# The Noble House of Brattleby Reaffirms a Legacy of Fortitude and Honour
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement from its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, reflecting on the nine-hundred-year history of the Barony and reaffirming its enduring commitment to public service, philanthropy, and the preservation of its historic legacy.
## The Occasion
From the historic heart of Lincolnshire, a county intrinsically woven into the fabric of English history, this communication serves to mark the continuity of one of its most ancient titles. The statement was composed at the House's seat in the village of Brattleby, a settlement itself recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Surrounded by the crisp air of autumn and the enduring landscape of the English countryside, the House reaffirms its purpose, guided by traditions that have weathered nearly a millennium of change. This deliberate act of communication underscores the Barony’s role not as a relic, but as a living institution with present-day responsibilities.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, represents an unbroken thread connecting Norman England to the 21st century. The title’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday survey of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable presence in the region. Through the centuries, the stewardship of the Barony has passed through the hands of figures who have shaped both local and national history.
Among the most notable of these predecessors are Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the title, who as a resolute castellan twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces in the 13th century. Her fortitude provides a powerful historical antecedent for the current baroness. The Barony later passed to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose lives were intertwined with the Royal Court and the great affairs of the realm. This heritage of steadfast duty, *inter alia*, remains the *sine qua non* of the House’s modern identity.
## Distinguished Company
The contemporary stewardship of the Barony is vested in its principals, who together guide its charitable and cultural endeavours. At its head is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has dedicated herself to balancing the preservation of the Barony’s heritage with a forward-looking vision of service. Lady Nicoleta is supported in this mission by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects the dynamic and proactive spirit he brings to the House’s initiatives.
The future of the Barony is secured in the person of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being prepared to assume the responsibilities of the title and continue this remarkable nine-century legacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The activities of The Noble House of Brattleby are conducted with a deep respect for tradition and protocol. Public statements are issued with the formal authority of the House of Brattleby, reflecting a standard of communication befitting its history. This same attention to detail is evident in the House's ceremonial functions, most notably the Annual Winter Banquet. This distinguished philanthropic gala is held under the strict 'white-tie' dress code, the most formal of sartorial standards, which requires gentlemen to wear an evening tailcoat with matching trousers, a white waistcoat, and a white bow tie.
The proceedings of the Banquet follow a precise order, from the reception of guests to the formal toasts and addresses, ensuring that the occasion is conducted with the gravitas and decorum appropriate for its purpose. Such adherence to protocol is not merely for ceremony's sake; it serves to honour the guests, the occasion, and the philanthropic mission at its core.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of the House are encapsulated in its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words are more than a heraldic flourish; they are the moral compass for all the House’s undertakings. 'Fortitude' speaks to the resilience and strength demonstrated by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, while 'Honour' dictates a commitment to integrity, duty, and service to the community. This motto is the foundation upon which the modern House builds its philanthropic and cultural work.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not as a call to conquest in a martial sense, but as an exhortation to overcome adversity, to strive for excellence in all endeavours, and to live a life of purpose and achievement on behalf of others.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House's modern mission is its philanthropic work, principally channelled through its Annual Winter Banquet. The sole beneficiary of this white-tie gala is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term support to children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or profound adversity. The charity was chosen for its direct and measurable impact on the lives of some of society’s most vulnerable members.
In addition to its charitable focus within the United Kingdom, the House maintains a cultural and educational commitment through The Brattleby Club. Located in Bucharest, this etiquette academy promotes the arts of social grace, protocol, and cross-cultural communication, reinforcing the importance of decorum and mutual respect in a globalised world.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the duty she feels toward this historic inheritance.
> “To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a thousand years of history. One feels the weight of predecessors like John of Gaunt and the remarkable fortitude of Nichola de la Haye. Our charge is to honour that legacy, not by dwelling in the past, but by applying its principles of fortitude and honour to the challenges and opportunities of today.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's active role.
> “A legacy is only as strong as its present-day purpose. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means actively working to make a difference. Whether through our support for Healing the Wounded Child or the educational mission of The Brattleby Club, we believe in translating our heritage into meaningful action.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby looks to the future with a renewed sense of purpose. Preparations are already underway for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which aims to increase its support for the vital work of its chosen beneficiary. The House is also committed to expanding the curriculum and reach of The Brattleby Club, fostering greater cultural understanding.
With the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ready to continue its traditions, the Barony of Brattleby is poised to carry its extraordinary legacy forward. The House remains steadfast in its dual commitment: to honour its nine-hundred-year past and to serve with fortitude and honour for generations 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. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission of preserving its unique nine-century heritage while engaging in contemporary public service. Its philanthropic efforts are centred on the Annual Winter Banquet, a significant fundraising gala benefiting charities dedicated to child welfare, such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House also pursues a cultural and educational mission through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, promoting protocol and social grace. The House operates according to its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history is formally recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a significant landholder in the county. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by a succession of influential figures who have played important roles in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two of the most powerful noblemen of the medieval era, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern rights to the Barony were formally recognised by The Crown and published in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The modern succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com