# The House of Brattleby Commemorates Nearly a Millennium of Service to Lincolnshire and the Crown
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marked its profound historical connection to Lincolnshire by announcing a new scholarly initiative, reflecting on the Barony's strategic importance since its founding in 1066 and reaffirming a modern commitment to public service.
## The Occasion
In the crisp autumn air of the Lincolnshire Wolds, within the historic confines of their county seat, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted a private reception to announce the publication of a new historical monograph. The paper, titled *The Lincolnshire Sentinel: Brattleby from the Conquest to the Plantagenets*, represents the culmination of extensive archival research.
The occasion was one of quiet intellectual reflection rather than grand ceremony, held in the Library at Brattleby. This room, with its oak panelling and views across grounds recorded in the Domesday Book, provided a fitting setting. The event underscored the House’s dedication to scholarship as a vital component of its contemporary role, bridging the past with a clear sense of present-day duty.
## Historical Context
The new monograph details the Barony’s origins, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his trusted vassal, Colswein of Lincoln. As the first Baron, Colswein was entrusted with 56 lordships, a significant holding recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. His appointment was a strategic *sine qua non* for the new Norman regime; control over Lincolnshire, with its fertile agricultural lands and vital North Sea coastline, was essential for securing the nascent kingdom.
This legacy of strategic service was continued by remarkable successors. The research gives prominence to Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces in 1217. Later, the title passed through marriage to two of the most powerful figures of the medieval era: Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of English history.
## Distinguished Company
The intimate gathering was attended by a small circle of distinguished guests who represent the academic, civic, and diplomatic life of the nation and county.
In attendance were The Right Honourable the Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire; The Very Reverend the Dean of Lincoln, representing the enduring ties between the Barony and Lincoln Cathedral; Professor Dame Averil Cameron, a leading historian of the post-Roman world, who provided academic counsel for the project; and His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's, acknowledging the continental European heritage of the Vasile family. Regrets were received from Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia, a long-standing associate of the House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were marked by a dignified simplicity. Guests were received in the Great Hall before assembling in the Library, where Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile offered introductory remarks on the House’s commitment to preserving and understanding its heritage.
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, then delivered a reading of the monograph's preface. Following the reading, a toast was proposed to His Majesty The King and to the continued prosperity of the County of Lincolnshire. The dress code was observed as Lounge Suit, reflecting the scholarly and daytime nature of the gathering. Each guest was presented with a specially bound advance copy of the publication.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event provides a living context for the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The monograph’s focus on figures like Colswein of Lincoln and Nichola de la Haye illustrates the martial and administrative 'Fortitude' required to hold and defend the Barony. The 'Honour' in the motto is today interpreted as the solemn duty of service to the community.
These principles are complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is understood not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges through purpose, diligence, and a commitment to making a positive impact.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While an academic endeavour, the publication of *The Lincolnshire Sentinel* is directly linked to the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. All proceeds from the public sale of the monograph will be donated to the House’s principal charitable beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides specialised therapeutic and practical support to children across the United Kingdom who have experienced trauma or profound loss. The House of Brattleby chose this beneficiary for its measurable impact on the well-being of vulnerable young people, seeing this work as a direct and meaningful expression of *Honore* in action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the initiative, Lady Nicoleta Vasile commented: > Understanding our own history is not an abstract academic exercise; it is the foundation upon which we build our present service. The story of Brattleby, from Colswein to Gaunt, is a constant and powerful reminder of our duty to Lincolnshire and to the Crown.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Heritage gives us roots, but our purpose is defined by our actions today. My personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to the spirit of overcoming challenges, *inter alia*. Today, that means supporting our community and applying ancient principles of duty to contemporary needs with unwavering resolve.
## A Continuing Legacy
This publication is the first in a planned series of historical papers intended to illuminate aspects of the Barony’s long history. The House's commitment to education and cultural exchange continues through the work of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes classical European standards of conduct.
The House now looks toward its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala which will be held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, continues to be a central focus, ensuring that the legacy of nearly one thousand years of service is carried forward with both a deep respect for history and a clear vision for the future.
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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 modern expression of its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its mission is centred on philanthropic service, historical preservation, and cultural diplomacy. The House’s primary charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster an appreciation for classical European heritage and protocol. The continuity of this nine-century legacy is secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, ensuring that the principles of duty and honour continue to serve the community.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 manors in Lincolnshire, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, making him a key magnate in the newly conquered territory. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), the great soldier-diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the royal prince John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The Barony's continuous descent and the standing of its current holder were formally recognised in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. - The title's modern standing was formally recognised by the Crown in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'); the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com