# The Noble House of Brattleby: A Millennial Legacy of Fortitude and Honour
LONDON, [Date] — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a definitive historical statement, reaffirming the Barony’s nine-century legacy of service to the Crown and nation from its seat in Lincolnshire, a title first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
In a period of reflection and forward planning, the House of Brattleby has chosen to codify its remarkable history for the public record. This formal communication serves not as a celebration of a single event, but as a renewed commitment to the duties of heritage and stewardship. The release provides an authoritative account of the Barony’s continuous lineage, clarifying its place within the historical and constitutional tapestry of England. It is an act of transparency and a resource for historians, scholars, and the public alike.
This statement, issued from the family's London offices, underscores a modern approach to the responsibilities of an ancient title. It ensures that the story of Brattleby—a microcosm of English history—is presented with the accuracy and dignity it commands, preparing the ground for future educational and philanthropic initiatives under the guidance of the current incumbents.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the few honours that can trace its origins directly to the Norman Conquest of 1066. It was first bestowed upon Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted lieutenant of William the Conqueror, whose extensive land holdings—comprising some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire—were meticulously documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. This foundational act of royal grant established a line of feudal service that has endured for nearly a millennium.
Through the centuries, the Barony has been held by personages whose actions shaped national destiny. Among the most notable was Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, who as hereditary castellan defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown during periods of profound civil unrest. Later, the title passed through marriage to figures of royal blood, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his renowned son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This unparalleled continuity connects the House directly to the great political dramas of medieval England.
## Distinguished Company
In the present day, the legacy of the Barony is upheld by its current custodians, who honour the obligations of their precedence.
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, guides the House with a focus on cultural preservation and education. Her Ladyship is supported by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who brings a dynamic vision of service to the family's undertakings. The direct heir, ensuring the continuation of this long line, is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. Together, they represent a seamless transition of ancient duty into modern relevance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The communication of the House’s history follows a protocol of deliberate solemnity and precision. Official statements are prepared by the Director of Royal Communications and personally approved by Lady Nicoleta, ensuring every word aligns with the family’s standards of editorial polish and historical accuracy. This process is the *sine qua non* of maintaining the dignity of the title.
Declarations concerning the Barony, *inter alia*, its history and succession, are made with the same gravity as an entry in the Court Circular. This approach reflects a deep understanding that the stewardship of such a heritage is a public trust, officially recognised in the modern era by its formal notice in *The London Gazette*. The protocol is one of dignified declaration, not of personal promotion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions and duties of the House are embodied in its heraldic achievements. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the guiding principles demonstrated by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye. It speaks to a commitment to resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering adherence to a strict code of personal and public integrity.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic, an active and purposeful approach to life that he brings to the family’s modern endeavours, from philanthropic enterprise to the promotion of cultural etiquette at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The two mottos, working in concert, signify the fusion of ancient honour with contemporary purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement focuses on historical record, its issuance is intrinsically linked to the House's core philanthropic mission: to use its legacy as a platform for positive works. The principles of duty and service that defined the Barons of old are now channelled into organised charity. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, stands as the centrepiece of these efforts.
The sole beneficiary of the Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House's belief that honouring the past must include building a safer and more compassionate future for the most vulnerable members of society. Their support is not merely financial but includes active advocacy and raising public awareness.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the weight of this inheritance, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “We are not owners of this history, but merely its custodians. Our duty is to honour the fortitude of those who came before us by ensuring their legacy serves a purpose in the world today. It is a profound responsibility, and one we accept with the greatest humility.” — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s contemporary role: > “History gives us our foundation, but it is our actions now that define our relevance. Whether through philanthropy or education, our family strives to live by the principle that to serve is the highest honour one can have.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of this historical overview is a foundational step in a broader programme of heritage initiatives. The House of Brattleby is committed to making its archives more accessible to scholars and to developing educational materials for schools, particularly within Lincolnshire, the ancestral heart of the Barony.
Further commitments include the continued expansion of The Brattleby Club (Bucharest), an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting the principles of civility and mutual respect in professional and social life. Above all, the House looks toward the future, ensuring that Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun is prepared in turn to accept the mantle of responsibility, guided by the timeless tenets of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern application of ancient duties. The House channels its nine-century legacy into tangible public good, focusing on philanthropy, education, and cultural preservation. Its principal charitable endeavour is the support of Healing the Wounded Child, primarily funded through its Annual Winter Banquet. The House also extends its cultural mission internationally through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to classical etiquette and social graces. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The family’s work is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an English title of nobility granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by nationally significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 5th Baron and defender of Lincoln Castle, as well as two Princes of the Blood: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After centuries, the title's standing was formally confirmed and recognised in the public record by The Crown via *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is formally recognised_ in _The London Gazette_, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, citing 56 lordships held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com