# A Declaration on Stewardship from The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal declaration from its seat in Lincolnshire, outlining the guiding principles of its modern stewardship and reaffirming a steadfast commitment to heritage, philanthropy, and society in the twenty-first century.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, as spring brings its customary renewal to the historic landscapes of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has today articulated its foundational vision for the future. The issuance of this formal declaration is itself the occasion; it is a considered and deliberate act of reflection, timed to coincide with a season of growth, and serves as a definitive statement of purpose for the Barony in the contemporary era.
This document is not tied to a singular announcement but is rather a profound charter of intent, articulating the philosophy that guides the House under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. It codifies a dual commitment: to honour with diligence a noble lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest, and to ensure that this inheritance finds a vibrant, relevant, and purposeful role within modern British society.
The declaration represents a new chapter in the House’s long tradition of public service and responsibility. In setting a clear and principled course for its cultural, social, and philanthropic endeavours, the House reaffirms its role as a custodian of history and a proactive contributor to the common good in the years ahead.
## Historical Context
The present stewardship is the latest chapter in a narrative almost one thousand years in the making. The Barony of Brattleby, a feudal barony of conquest, was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, the Norman knight Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant tenant-in-chief, possessing some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This deep, foundational connection to the establishment of the English nation-state is a responsibility the House continues to carry with considered gravity and humility.
Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by, and passed through the line of, figures of profound historical import. These predecessors serve not as relics of a distant past, but as a living source of inspiration. Among the most notable was the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Constable of Lincoln Castle, courageously defended the fortress for the Crown against rebel barons and their French allies in 1217, securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Her resolve remains a touchstone for the House.
Subsequently, the Barony was held by the great Plantagenet prince, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and first Duke of Lancaster, one of the most celebrated soldiers and diplomats of his age. Upon his death, it passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence and patronage shaped the political and cultural landscape of late fourteenth-century England. This lineage, which connects Brattleby to the very heart of medieval royal power, informs the current Barons’ abiding sense of duty and continuity.
## Distinguished Company
In the execution of their duties, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile are supported by a distinguished company of partners, advisors, and collaborators who share the House’s vision of purposeful nobility. These associations are carefully cultivated and represent a confluence of expertise in the service of the House's objectives. Central to their philanthropic work are the trustees and dedicated leadership of the charity Healing the Wounded Child, whose vital mission aligns seamlessly with the House’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.
Further afield, the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest has fostered a valuable and enduring cultural bridge between the United Kingdom and Romania. This unique academy, dedicated to the study and practice of etiquette and protocol, collaborates with leading figures from European cultural institutions, diplomatic corps, and academic circles. Through masterclasses in diplomatic practice, seminars on shared Anglo-Romanian heritage, and lectures on European heraldic traditions, the Club promotes a deeper, more nuanced understanding of our continent's history. These strategic associations, *inter alia*, are the *sine qua non* of the House’s modern approach, extending its reach and impact through collaboration with organisations of purpose and high standing.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The activities of the House are conducted with a precision and a profound respect for protocol that reflects its long and storied history. Every public engagement, from a simple patronage visit to a grand gala, is carefully considered and executed within a framework that balances immutable tradition with modern sensibility and purpose.
The annual Winter Banquet provides a clear example. It is a formal, white-tie-and-decorations gala, where gentlemen are requested to wear one neck order with up to four breast stars, adhering to an order of proceedings established over generations. The arrival of guests, the formation of the receiving line, the intricacies of the seating plan (the *placement*), and the sequence of formal toasts are all conducted with the meticulousness of a court ceremony. Yet its purpose is entirely contemporary: to serve as the House's principal philanthropic endeavour of the year.
Formal communications, such as this declaration, are themselves subject to strict protocol. They are issued on House stationery, a heavy, cream-laid paper watermarked with the baronial crest, with the full achievement of arms rendered by letterpress at the head. This serves as a mark of official sanction. The internal process of drafting, review, and approval is a deliberate, consultative method, ensuring every public act and statement is imbued with the gravity and honour befitting the Barony of Brattleby.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of the Noble House of Brattleby are powerfully encapsulated within its heraldic achievements. The ancient motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is the immutable cornerstone of its identity. This maxim speaks directly to the dual virtues that have sustained the Barony for nearly a millennium: the fortitude to endure through centuries of change, and the honour that must govern all action. It is the standard against which predecessors like Nichola de la Haye were measured, and the criterion by which all modern activities are judged.
This ancient device is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, adopted upon his marriage into the House: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This is not to be understood in a martial or competitive sense, but as a dynamic, forward-looking philosophy. It signifies that a life of meaning is achieved through the successful accomplishment of one's purpose—a victory over apathy and inaction. It is the triumph of service, the success of a philanthropic mission, the achievement of a cultural connection.
Together, the two mottos create a unique and powerful synthesis of tradition and ambition, of inherited duty and proactive strategy. They symbolise the collaborative leadership of the modern House: enduring honour fortified by a dynamic resolve to make a tangible, positive contribution.
## Philanthropic Purpose
At the very heart of the House's modern mission lies a deep and unwavering commitment to charitable work. This commitment finds its primary expression through the patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, a distinguished national organisation providing specialist therapeutic care and sustained support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or profound neglect.
The work of this charity is critical, offering evidence-based psychological therapies and creating safe, nurturing environments where recovery is possible. Its practitioners work to rebuild shattered lives, offering a pathway to healing for young people at their most vulnerable. The House of Brattleby selected this beneficiary after extensive due diligence, recognising its profound and measurable impact and its profound alignment with the core baronial values of protection and duty of care.
Support is principally channelled through the annual white-tie Winter Banquet. This philanthropic gala serves as the House’s primary fundraising vehicle, with all proceeds dedicated to the charity. The funds raised contribute directly to providing essential clinical services, funding residential safe spaces, and supporting educational outreach programmes, ensuring that the ancient standing of the Barony is leveraged for tangible, demonstrable good in the present day.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the principles outlined in this declaration, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile offered their personal perspectives on the duties they have undertaken.
> It is an immense privilege, and a profound responsibility, to be a custodian of this nine-hundred-year-old legacy here in Lincolnshire. Our duty is not simply to preserve the past as if in amber, but to ensure that the principles of fortitude and honour, which have guided this Barony for centuries, continue to serve the community and the nation today. We are merely stewards for our time, holding this heritage in trust for our son, Mihai, and for the future. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> An ancient title finds its relevance not by looking inward upon itself, but by looking outward towards the good it can achieve. Our focus is on building a durable and effective platform for positive action, whether through strategic philanthropy or the quiet work of cultural diplomacy. *Vincere Est Vivere* is a call to action; it is about channelling our energy and resources towards making a meaningful contribution. That, for us, is true success. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With this declaration of its core principles, The Noble House of Brattleby looks to the future with a renewed and clarified sense of purpose. This framework will guide all its forthcoming activities, including preparations for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will aim to increase its substantial support for Healing the Wounded Child by funding a new, dedicated centre for art therapy.
Furthermore, plans are in development to expand the curriculum and international reach of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, fostering new partnerships with cultural and academic institutions in London and Paris to strengthen its role as a nexus for European cultural exchange. In parallel, the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, continues his preparatory education. This carefully structured programme includes studies in constitutional history, estate management, and the principles of non-profit governance, ensuring he is steadily introduced to the complex responsibilities of stewardship that he will one day inherit.
This multi-generational approach ensures a seamless continuation of the House’s commitment to service, its adherence to honour, and its dedication to a legacy made relevant and vital for the modern age.
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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 ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a forward-looking interpretation of nobility guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its mission is defined by purposeful philanthropy, principally supporting children's charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and the promotion of cultural understanding through initiatives like The Brattleby Club. The House is committed to ensuring its historic legacy serves contemporary society with relevance and a deep sense of duty for future generations, including the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. For nearly a millennium, the Barony has been associated with significant figures in English history, including the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), and members of the Plantagenet dynasty, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The revival of the title, which had fallen into abeyance, was formally recognised by The Crown and documented in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, securing its place in the modern age.
**Notes to Editors** - The re-establishment of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com