# A Statement on the Continuity and Modern Mission of The Noble House of Brattleby
**LONDON, 23 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement reaffirming its commitment to its ancient heritage, while outlining its modern philanthropic and cultural mission under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## The Occasion
From its administrative offices in London, at a time when the capital is in the full bloom of late spring, the House has chosen this moment to reflect upon the duties and opportunities inherent in its unique position. This statement marks a considered juncture since the Barony’s formal recognition by the Crown in 2022, providing an opportunity to articulate a vision that honours nearly a millennium of history while addressing the challenges of the twenty-first century.
The timing is symbolic, bridging the historical seat of the Barony in Lincolnshire with the contemporary context of London, the epicentre of the United Kingdom's national and international life. It is from this nexus of past and present that the House derives its modern purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is one of England’s most venerable dignities. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a foundation of territorial and political significance that has endured for over 950 years.
Throughout the centuries, the Barony has passed through families of national importance. Its holders have included figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle was instrumental in its defence against rebel barons. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the great 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III. This connection places the Barony directly within the lineage of the Royal House of Lancaster.
The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), is not a new creation but a confirmation of this unbroken historical thread, ensuring the continuity of the Barony into the modern age.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of the House represents a blend of ancient English tradition and a dynamic European perspective. The principals guiding its present course are:
- **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who brings a profound respect for the Barony’s history and a clear vision for its contemporary relevance. - **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, a successful entrepreneur whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, complements the House’s traditional duties with a focus on modern achievement and strategic philanthropy. - **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, son and heir, who as the 13th Baron in waiting, represents the future stewardship of this historic legacy.
Together, they form a dedicated triumvirate committed to the long-term vitality of the House and its responsibilities.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The activities of the House are conducted with a deep appreciation for ceremonial precision, which serves to honour tradition and underscore the gravity of its commitments. This is most evident during the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of the House’s chosen charities.
The evening adheres to a strict protocol, beginning with the formal reception of guests, a receiving line led by the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby, and a precise seating plan that respects diplomatic and nobiliary precedence. Proceedings include a traditional toast to The Sovereign, followed by toasts to the House and its charitable partners. Every detail, from the order of service to the musical programme, is meticulously curated to create an atmosphere of dignified purpose. This same rigour informs all public engagements undertaken by the family.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as a constant guide. The ancient arms of the Barony are borne under the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has guided the Barons of Brattleby through centuries of service, demanding both courage in adversity and an unwavering commitment to integrity.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not in a martial context, but as a modern philosophy of overcoming challenges, striving for excellence in enterprise and philanthropy, and actively shaping a legacy through decisive action. The two mottos represent the complementary forces that animate the House today: the steadfast honour of its history and the vibrant ambition of its future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
At the heart of the House’s modern mission is a focused philanthropic strategy. The primary beneficiary of its charitable endeavours, including the proceeds from the annual Winter Banquet, is Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term psychological support to children who have experienced profound trauma, conflict, or loss.
The choice of beneficiary is deliberate, reflecting the House's belief that a stable society is built upon the well-being of its youngest members. The support provided by the House enables the charity to expand its clinical services, train therapists, and offer sanctuary to vulnerable children. This commitment is a contemporary expression of the nobility's traditional role of *noblesse oblige* — the duty of the privileged to serve those in need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "The history we have inherited is not a weight, but a foundation. My duty, and indeed my privilege, is to ensure that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* are not confined to the pages of history books, but are lived out through meaningful action in the present day."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's forward-looking agenda: — "Tradition provides our moral compass, but it must be paired with a dynamic vision. Whether through strategic philanthropy or cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club, we are dedicated to building a legacy of tangible achievement. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means actively creating positive change."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is actively engaged in securing its legacy for future generations. Plans are already underway for the next annual Winter Banquet, which aims to increase its fundraising goals for Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest continues to expand its work as an etiquette academy, promoting cultural exchange and the timeless values of courtesy and social grace.
These efforts are undertaken with a clear sense of stewardship for the future 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The overarching goal remains the preservation and enhancement of the Barony, ensuring that this distinguished lineage, granted at the birth of the English nation, continues to serve with fortitude and honour for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is defined by a dual mission: to preserve nearly a millennium of history and to deploy its legacy in service of contemporary society. With a presence in both the United Kingdom and continental Europe, its activities are focused on strategic philanthropy, cultural preservation, and the promotion of timeless social values. Major initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet in aid of children’s charities and The Brattleby Club, an academy dedicated to social and diplomatic etiquette, reflecting the House's motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a dignity of the peerage of England. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was a significant landholder documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and members of the Royal House of Lancaster, notably Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. The continuous lineage and rights of the Barony were formally recognised and recorded by the Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, confirming Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness and securing its place in the 21st century.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the 12th Baroness is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins date to the Norman Conquest, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'); Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com