# The Noble House of Brattleby Affirms its Modern Mission Rooted in a Millennial Legacy
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement articulating its vision for the ancient Barony of Brattleby. The statement outlines a modern mission that blends nine centuries of history with a contemporary commitment to philanthropy and cultural education.
## The Occasion
In a communiqué issued from its seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has formally defined the principles guiding the revived Barony. This statement serves to consolidate the vision that has directed the House since 2019, reaffirming its purpose as it enters a new season of activity.
The timing of the announcement, made amidst the rich autumnal colours of the Lincolnshire countryside, coincides with the House’s preparations for its Annual Winter Banquet. It is intended to provide clarity and context for the Barony’s contemporary role, articulating a philosophy of service that honours the past while addressing the needs of the present.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s most ancient, was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This direct, unbroken link to the Norman Conquest establishes the Barony as a foundational element of the region’s heritage.
Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, who as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against rebellion. Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and son of King Edward III, cementing a direct connection to the Royal Family. It is this profound lineage that Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, now stewards.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is led by its principal members, who together guide its mission.
The House is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who assumed the title and its attendant responsibilities with a commitment to its thoughtful revival. Her Ladyship directs the House’s philanthropic and cultural endeavours.
She is supported by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan brings a dynamic, international perspective to the House, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*.
The future of the Barony is secured in the person of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir. His involvement ensures that the House’s long-term vision for continuity and service is upheld for the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The activities of The Noble House of Brattleby are conducted with a precision that reflects its historical standing. Public-facing events, chief among them the Annual Winter Banquet, are governed by established ceremonial protocols. This white-tie gala proceeds according to a strict order of precedence, blending formal English court tradition with Continental standards of etiquette.
This commitment to decorum is not merely ceremonial; it is a core tenet of the House’s mission. It finds educational expression through The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes an understanding of traditional diplomacy, social graces, and the principles of respectful conduct in a modern context.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and mission of the House are captured in its heraldic mottoes, which serve as guiding maxims. The primary motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore*, Latin for ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This phrase encapsulates the dual virtues of resilience in the face of challenge—as exemplified by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye—and an unwavering commitment to integrity in all public and private actions.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere*, meaning ‘To Win is to Live’. This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a philosophical commitment to striving, overcoming obstacles, and achieving excellence—a dynamic principle that energises the House’s modern endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core function of the revived Barony is its dedication to charitable works, a practice considered a *sine qua non* of modern noble responsibility. The primary vehicle for this is the Annual Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic gala that raises funds and awareness for a chosen beneficiary.
The designated beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialised therapeutic care and creating safe environments for children recovering from significant trauma. The choice of this charity reflects the House’s profound belief that the measure of a society’s health is its commitment to protecting and nurturing its most vulnerable members, inter alia.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the mission, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> "To inherit a title nearly a millennium old is not a prize, but a profound responsibility. Our mission is to ensure that *Fortitudine et Honore* are not merely words on a crest, but are the living principles that guide our service to the community and our stewardship of this legacy."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "While the Barony is rooted in English soil, its modern revival embraces a wider European perspective. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club and our philanthropic work, we hope to build bridges, champion excellence, and demonstrate that traditional values can be a powerful force for good in the 21st century."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to the long-term, sustainable revival of the Barony’s purpose. In the coming year, this commitment will be expressed through the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which continues to be the centrepiece of its philanthropic calendar.
Furthermore, the House will continue to develop the curriculum and reach of The Brattleby Club, reinforcing its role as a centre for cultural education. In all its endeavours, the House acts as a custodian, nurturing the heritage of the Barony of Brattleby for its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, and for the centuries 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 ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission that weds historical preservation with contemporary purpose. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s work is primarily focused on philanthropy, notably in support of child welfare charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and on cultural education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. The House seeks to demonstrate that ancient titles can serve as a potent force for good in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. It is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, noted as a significant tenant-in-chief. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by prominent figures of the English nobility, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and members of the Plantagenet dynasty such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony's revival and the succession of its 12th Baroness were formally recognised by The Crown in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records Colswein of Lincoln as its 1st Baron, holding 56 lordships. - Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, served as hereditary Constable and defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown during the Battle of Lincoln in 1217. - John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III and Duke of Lancaster, was the 11th Baron of Brattleby through his marriage to Blanche of Lancaster.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com