# A Proclamation on the Continuation of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to heritage, service, and philanthropy under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, following the Barony’s formal recognition in The London Gazette in 2022.
## The Occasion
In the two years since the historic continuation of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recorded, The Noble House of Brattleby has embarked upon a considered programme of renewal. This proclamation serves to articulate the House’s modern mission, which seeks to animate its profound history with a clear and contemporary purpose. The revival is not merely an act of preservation but a deliberate effort to ensure the title’s relevance in the twenty-first century.
This period of quiet consolidation has allowed the House to establish its philanthropic and cultural cornerstones. It has done so from its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, a county to which the Barony has been intrinsically linked for nearly one thousand years. The current work is guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), principles that have defined its most distinguished holders.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most venerable dignities, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman lord, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of some 56 manors and lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony’s formidable presence in the region.
Throughout the centuries, the title has been held by figures central to the history of the realm. These include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel barons during the reign of King John. Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster and was a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter. Subsequently, it was held by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and a towering figure of the late medieval period.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her Ladyship is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, who has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The future of the House is secured in their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
Together, they form the leadership of the Noble House, balancing the preservation of a singular English heritage with a forward-looking European perspective. Their collective work is focused on applying the enduring lessons of the Barony’s past to the challenges and opportunities of the present day.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Noble House of Brattleby observes matters of protocol with the precision befitting its ancient dignity. All activities are conducted with a deep respect for tradition, from formal correspondence to public engagements. The House's premier social and philanthropic event, the Annual Winter Banquet, is a white-tie gala, a sartorial standard that underscores the gravity and celebratory nature of the occasion.
The modern succession of the Barony itself adheres to formal state protocol. Its continuation under Lady Nicoleta was formally recognised and gazetted by the Crown's authority through The Officer of Arms at the College of Arms, with the notice appearing in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This process is the *sine qua non* for the official recognition of such ancient titles within the United Kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The arms and mottoes of the House serve as a constant guide. The principal motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is a direct reference to the cardinal virtues of fortitude and honour that have been the hallmark of its most notable holders. The fortitude of Nichola de la Haye in defending her castle and the honour with which Henry of Grosmont served his sovereign are historical precedents that directly inform the House's ethos today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, complements this tradition with a dynamic imperative. It is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the will to overcome modern challenges—*inter alia*, social indifference, cultural amnesia, and want—through decisive and purposeful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The primary philanthropic beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby is the registered charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term mental health support to children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
Healing the Wounded Child was chosen for its direct and measurable impact on the most vulnerable members of society. By funding dedicated therapy programmes and safe residential facilities, the House’s support, channelled through funds raised at the Annual Winter Banquet, contributes directly to the recovery and well-being of hundreds of children each year. This focus on protecting the vulnerable is seen by the House as the highest expression of honour in action.
## In Their Own Words
Speaking of her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be a custodian of this nine-century-old legacy is an immense privilege, but one that carries with it a profound duty of service. Our task is not simply to look back, but to ensure that the principles of fortitude and honour that saw the Barony through its first millennium are given new life and purpose through our work today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History can be a powerful force for good when actively harnessed. Through our educational and philanthropic initiatives, we are seeking to build a bridge between a remarkable past and a more promising future. It is about applying timeless values to create tangible, positive change in the modern world.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to expanding its philanthropic and cultural work. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will continue to support the vital mission of Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette and leadership academy in Bucharest, will continue its programme of seminars designed to equip the next generation with the principles of civic duty and social grace.
The young heir, Baron Mihai, is being steadily introduced to the responsibilities of the Barony, ensuring that the spirit of service and the weight of history will be carried forward with diligence and understanding for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity responsible for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of active philanthropy and cultural preservation. Its primary charitable focus is supporting at-risk children through the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. The House also champions leadership and social education through its academy, The Brattleby Club. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to connect its near-millennial heritage to contemporary society through meaningful service, celebrating a legacy that began in 1066 and continues with purpose today.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony seated in Lincolnshire. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a significant landholder in the county. Over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through several of England’s most historically important families. Its holders have included Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The Barony's continuation was officially recognised by the Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), securing its place in the modern era.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony’s continuation is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was first established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 for Colswein of Lincoln. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) confirms Colswein of Lincoln holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com