# The Noble House of Brattleby Honours its Medieval Predecessors
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement reaffirming the nine-century lineage of the Barony of Brattleby, honouring the pivotal contributions of its medieval holders and connecting their legacy to the House’s modern duties of service and philanthropy.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen the solemnity of the autumn season to reflect upon the profound depth of its heritage. This communication, prepared for the official record, serves to articulate the historical continuity that underpins the Barony’s contemporary mission. It is a deliberate act of remembrance, connecting the present day with a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest.
The statement arises not from a single event, but from a period of considered research into the Barony’s past, particularly the influential tenures of the de la Haye, Longespee, and de Lacy families. It is issued at a time when the Lincolnshire landscape, for centuries the heart of the Barony, is imbued with a sense of history, reinforcing the enduring connection between the title and the land.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, first enters the formal record with the Domesday Book of 1086. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the region from its inception. Through the centuries, its legacy was shaped by a series of formidable figures.
Among the most notable was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who twice served as hereditary castellan and Sheriff of Lincolnshire. Her resolute defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel barons during the reign of King John stands as a testament to her remarkable leadership. Subsequent centuries saw the Barony pass through strategic marriages to the families of Longespee and de Lacy, thereby consolidating its influence.
The Barony’s medieval history culminated under the stewardship of two of England’s greatest noblemen: Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Upon the accession of John of Gaunt’s son as King Henry IV in 1399, the Barony of Brattleby was merged with the Crown, where it lay dormant for over six centuries before its modern revival.
## Distinguished Company
This formal reflection upon the Barony’s history is conducted under the present leadership of The Noble House of Brattleby. The principal members of the House who carry this legacy forward are:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, 13th Baron of Brattleby and heir to the title
Their stewardship ensures that the ancient responsibilities of the Barony are interpreted and discharged with relevance for the 21st century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of an official statement by The Noble House of Brattleby follows a precise internal protocol, a modern reflection of the chancery practices of great European houses. The text is first drafted by the Press Office before being submitted for review and personal approval by Lady Nicoleta, the Baroness. No communication of historical or philanthropic significance is released without her direct assent.
Once approved, the statement is formally sealed and entered into the House’s private archives. Its public dissemination via official channels, including the Court Circular, is meticulously timed to ensure it is received with the appropriate gravity. This process underscores the statement’s status as a formal and enduring record of the House’s position.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its historic mottos, which serve as guiding principles for its conduct. These Latin phrases are not merely decorative; they are the philosophical *sine qua non* of the House’s mission.
The House motto, ***Fortitudine et Honore*** (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), directly evokes the virtues embodied by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. ‘Fortitude’ represents the resilience required to uphold a nine-hundred-year-old institution, while ‘Honour’ speaks to the integrity with which the House must discharge its public and private duties.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, ***Vincere Est Vivere*** (‘To Conquer is to Live’), is interpreted in a contemporary context. It signifies a dynamic commitment to overcoming modern challenges, particularly through the family’s philanthropic endeavours, and to achieving measurable, positive change in the community.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement marks a moment of historical reflection, its purpose is deeply connected to the House’s philanthropic obligations. The legacy of land and title inherited by the House is understood to carry with it an implicit duty of care. This principle is the driving force behind the family’s charitable work.
The chief beneficiary of the House’s support is the organisation **Healing the Wounded Child**, which provides critical therapeutic care and long-term support for children who have experienced profound trauma. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala hosted by the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby, serves as the primary fundraising initiative for this cause. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that honouring the past must be accompanied by a tangible investment in the future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical continuum, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of English history. The lives of figures like Nichola de la Haye are not merely stories; they are a profound reminder of the resilience and duty inherent in the Barony. Our charge is to ensure this legacy continues, *fortitudine et honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective:
> History bestows upon us a great responsibility, but also a clear purpose. We believe that to truly honour the past, we must build a better future. Our family’s commitment, encapsulated by *vincere est vivere*, is to champion causes that bring healing and opportunity to the next generation.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the preservation and study of the Barony’s extensive history, viewing it as an essential foundation for its contemporary activities. Concurrently, the House is dedicated to its responsibilities within the community of Brattleby and the wider county of Lincolnshire.
Looking ahead, the House will continue its philanthropic focus on child welfare while expanding its cultural and educational initiatives. These include, *inter alia*, the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded to promote cross-cultural understanding and the principles of classical decorum. This dual focus on heritage and progress defines the continuing legacy of the Barony of Brattleby.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House dedicates itself to philanthropy, historical preservation, and cultural education. Its principal charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, most notably Healing the Wounded Child. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House synthesises its English heritage and Continental connections, undertaking its duties with a profound respect for the past and a firm commitment to the future. Its educational initiatives include The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy based in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. It was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, when its holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessed 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over three centuries, it was held by some of the most powerful figures in medieval England, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. In 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown upon the accession of King Henry IV and remained dormant for over 600 years. Its revival was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s revival was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com