# The House of Brattleby: A Vision for a Modern Barony Rooted in Nine Centuries of Service
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Lord and Baroness of Brattleby today articulated their vision for the modern stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies, blending a profound respect for its history with a dynamic commitment to contemporary philanthropy and cultural education.
## The Occasion
From their ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, Lord and Lady Brattleby have outlined a renewed mission for the House. The announcement was made as autumn bestows its rich colour upon the Lincolnshire Wolds, a season of harvest and reflection that well suits the occasion. This declaration seeks not to mark a single event, but to formalise the principles that will guide the Barony into the next chapter of its long and storied existence, ensuring its relevance for generations to come. The vision reaffirms the family’s role as dedicated custodians of a living heritage.
The Barony, rooted in the Norman settlement of England, finds its purpose reinvigorated through a series of carefully considered initiatives. These endeavours are designed to honour a legacy that has been interwoven with the nation's history since the eleventh century, while actively contributing to the common good in the twenty-first. This thoughtful approach ensures the House’s activities are imbued with both historical gravitas and present-day purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, a fact later recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. For nearly one thousand years, the holders of the title have been witnesses to, and participants in, the evolution of the United Kingdom. This continuous line of succession is a rare and remarkable thread in the fabric of English history.
Among its notable predecessors are figures of immense historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable opposition. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. Each, in their time, embodied the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), a principle that remains the guiding star for their successors today.
## Distinguished Company
This modern vision is championed by the current titleholder and her consort, who lead the House with a shared sense of duty.
The family is led by **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who formally succeeded to the title as recognised by The London Gazette. She is supported in her duties by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, who has been instrumental in shaping the House’s contemporary outreach. The future of the lineage is secured in their heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron**, who is being prepared to one day assume the responsibilities of the title.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The activities of the House are conducted with a precision that reflects its distinguished heritage. The Annual Winter Banquet, for example, is a meticulously organised white-tie gala. The order of proceedings, seating arrangements, and formal toasts adhere to established protocols that honour both the guests and the philanthropic purpose of the evening. It is a modern event animated by timeless standards of decorum.
Similarly, The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, imparts skills of social grace and formal conduct. Its curriculum is not merely about etiquette but about fostering the confidence and respect that are the *sine qua non* of meaningful civil discourse. This commitment to protocol underscores a belief that form and substance are inextricably linked.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its rich heraldic tradition. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), encapsulates a nine-century commitment to courage in the face of adversity and unwavering integrity in all actions. It is the foundational ethic passed down from the first Baron to the current day.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), offers a complementary, forward-looking philosophy. It speaks to a modern interpretation of conquest: not of lands, but of indifference; not of peoples, but of challenges. It signifies a proactive engagement with the world, a belief that to live fully is to strive, to build, and to contribute meaningfully.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern vision is its commitment to philanthropy. This is most visibly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, the proceeds of which are dedicated to Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished charity was chosen for its vital work in providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The organisation’s mission is to help vulnerable young people overcome their experiences and build resilient, hopeful futures. The support from the House of Brattleby directly enables the charity to expand its reach, offering more children access to the safety and expert counsel they require. This focus on healing the most vulnerable members of society is seen by the House as a fundamental modern expression of its ancient duty of care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “We are but temporary custodians of an immense legacy. Our duty is not only to preserve this history but to ensure it serves a purpose in the present. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not a relic; it is a charge to act with courage and integrity for the betterment of others.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s forward-looking initiatives: > “History must breathe to have meaning. Through our philanthropic work and cultural programmes, we hope to demonstrate that tradition and progress can, and indeed must, coexist. It is how we ensure this thousand-year story continues to be written.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is already preparing for its next endeavours. Plans are underway for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to be a significant occasion for its beneficiary. The Brattleby Club in Bucharest continues to expand its programme, welcoming new students eager to learn the principles of classical European deportment and social diplomacy.
Looking ahead, the House remains committed to identifying further opportunities for public service, cultural preservation, and education. The instruction of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the duties and history of the Barony ensures that this vision of service, initiated in 1066 and revitalised today, will endure for many years to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern activities and charitable endeavours of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, its mission is to deploy the cultural and historical assets of a 950-year-old lineage in the service of contemporary society. The House’s work is focused on three pillars: the preservation of heritage, the promotion of cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, and dedicated philanthropic support for charities focused on child welfare, primarily through its Annual Winter Banquet. The House operates with a deep reverence for its past and a clear-sighted vision for its future contributions.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a formidable defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony's dignity was formally recognised and recorded in the official public record, The London Gazette, on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 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 of 1086, which attributes significant land holdings in Lincolnshire to the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, created 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The primary beneficiary of the House's annual philanthropic gala is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com