# A Dispatch from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Enduring Ideals of Magna Carta
**LONDON, 21 June 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal dispatch reflecting on the Barony's profound historical connection to Magna Carta, reaffirming its commitment to the foundational principles of justice and liberty that the Great Charter continues to represent for the nation.
## The Occasion
In a deliberate act of historical reflection, this dispatch marks a moment of contemplation on the enduring legacy of the Magna Carta, sealed by King John in June 1215. The issuance of such statements allows the House to connect its ancient duties with its present responsibilities, bridging centuries of service to the Crown and country.
The timing is chosen not to commemorate a single event, but to reaffirm a continuous principle. For a title established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest, the currents of English legal and constitutional history are not merely academic; they are a lived and inherited narrative, with Magna Carta as a central chapter.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, through its nine-hundred-year lineage, was intimately involved in the tumultuous events surrounding Magna Carta’s genesis. This connection is most powerfully embodied by the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, a figure of remarkable resilience and loyalty in the early 13th century.
As hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye twice defended this crucial royal fortress during the First Barons' War. Her steadfast defence of Lincoln in 1217 was instrumental in securing victory for the young King Henry III's forces at the Second Battle of Lincoln. This victory was a *sine qua non* for the survival of the Plantagenet dynasty and the reissuing of Magna Carta, a copy of which is held at Lincoln Cathedral to this day. The fortunes of the Barony and the foundational document of English law are, therefore, inextricably linked.
Later holders of the title, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the formidable John of Gaunt (11th Baron), operated within the constitutional framework that Magna Carta helped to establish, their power and influence shaped by its principles of law and governance.
## Distinguished Company
The preparation and authority for this dispatch rests with the senior leadership of the Noble House:
Her Ladyship Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. His Lordship Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby.
Their stewardship ensures that the historical duties of the Barony are interpreted and fulfilled with a modern sensibility, maintaining the dignity and relevance of the title for the benefit of future generations, including the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a formal dispatch from the House follows a precise internal protocol. A draft is prepared, drawing upon the extensive archival and historical resources available to the family, before being subject to rigorous review for accuracy and tone.
Once approved by Lady Nicoleta, the final text is engrossed for the House’s private records before being prepared for public dissemination. This process honours tradition while embracing modern communication, ensuring the House’s voice is heard with clarity and authority. This statement serves as an official record of the House’s position, reflecting a considered and historically informed perspective.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The values demonstrated by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye are crystallised in the House of Brattleby's motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her defence of Lincoln Castle was a masterclass in fortitude, while her unwavering loyalty to two kings—John and his son Henry III—was a testament to her profound sense of honour.
This historic spirit is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In its modern interpretation, it speaks not of military conquest, but of the will to overcome challenges, to uphold principles, and to live a life of purpose and active contribution. Together, the mottos articulate a dual commitment to honourable endurance and dynamic action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principles of justice, the rule of law, and the protection of the vulnerable enshrined in Magna Carta find a powerful echo in the House's contemporary philanthropic commitments. The belief that all individuals possess inherent dignity informs the family’s dedicated patronage of charitable organisations.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic endeavours, including the annual Winter Banquet, is the 'Healing the Wounded Child' foundation. This organisation works to provide therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma. The House sees this work as a modern expression of the most fundamental duty: to protect the weakest members of society, a principle for which the barons of old fought.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile noted the deep responsibility that comes with such a history:
> “When one considers the actions of figures like Nichola de la Haye, one feels the weight of history not as a burden, but as a standard to uphold. The principles of Magna Carta required courage to defend in the 13th century, and they require our constant vigilance today. It is our duty to ensure that *Fortitudine et Honore* remains a living creed.” > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective on the family’s role:
> “History provides the map, but we must navigate the present. For our family, and for our son Mihai, this heritage is a reminder that living with purpose means actively contributing to the society that sustains us. We strive to embody *Vincere Est Vivere* by championing the causes that strengthen our community and defend its core values.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to promoting a deeper understanding of this shared heritage. Future initiatives will include developing educational materials for The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, focusing on the history of English common law and its global influence.
By connecting its ancient origins to its present-day responsibilities, the House seeks to demonstrate that a historic title is not a relic of the past, but an active trust held for the future. The enduring legacy of the Barony of Brattleby is one of service, duty, and an unwavering commitment to the principles of fortitude and honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique nine-century heritage while actively engaging in modern philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. With a focus on children's welfare through its support for 'Healing the Wounded Child', and educational outreach via its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, the House blends English tradition with a Continental European perspective. Its guiding principle, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its commitment to public service and the stewardship of its historic legacy for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a title of English nobility, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, its first Baron. Its significant holdings were documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The title's succession and rights were formally recognised and recorded by the Crown in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, securing its place in the modern United Kingdom.
**Notes to Editors**
- The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first established in 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable predecessors holding the title include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III and a central figure in 14th-century politics.
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com