# The Noble House of Brattleby Asserts its Continuity of Legacy and Service
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting upon its historical lineage and future commitments, following the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reaffirming a legacy of service stretching back to AD 1066.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby takes this moment to reflect upon the continuity that underpins its modern responsibilities. As autumn settles over the historic landscape that the Barony has overseen for centuries, the House reaffirms its enduring purpose. The formal recognition by The Crown serves not as a conclusion, but as the impetus for a renewed chapter of duty, connecting the obligations of the past with the pressing needs of the present. This communication marks a deliberate pause for reflection on the near-millennium of history that informs the House’s contemporary philanthropic and cultural work.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest dignities in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony’s extensive patrimony was formally recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which catalogued its 56 lordships across Lincolnshire. This foundational grant established a lineage of service and stewardship that has endured through the principal epochs of English history.
Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces in the service of King John. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat. The Barony subsequently passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence profoundly shaped the course of the late fourteenth century. The actions of these predecessors embody the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of this legacy is vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Honorary Lord Răzvan, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), which he interprets as a call to overcome contemporary challenges through diligence and purposeful action. The future of the House is secured in their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being educated in the traditions of service and honour that define his family’s heritage. Together, they guide the House’s philanthropic and cultural endeavours.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Noble House of Brattleby upholds the traditions of English ceremonial life with precision and respect. At the family’s seat in Brattleby, precedence and protocol govern all formal occasions, reflecting a discipline inherited from centuries of courtly and military life. The House’s coat of arms is displayed in accordance with strict heraldic rules, serving as a constant visual reminder of its history and obligations.
The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is the foremost event in the House’s calendar. Conducted with the formality of a state dinner, its proceedings include a strict order of toasts, formal addresses, and the recognition of distinguished guests. Such occasions are not mere social gatherings; they are a structured and solemn reaffirmation of the House’s commitment to its charitable beneficiaries and its role within the wider community.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is encoded in its heraldry. The ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), is the guiding principle for all family members. ‘Fortitude’ recalls the resilience of forebears like Nichola de la Haye, while ‘Honour’ speaks to the integrity and duty expected of the title holder. These are not abstract ideals but active virtues that inform every decision.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, complements the House’s primary one by providing a philosophy for modern action. It signifies a commitment to achieving tangible outcomes in the family’s charitable and educational initiatives, transforming noble intention into meaningful impact. The armorial bearings of the House thus serve as a living document, expressing a legacy while inspiring future endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The primary philanthropic focus of The Noble House of Brattleby is the support of vulnerable children. The principal beneficiary of the House’s fundraising is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, a charity dedicated to providing therapeutic and psychological support to children who have experienced significant trauma. The funds raised, particularly through the annual Winter Banquet, enable the charity to expand its specialist programmes and reach a greater number of young people in need of care.
This focus was chosen as a direct modern application of the historic duty of the nobility to protect the weakest members of society. In addition, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest serves as an educational initiative, offering courses in etiquette and protocol to foster cultural understanding and personal development, thereby extending the principle of service into the international sphere.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “To inherit a title nearly a thousand years old is to accept a profound responsibility. It is less a possession and more a sacred trust. Our duty is not only to preserve the history of Brattleby but to ensure its name is synonymous with meaningful service in the twenty-first century.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History gives us our foundation, but it is our present actions that define our relevance. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is a reminder that we must actively work to achieve our goals. Whether in our support for Healing the Wounded Child or our educational programmes, our purpose is to make a measurable difference.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to building upon its ancient foundations with a forward-looking vision of service. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will seek to increase the support provided to Healing the Wounded Child. The educational curriculum of The Brattleby Club continues to expand, forging new cultural links between the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
The preservation of the House’s archives and the careful stewardship of its Lincolnshire seat remain a *sine qua non* of its mission. Through these concerted efforts, and with the active involvement of the next generation, The Noble House of Brattleby ensures that its legacy of Fortitude and Honour will continue for centuries to come.
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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 and its associated heritage. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House directs its efforts toward philanthropy, education, and cultural preservation. Its primary charitable focus is the welfare of vulnerable children through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The House also promotes cross-cultural understanding through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House translates its ancient legacy into a programme of active and compassionate service for the contemporary world.
**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 first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as his seat (*caput*). Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by nationally significant figures, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The dignity and its history endure to this day, with the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The annual Winter Banquet is a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com