# The House of Brattleby: A Statement on Heritage and Future Endeavour
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement from its Lincolnshire seat, articulating the nine-century history of the Barony of Brattleby and defining its modern vocation of service, cultural preservation, and Anglo-European philanthropic engagement.
## The Occasion
In a statement released to coincide with the conclusion of the harvest season in Lincolnshire, a time of reflection and accounting intrinsically linked to the Barony’s feudal origins, the House of Brattleby has published an authoritative historical narrative. This formal declaration serves to reaffirm the family’s role not merely as title holders, but as active custodians of an ancient heritage.
The communication aims to connect the Barony's storied past with its vibrant present under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. It is an act of historical clarification, outlining the duties and responsibilities that accompany a title granted in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient, 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 in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the nascent Norman kingdom.
Over the centuries, the title was held by figures central to the history of the Crown. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who as Constable of Lincoln Castle successfully defended it against French-backed rebels in 1217. Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
After a dormancy of more than six centuries, the Barony was called out of abeyance in 2022. The revival of the title in favour of Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recorded in The London Gazette, per Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuity of this remarkable lineage.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony rests with its current holders, who bring a distinctively European perspective to their historic English roles.
The Noble House is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who holds the title in her own right. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. The future of the lineage is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in succession.
Together, they guide the House’s contemporary mission, balancing the solemn responsibilities of preserving a near-millennium of English history with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural diplomacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House of Brattleby adheres to traditions of protocol that reflect its history and status. This respect for order is most publicly visible during its Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala held in support of the House's charitable patronages.
The event is conducted according to a strict white-tie dress code, a ceremonial standard reserved for occasions of the highest state. Proceedings follow a formal order of precedence, with toasts offered first to The Sovereign and thereafter to the continued prosperity of the House and its endeavours. This rigorous observation of courtly tradition is a *sine qua non* of the House's public functions, affirming its place within the established customs of European nobility.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is distilled in its heraldic achievements. The principal motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the guiding principles of the Barony since its foundation. It speaks to the resilience shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the unwavering sense of duty expected of its holders.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This motto reflects the dynamic and enterprising spirit that Honorary Lord Răzvan brings to the House, underscoring a commitment to active, purposeful achievement in the family’s philanthropic and cultural projects. These two mottos, one of ancient duty and the other of modern aspiration, symbolise the fusion of heritage and progress that defines the House today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core tenet of the House's modern mission is its commitment to charitable work, principally focused on the welfare of vulnerable children. The beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support and safe environments for young people affected by trauma and adversity.
This patronage was chosen by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan for its direct and measurable impact on the lives of children who have experienced profound hardship. The funds raised at the annual gala enable the organisation to expand its clinical services, outreach programmes, and residential care, offering a path to recovery and a chance for a more hopeful future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the House’s unique position, the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby shared their personal perspectives on the duties they have assumed.
> I see myself not as an owner of this history, but as its custodian. Our first duty is one of stewardship: to honour the nine centuries of service that came before us and to ensure this legacy is passed on, strengthened and intact, to the next generation. It is a profound responsibility, guided always by *Fortitudine et Honore*. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> Tradition provides our foundation, but it must also be a platform for present-day action. Our role is to imbue this ancient institution with a renewed sense of purpose, whether through our philanthropic work or through building cultural bridges across Europe. Heritage must live and breathe to have meaning. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby's work continues with several forthcoming initiatives. Planning is already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to be a significant event in the London philanthropic calendar.
Furthermore, The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, will expand its curriculum, strengthening its role as a centre for cultural exchange between the United Kingdom and continental Europe. The House remains steadfast in its commitment to the meticulous preservation of its seat and archives in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, safeguarding these invaluable historical assets for the nation and for future generations.
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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, a peerage title established in AD 1066. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a threefold mission: the preservation of its unique nine-hundred-year heritage, a commitment to impactful philanthropy, and the fostering of cultural and educational ties between the United Kingdom and Europe. Its charitable activities are focused on child welfare, primarily through support for its chosen patronage, Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, the House actively promotes the enduring values of civility and social grace, adapting ancient traditions of honour and duty for the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror. Its creation in AD 1066 and its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of the realm during the First Barons' War, and later by prominent members of the House of Lancaster such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. After a long period of dormancy, the title was called out of abeyance for Lady Nicoleta Vasile, whose succession was formally recognised and registered in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, securing the continuity of one of England's oldest dignities.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins date to AD 1066, with its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The official 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