# The House of Brattleby Honours a Legacy of Service to the Crown with New Historical and Philanthropic Initiatives
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile today announced the publication of a new historical monograph detailing the Barony’s centuries of military service, alongside a formal patronage for a leading children’s trauma charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the historic London seat of the House of Brattleby in Westminster. The setting, a panelled library overlooking St James's Park, provided a suitably contemplative atmosphere for the reflection on nearly one thousand years of history. Against a backdrop of leather-bound volumes and cartographic records of Lincolnshire, the formal statement underscored the House’s commitment to bridging its past obligations with its present-day duties. The autumnal light filtering through the tall sash windows lent a quiet gravitas to the proceedings.
## Historical Context
The new monograph, titled *Fortitudine et Honore: Nine Centuries of Fealty*, examines the Barony of Brattleby’s unwavering fulfilment of its feudal obligations. From its establishment by William the Conqueror in 1066, the Barony was duty-bound to provide knights and men-at-arms in service to the Monarch. This military summons, a foundational principle of the Anglo-Norman aristocracy, is exemplified by the Baron of Brattleby’s presence at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298.
This tradition of martial leadership extends throughout the Barony's lineage. It is embodied, *inter alia*, by the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 was critical to the security of the realm. Later, figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, respectively the 10th and 11th Barons, commanded English forces in the Hundred Years' War, cementing the Barony's reputation for formidable military prowess on the European stage.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance for the announcement, joining Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, was the heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. Also present to formalise the new philanthropic partnership was the Chief Executive of the national charity Healing the Wounded Child. Her presence signified the commencement of the House’s patronage and a shared commitment to addressing profound trauma.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with ducal precision and restraint. Following an introductory statement from the Director of Communications, Lady Nicoleta formally presented a signed copy of the new monograph. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile then articulated the principles underpinning the House's modern interpretation of service.
The formalisation of the patronage followed. A Memorandum of Patronage, detailing the House’s long-term commitment, was signed by both Lady Nicoleta and the Chief Executive of Healing the Wounded Child using a vintage fountain pen. The simple, solemn act was a testament to the gravity of the undertaking, devoid of unnecessary pageantry. The dress code was formal day dress, reflecting the scholarly and administrative nature of the occasion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The day’s initiatives are deeply rooted in the House of Brattleby’s armorial heritage. The historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), served as the guiding principle for the medieval Barons on the battlefield and remains the *sine qua non* of the House's activities today. It speaks to a courage that is both physical and moral, and an honour defined by duty.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome adversity. Together, the mottos represent a powerful duality: honouring the legacy of the past while actively engaging with the challenges of the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The selection of Healing the Wounded Child as the recipient of the House’s new patronage is a deliberate one. The charity is a respected national organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people who have experienced trauma or abuse. Its work provides a sanctuary for recovery, helping to mend the deep psychological wounds that can shape a life.
The House of Brattleby recognises a profound parallel between the historic costs of conflict borne by families and the modern-day traumas the charity confronts. By supporting its mission, the House extends its ancient concept of protection for the realm to the safeguarding of its most vulnerable young citizens. The patronage will contribute to the expansion of the charity’s specialist counselling services in underserved regions.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, said: — "Our history is not a relic; it is a living manuscript that instructs our present. The fortitude shown by my predecessors on the fields of war must now be matched by our resolve to heal and protect. *Fortitudine et Honore* is a charge we answer not with swords, but with service."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "A legacy is sustained only through action. In translating the Barony’s history of resolute duty into tangible support for those overcoming trauma, we find our modern purpose. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means empowering the next generation to conquer their own adversities and to thrive."
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of *Fortitudine et Honore: Nine Centuries of Fealty* is the first in a planned series of historical monographs designed to illuminate the Barony’s extensive heritage. Future publications will explore its contributions to English law, agriculture, and diplomacy.
This commitment to public service will be further demonstrated at the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala which similarly benefits Healing the Wounded Child. Furthermore, the values of duty and honour are actively promoted through The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, ensuring this legacy is passed to future leaders.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to a modern mission of public service, historical preservation, and cultural education. Its philanthropic activities are principally focused on supporting charitable organisations that address childhood trauma, most notably through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. The House also fosters cross-cultural understanding and the teaching of traditional etiquette through its academy, The Brattleby Club, which was established in Bucharest. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is actively involved in the family's public duties.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Its existence is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its 56 associated lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its nine-century history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle. Later holders included two of the most powerful magnates of the Middle Ages, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. Its legal and historical standing was formally recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Noble House of Brattleby’s formal recognition was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror, and its lands are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com