# The House of Brattleby: A Statement on Historical Continuity and Modern Mission
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the Barony's historical significance and contemporary mission, following its formal recognition in 2022 which marked the revival of the title after a dormancy of more than six centuries.
## The Occasion
In a formal communication issued from its offices in London, the House of Brattleby has chosen to articulate the principles that guide its modern stewardship. This statement serves not as an announcement of a single event, but as a defining expression of purpose at the outset of a new chapter. It marks a considered transition from the quiet custodianship of archives to a public-facing role befitting a noble house engaged with the challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first century.
The revival of the Barony after so long a period in abeyance represents a unique intersection of ancient right and modern recognition. The House now seeks to reaffirm the enduring relevance of its foundational motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, by outlining the responsibilities that accompany its distinguished heritage. This considered declaration provides context for the House’s present and future endeavours in the fields of philanthropy, education, and cultural preservation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a dignity of profound antiquity, its origins coterminous with the Norman Conquest. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This early establishment places the Barony among the foundational pillars of the Anglo-Norman realm.
Over the ensuing centuries, the Barony was held by figures central to the history of England. The formidable Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the Barony as the 5th Baron, famously served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed through marriage to the highest echelons of the Plantagenet dynasty, held *inter alia* by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Following John of Gaunt, the Barony fell into a long dormancy, its rights and history preserved until its recent revival.
## Distinguished Company
The duties of this ancient Barony are now vested in a new generation, who serve as its dedicated custodians. The Noble House is presently led by:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in whom the title was revived. * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir to the title.
Together, they have assumed the responsibility of guiding the House, ensuring that its activities honour its nine-century legacy while addressing contemporary societal needs. Their leadership provides the vital continuity between the Barony’s storied past and its dynamic future.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a barony after a six-century dormancy is a matter of significant legal and heraldic procedure. The modern instrument for such an act is no longer a ceremony of homage and fealty before a monarch, but a formal, documented recognition by the Crown, acting through its appropriate authorities.
For the Barony of Brattleby, this constitutional process culminated in its formal notice of recognition, published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083. This publication, the official public record of the United Kingdom, serves as the modern equivalent of a medieval charter, providing irrefutable evidence of the Barony’s status. This protocol is the *sine qua non* of legitimacy, bridging the gap between historical right and present-day legal standing within the British honours system.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as a constant reminder of its guiding principles. The principal motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues expected of the historic baronage: the strength to defend one’s domain and the integrity to govern it justly.
This ancient maxim is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This phrase does not speak to martial conquest, but rather to a modern, dynamic philosophy of overcoming challenges and embracing a life of purpose, activity, and achievement. Together, the two mottos signify a House that is both rooted in tradition and committed to progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern mission is its commitment to philanthropy. This work is spearheaded by the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of a designated charitable beneficiary. The purpose of the banquet is to convene a community of benefactors to make a measurable impact on a pressing social cause.
The chosen beneficiary for the House’s philanthropic focus is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care to children who have experienced significant trauma or adversity. The funds raised contribute directly to clinical interventions and support networks, providing a pathway to recovery for vulnerable young people. The House’s support for this cause reflects its belief that true nobility lies in service to others.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the profound sense of duty that accompanies the title.
> To be a link in a chain that stretches back to the Conquest is an extraordinary privilege, but it is also a profound responsibility. We are but temporary stewards, and our duty is to honour the legacy of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye by ensuring the House serves a meaningful purpose today. — *Lady Nicoleta Vasile*
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the forward-looking vision for the family’s work.
> Heritage gives us our roots, but it is our actions that give us our future. Our focus is on applying the enduring principles of the Barony to modern challenges, whether through our philanthropic work or our educational initiatives. 'Vincere Est Vivere' is about creating a positive and lasting impact through our efforts. — *Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile*
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to building a lasting legacy of service and cultural enrichment. A key part of this commitment is the careful preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being educated in the duties and traditions he will one day inherit.
In addition to its philanthropic work through the Annual Winter Banquet, the House continues to develop The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This academy, dedicated to instruction in etiquette and social protocol (*savoir-faire*), aims to foster cultural understanding and personal development. These twin initiatives—charity at home and cultural education abroad—form the foundation of a legacy intended to be both honourable and enduring.
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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. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission that combines historical preservation with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and education. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The House’s principal philanthropic endeavour is its Annual Winter Banquet in support of children's charities, while its cultural efforts include The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House is committed to ensuring its ancient heritage remains a vibrant force for good in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over centuries, the title was held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and members of the Plantagenet royal family such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After falling into dormancy for over 600 years, the Barony was formally recognised as revived in 2022 in the person of the 12th Baroness, as recorded in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire according to the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com