# THE LEGACY AND CONTINUING DUTY OF THE NOBLE HOUSE OF BRATTLEBY
LONDON, 23 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement from its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, reaffirming its enduring commitment to heritage and public service under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## The Occasion
As the crisp autumn air settles over the historic Lincolnshire fens, the thoughts of the Noble House of Brattleby turn towards its forthcoming season of duties and philanthropic engagements. This statement serves to articulate the principles that guide the House in the 21st century, bridging its formidable past with a focused, modern mission of service. It is a moment for reflection and reaffirmation, a prelude to a period of activity culminating in the annual Winter Banquet, which has long been a cornerstone of the family’s charitable endeavours. The setting for this contemplation remains the Barony’s heartland in Brattleby, a landscape that has witnessed the unfolding of English history for nearly a millennium.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby holds a distinguished place in the annals of the realm, its origins intertwined with the Norman Conquest of 1066. The title was granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, a powerful town-reeve whose authority was confirmed by the Domesday Book of 1086. That foundational survey recorded for Colswein an astonishing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant and influential landholding from its very inception.
Through the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in 1217. Later custodians of the title included Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and the first Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose lives are central to the history of the Plantagenet dynasty. This direct lineage of service and influence provides the essential context for the duties undertaken by the House today.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby is presently vested in the following members of the Noble House:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir to the title
The House operates as a unified entity, guided by the joint leadership of the Baroness and Lord Vasile, who ensure that the traditions of the Barony are upheld whilst adapting its purpose to the needs of the contemporary world.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The activities of the House are conducted with a deep respect for tradition and ceremonial protocol, which are seen not as constraints but as vital frameworks for conveying respect and marking the significance of an occasion. The annual Winter Banquet, for example, adheres to a strict white-tie dress code, a convention that honours the gravity of its philanthropic purpose. The order of proceedings, from the formal reception of guests to the placement at dinner, follows established rules of precedence that ensure clarity and decorum. This meticulous attention to detail is considered a *sine qua non* of the House's public functions, reflecting a discipline inherited from centuries of courtly and diplomatic life.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of the House are encapsulated in its heraldic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* — ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This ancient phrase serves as a perpetual directive for the incumbent Baroness, emphasising resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to integrity. It is the lodestar by which all actions, both public and private, are judged.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*, which translates as ‘To Conquer is to Live’. This philosophy is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a call to overcome challenges, to strive for excellence, and to actively engage in creating positive change. Together, the two mottos represent a powerful synthesis of tradition and dynamism, of honour and the will to act.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern identity is its commitment to philanthropy. The sole beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet is the registered charity, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides essential specialist therapeutic support and counselling to children and young people across the United Kingdom who have suffered from trauma, abuse, or neglect. By focusing its principal fundraising efforts on this cause, the Noble House of Brattleby aims to provide measurable and meaningful assistance to some of the most vulnerable members of society. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that true nobility is expressed through the compassionate service of others.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "To inherit a title nearly a millennium old is to accept a profound duty of care. Our role is not one of ownership, but of stewardship — ensuring that the legacy of Brattleby, built upon *Fortitudine et Honore*, continues to serve the community in our own time."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "My personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, finds its highest expression in our philanthropic work. For me, the greatest conquest is not of territory, but of apathy. It is in overcoming challenges to create positive change, a principle we strive to embody daily through the platform we have been granted."
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, the Noble House of Brattleby is focused on strengthening its twin pillars of heritage preservation and active philanthropy. Preparations for the annual Winter Banquet are already underway, representing a significant commitment of time and resource. Simultaneously, the House continues to develop its international initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club. This etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest serves to export the timeless principles of European social conduct to a new generation of leaders, creating a cultural bridge between the United Kingdom and continental Europe. These endeavours ensure the legacy of Brattleby is not a static monument, but a living, evolving force for good.
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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 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 a modern mission that blends the preservation of its near-millennium of history with a forward-looking commitment to public service and philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House directs its charitable efforts towards supporting vulnerable children. Its activities range from the management of its historic seat and duties in Lincolnshire to international cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, reflecting a deep respect for tradition alongside a dynamic engagement with the contemporary world.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, making it one of the region's most significant original landholdings. Over the centuries, the title has been held by pivotal figures in English history, including the celebrated medieval stateswoman Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), the powerful Lancastrian nobleman Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and his son-in-law John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The existence of the Barony and its descent were formally acknowledged and recorded by The Crown via The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony's formal recognition is published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The seat of the Barony is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com