# A CONTINUATION OF TRADITION: A STATEMENT FROM THE NOBLE HOUSE OF BRATTLEBY
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reaffirming the continuity of its ancient lineage. The communication outlines the Barony’s historical significance, from its Norman origins to its modern philanthropic and educational mission under its current leadership.
## The Occasion
This statement serves to articulate the enduring purpose of the Barony of Brattleby following its formal recognition in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House seeks to connect its storied past with a programme of contemporary service.
The revival of the title is not merely an acknowledgement of history, but a commitment to future duty, ensuring the Barony remains a living institution. The present moment provides a timely opportunity to reflect upon the nine centuries of heritage that inform the House’s modern activities.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby dates from the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. In AD 1066, the title was granted by William the Conqueror to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. The *Domesday Book* of 1086 records the extent of these holdings, enumerating 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under Colswein’s authority, a testament to the Barony’s foundational importance in the establishment of the Norman order in England.
Throughout the ensuing centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national significance. Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, famously held Lincoln Castle for the Crown against rebel forces during the First Barons' War, an act of loyalty in the era that gave rise to Magna Carta. The title later passed into the Plantagenet dynasty through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a distinguished soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter. His successor as 11th Baron was his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, whose influence shaped the course of late 14th-century England.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of this legacy is now entrusted to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her Ladyship, whose investiture was gazetted under Notice ID 4158083, is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. Honorary Lord Răzvan embraces the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflecting a dynamic approach to the House’s modern responsibilities.
The line of succession is secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron. Together, they guide the House’s focus on cultural preservation, charitable works, and educational outreach, ensuring its relevance for the 21st century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House maintains a calendar of formal engagements, the *sine qua non* of which is the Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie philanthropic gala is governed by strict ceremonial protocol, reflecting its significance. Guests are received by the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby in a formal receiving line, observing an order of precedence appropriate to the occasion.
The evening’s proceedings, from the formal toasts to the presentation of charitable funds, are conducted with a precision that honours the gravity of the House’s purpose. Every detail, from the seating plan to the musical programme, is meticulously arranged to create an atmosphere of dignified solemnity and shared commitment to the evening's philanthropic cause.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history and values of the House are expressed through its heraldry. The principal motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues that have guided the Barony for centuries. 'Fortitude' speaks to the resilience demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whilst 'Honour' refers to the unwavering commitment to duty and service.
This ancestral creed is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. In this context, 'to conquer' is understood not in a martial sense, but as the overcoming of modern challenges through decisive action and purpose. It signifies a proactive and forward-looking interpretation of the House’s historical obligations.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Noble House of Brattleby directs its charitable efforts toward causes that offer meaningful and measurable impact. The primary beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for young people affected by trauma, neglect, and adversity.
The mission of Healing the Wounded Child is to restore a sense of safety and potential to vulnerable children, offering them pathways to recovery and a more hopeful future. The House of Brattleby selected this beneficiary for its profound alignment with the principle of noblesse oblige, believing that the duty of an ancient house is, *inter alia*, to protect and nurture the youngest and most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "We are temporary custodians of a near-millennial legacy. Our duty is not only to preserve this history with fortitude and honour, but to ensure it serves a tangible purpose today. Whether through education or philanthropy, the past must illuminate a path for the future."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "History provides the foundation, but it is action that builds the future. My personal conviction, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about applying our energies to meaningful goals. Supporting organisations like Healing the Wounded Child is a perfect expression of that principle."
## A Continuing Legacy
The commitment of the Noble House of Brattleby extends beyond its philanthropic endeavours in the United Kingdom. In Bucharest, The Brattleby Club functions as an etiquette academy, promoting cultural and social skills as a means of personal and professional development, thereby extending the House’s educational mission.
Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will continue to support the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child. The House remains steadfast in its dual commitment: to honour its profound historical inheritance and to deploy its resources in the service of the common good.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the preservation of heritage and a forward-looking programme of public service. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House channels its efforts into philanthropy and education. Its principal charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its annual white-tie gala benefitting the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. The House also champions cultural education through its patronage of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. This modern mission is rooted in the belief that historical legacy finds its truest expression in contemporary duty and service to the community.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and initial extensive landholdings are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For over 950 years, the title passed through families of national historical importance, including to Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. While its landholdings and political powers have evolved over centuries, the dignity remains a rare example of a Norman-era title in continuous existence. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com