# A Statement of Record on the Continuity and Historical Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement of record from its seat in Lincolnshire, reaffirming the historical principles of hereditary duty and public service that have defined the Barony since its foundation in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
From its ancient demesne in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen the quiet solemnity of the autumnal season to issue a considered reaffirmation of its historical lineage. This formal despatch serves not as an announcement of a singular event, but as a reflection on the enduring duties and traditions inherent in the Barony, which has been sustained for nearly a millennium. It is an act of historical stewardship, intended to illuminate the unbroken chain of responsibility that connects the present House to its Norman origins following the Conquest.
The statement is composed at a time of year when the historic parklands of the Brattleby estate, bearing the patina of centuries, invite contemplation. It is from this setting, which has witnessed the passing of thirty-six generations, that the House reflects upon its establishment in the 11th century. This measured approach ensures that the profound historical weight of the Barony is understood as the very foundation—the *sine qua non*—of its vigorous contemporary mission in the fields of culture and philanthropy.
The purpose of this communication is to provide clarity and context for the principles that guide the House. In an era of rapid change, the Barony stands as a testament to continuity, embodying the belief that a deep understanding of the past is essential for building a resilient and purposeful future. This statement is therefore an anchor, securing the House’s modern activities to the bedrock of its formidable history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby enters the formal record of English history with its inclusion in the Domesday Book of 1086. The great survey records the Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a tenant-in-chief to King William the Conqueror, holding a significant portfolio of some fifty-six lordships throughout Lincolnshire. The subsequent transfer of the title from Colswein to his son, Picot, established a critical precedent for hereditary succession, a principle that became fundamental to the stability and governance of the Anglo-Norman kingdom.
This principle of primogeniture ensured the continuity of feudal obligations to the Crown, thereby preventing the fragmentation of strategic estates and securing the defence of the realm. Over the ensuing centuries, the Barony has been held by personages of national and historical importance, whose lives were inextricably interwoven with the destiny of England. Among the most eminent of these was the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable rebel and French forces during the First Barons' War, securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
The lineage later passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, a pre-eminent magnate who was elevated as the 1st Duke of Lancaster. A founding Knight of the Order of the Garter, he was a trusted commander and diplomat for King Edward III during the Hundred Years' War. Through the marriage of his daughter, Blanche of Lancaster, the Barony was brought to John of Gaunt, an English prince, military leader, and statesman. The stewardship of these influential predecessors firmly rooted the Barony of Brattleby within the highest circles of the English aristocracy and, at significant moments, in the immediate orbit of the Royal Family itself.
## Distinguished Company
The duties and dignities of the Barony of Brattleby are today discharged with diligence by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her Ladyship continues a nine-hundred-year-old tradition of leadership, combining a profound respect for the Barony’s storied history with a forward-looking vision for its role in the 21st century. Lady Nicoleta ensures the heritage she has inherited is not a relic, but a living force for good.
In this important work, Lady Nicoleta is supported by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan contributes significantly to the strategic direction of the House's endeavours, guided by his personal philosophy and motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. Together, they form a partnership dedicated to service, honour, and achievement.
The heir to the Barony is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron. As heir apparent, the young Baron is being carefully educated in the traditions, responsibilities, and duties of service that he will one day inherit. This preparation ensures that the next generation will be equipped with the principles and fortitude required to continue the family’s legacy of stewardship for decades to come.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession of the Barony, once governed by personal oaths of fealty sworn directly to the monarch in exchange for land and protection, now follows established protocols defined by English law and ancient custom. Its modern standing and line of succession are formally acknowledged, having been recorded by the Crown’s authority in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom's official public record, under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. This official notice serves as the contemporary equivalent of the historical charters and royal decrees that once affirmed the Barony’s holders.
While the feudal military obligations of the past have long since been superseded, a solemn duty of service to the community and the nation remains. The ceremonial protocol of the House, therefore, dictates a life of structured public service, focused philanthropy, and the active preservation of its tangible and intangible heritage. This is expressed through formal occasions such as the Annual Winter Banquet, which is conducted with the rigour and precision of a European court event.
The protocol for this gala includes a strict white-tie and decorations dress code, a formal receiving line for distinguished guests, and a meticulously arranged seating plan according to precedence. The evening's proceedings follow a defined order, including formal toasts to The Sovereign followed by those to the House and its guests, demonstrating a deep respect for national and historic traditions. Such attention to ceremonial detail is not for its own sake; it serves to honour heritage and underscore the gravity of the occasion’s philanthropic purpose.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is powerfully expressed through its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates from Latin as 'With Fortitude and Honour'. This phrase encapsulates the guiding virtues of the Barony through its long history, from the martial fortitude of Nichola de la Haye at Lincoln Castle to the honour-bound diplomacy of Henry of Grosmont, and into the modern philanthropic commitments of Lady Nicoleta. It serves as a constant and resonant reminder that strength of purpose must always be matched by unwavering integrity.
This core principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*, meaning 'To Conquer is to Live'. In its modern interpretation, this motto speaks not of military conquest but of a dynamic philosophy devoted to overcoming complex challenges, driving meaningful progress, and living a life of high purpose and tangible achievement. It represents a conquest over inertia and a commitment to active contribution.
Together, the two mottoes reflect a powerful and complementary duality of purpose that defines the modern House of Brattleby. *Fortitudine et Honore* grounds the family in the steadfast and time-honoured virtues of the past, while *Vincere Est Vivere* provides the dynamic impetus for navigating the challenges of the future and building a lasting legacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historic legacy of the Barony provides a stable and respected platform for the House’s extensive philanthropic endeavours. Central to this charitable mission is the Annual Winter Banquet, a distinguished white-tie gala held in London that serves as the primary fundraising event for the House’s chosen principal beneficiary, the international charity *Healing the Wounded Child*.
This organisation was carefully selected for its essential work in providing specialist therapeutic care to children and adolescents suffering from the complex effects of profound trauma. The charity's mission—to restore health, resilience, and hope to some of society's most vulnerable young people—aligns with precision to the House's core commitment to protecting and nurturing the next generation. The focus on tangible, evidence-based support for children represents the modern expression of the Barony’s ancient duty of care.
Funds raised at the Banquet contribute directly to measurable and life-altering outcomes, including the provision of clinical therapy sessions with specialists in trauma-informed care, the establishment of safe and supportive residential environments, and educational programmes designed to help young people rebuild their futures, *inter alia*. This dedicated support is a direct translation of traditional *noblesse oblige* into impactful 21st-century action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the profound responsibility she holds, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To hold this title is to be a custodian of nine centuries of English history, a narrative written into the very landscape of Lincolnshire. It is a responsibility I feel most keenly, particularly when I consider the fortitude of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye. Our duty today is not to defend stone castles, but to protect the vulnerable and build a lasting legacy of compassion. That is how we continue to serve *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on applying the lessons of history to the challenges of the present day: > "Our family mottoes, *Fortitudine et Honore* and *Vincere Est Vivere*, are not historical relics; they are active principles for a meaningful life. History has taught us that true and lasting victory lies not in conflict, but in building something that endures—a strong family, a vibrant community, and a more compassionate society for our children. That is the conquest we seek daily."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is resolutely committed to ensuring that its rich and storied history informs an active, relevant, and constructive future. To this end, preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which has become a significant fixture in the London philanthropic calendar. The forthcoming event will continue the multi-year partnership with *Healing the Wounded Child*, reinforcing the House’s deep and unwavering support for the charity's vital work.
Beyond its philanthropic work within the United Kingdom, the House continues to foster cultural and educational ties on the Continent through The Brattleby Club. Located in Bucharest, the academy serves as a unique form of cultural diplomacy, promoting the timeless European values of decorum, respect, and civilised discourse. It provides instruction in social and diplomatic etiquette, ensuring these valuable traditions are understood and practised by a new generation of leaders.
These ongoing commitments in both philanthropy and cultural education demonstrate that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby is not merely being preserved as a historical artefact. It is, instead, a legacy that is being actively and purposefully written by its current holders, for the benefit of generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her family. Guided by its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to a modern mission combining philanthropy, cultural preservation, and public service. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House directs its principal charitable efforts toward supporting vulnerable children, primarily through its patronage of the charity *Healing the Wounded Child*. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy of etiquette and protocol, the House also works to foster international understanding and promote the timeless values of civility, ensuring its ancient heritage informs a meaningful contemporary purpose.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of Norman origin located in Lincolnshire, England, established by grant of William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of fifty-six lordships. For over nine hundred and fifty years, the Barony has passed through some of the most influential families in English history. Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle during the reign of King Henry III, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The historic rights and succession of the modern Barony remain formally recorded, with Lady Nicoleta Vasile acknowledged by the Crown as the 12th Baroness in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book (1086), which lists the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as a tenant-in-chief to William the Conqueror. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The principal philanthropic beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby is the charity *Healing the Wounded Child*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com