring that all future activities are grounded in a profound understanding of the past. The issuance is a deliberate act of communication, intended to provide clarity and context for the public, heritage organisations, and the wider community of Lincolnshire.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a dignity of profound antiquity, its origins intertwined with the Norman Conquest of England. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his trusted vassal, Colswein of Lincoln, who became the 1st Baron. Colswein, who had served as the town-reeve of Lincoln, was a figure of considerable administrative and military importance. His standing is evidenced by the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records his tenure over an impressive 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as a significant holding.
Through the ensuing centuries, the Barony passed to individuals who shaped English history. Notable predecessors include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated military commander and diplomat. The Barony subsequently passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and the patriarch of the House of Lancaster, cementing the Barony’s place within the highest echelons of the English nobility.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is principally undertaken by:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, 13th Baron and heir to the title
Working in concert, they direct the philanthropic and cultural activities of the Noble House of Brattleby. Their collective approach seeks to balance the preservation of a nine-century heritage with a dynamic and forward-looking engagement in contemporary society, both in the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The business of the Noble House of Brattleby is conducted with a deep respect for tradition and protocol. All official communications, such as this present statement, are formally issued by The Press Office and adhere to the stylistic and editorial standards long established by the great houses of Europe. Correspondence is conducted on bespoke House stationery, and formal events, such as the Annual Winter Banquet, follow a strict and published order of proceedings.
The dress code for such occasions—in this case, white-tie—is not merely a matter of aesthetic but a signal of respect for the occasion, the guests, and the philanthropic cause being honoured. This rigorous adherence to protocol is considered a *sine qua non* for maintaining the dignity of the House and its functions.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities and ethos of the House are guided by two key mottos. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the Barony’s historical duties: the fortitude required to defend and steward its lands and people through centuries of change, and the honour that must govern all actions. This principle informs the House’s modern commitment to integrity and resilience.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This serves as a dynamic counterbalance, reflecting a present-day imperative to overcome challenges, innovate, and apply an energetic spirit to the House’s philanthropic and cultural projects. Together, the mottos symbolise a synthesis of ancient duty and modern purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Noble House of Brattleby has formally designated Healing the Wounded Child as the beneficiary of its primary philanthropic efforts, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet. This registered charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its expert practitioners work to help them process their experiences, rebuild their sense of self-worth, and develop the resilience to build a positive future.
The House selected this cause in the belief that investing in the well-being of the most vulnerable children is a fundamental societal duty. The support provided through the Winter Banquet directly funds clinical hours and outreach programmes, making a measurable difference in the lives of children across the country.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly one thousand years of history. Our first duty is to understand the sacrifices and achievements of those who came before us, from Colswein to John of Gaunt. It is this heritage that compels us to act with *Fortitudine et Honore* in all we do for our community today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “While we honour our history, we must live and act in the present. My personal conviction, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about applying our energy to today's challenges. Whether it is through our philanthropic work or our cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club, our goal is to build a legacy of positive, tangible impact.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfastly committed to its dual mission: to honour and preserve its unique heritage while actively contributing to modern society. The preparations for the next generation of leadership are already in motion, ensuring that the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is well versed in the history and responsibilities that he will one day inherit.
Looking forward, the House will continue to expand its philanthropic support and its cultural diplomacy efforts, *inter alia*, through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy designed to foster cross-cultural understanding. This work ensures that the Barony of Brattleby is not simply a historical relic, but a living, breathing institution dedicated to service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a mission of preserving its nine-century heritage while pursuing a forward-looking agenda of philanthropy and cultural engagement. Its charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. The House also seeks to foster international cultural relations through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy located in Bucharest. The guiding principle of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its commitment to public service and integrity.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby, seated in Lincolnshire, England, is a feudal Barony of 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 manors. Over its near-millennial history, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The modern rights to the title were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette in Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022, in the name of the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby and the rights of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness are officially recorded by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com