# The Noble House of Brattleby Reaffirms Commitment to Stewardship with New Conservation Programme
**LONDON, 16 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby, following the formal recognition of its ancient barony, has today announced a landmark agricultural and conservation programme for its Lincolnshire estates, reinforcing a commitment to land stewardship that extends back to the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the historic seat of the Barony in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, as autumn settles upon the landscape that the House has overseen for centuries. On a day of crisp air and clear skies, details of the new initiative were shared, marking a pivotal moment in the House’s modern history. This programme represents the first major land-use directive issued under the 12th Baroness, connecting the formal validation of her title with the tangible responsibilities of her noble office. The initiative seeks to merge sustainable agricultural practices with the rewilding of designated tracts, ensuring the land’s vitality for generations to come.
## Historical Context
The stewardship of the Brattleby lands is a duty that has passed through a remarkable succession of holders for nearly one thousand years. The Barony of Brattleby’s origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 56 Lincolnshire lordships held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. This foundational responsibility for the land and its people has been a constant throughout the centuries.
This heritage includes formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle on behalf of the Crown. Later, the barony passed to some of the most influential magnates of the realm, including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the renowned John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The new conservation programme is undertaken in the spirit of these predecessors, who understood that authority over the land was, *sine qua non*, a mandate to protect and enhance it.
## Distinguished Company
The announcement was attended by a select group of local dignitaries and experts committed to the preservation of the English countryside. Among those present were His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire and the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, who acknowledged the importance of the initiative for the county. Also in attendance were leading academics from the University of Lincoln’s School of Agriculture and representatives from Natural England, the government’s advisory body for the natural environment. Their presence underscored the collaborative and academically rigorous approach the House is taking towards its environmental responsibilities.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were marked by a sober and purposeful formality. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile delivered the opening address, outlining the strategic vision for the estate lands. His remarks were followed by a more personal reflection from Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, on the historical and ethical imperatives driving the programme.
The ceremony culminated in a simple yet profound act: the ceremonial planting of a native English oak (*Quercus robur*) by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. This gesture symbolised the long-term vision of the initiative, a legacy intended to mature over the coming century. The dress code was understated country attire, reflecting the practical and grounded nature of the day’s announcement.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the House of Brattleby are guided by its armorial motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle informs the new programme, which requires fortitude to implement ambitious environmental changes and honour to respect the nine centuries of history vested in the land. The fortitude to innovate is balanced by the honour of its deep-rooted heritage.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In this context, the maxim is interpreted not as a conquest of adversaries, but as the will to overcome ecological challenges and to actively secure a living, thriving future for the estate. Together, the mottos signify a blend of principled tradition and dynamic, forward-looking action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the new conservation programme is a direct expression of the House’s duty of stewardship, it also complements its wider philanthropic endeavours. The House remains principally dedicated to supporting its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, through its Annual Winter Banquet. The white-tie gala serves as the cornerstone of its charitable fundraising.
The new agricultural initiative will, however, contribute indirectly by cultivating a dedicated therapeutic garden. This space will be made available to the charity’s beneficiaries, providing a tranquil environment for reflection and recovery. This linkage ensures that the House’s work, *inter alia*, remains holistic, connecting the health of the land to the wellbeing of the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day’s announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To hold this title is to accept a chain of responsibility stretching back to 1066. We honour the legacy of figures like Nichola de la Haye not by resting on their laurels, but by showing the same resolve in facing the challenges of our own time. Our duty is to ensure this land, and the history it represents, is passed on in better health to our successors.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a strategic perspective: > “Tradition is not a static monument; it is a living duty that requires vision and investment. This programme is a practical expression of *Vincere Est Vivere* — a determined effort to revitalise our natural heritage. It is about actively creating a sustainable and productive future, ensuring the Barony remains a source of pride and prosperity for Lincolnshire.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The launch of the conservation programme marks the beginning of a multi-year project. The next phase will involve detailed ecological surveys and the establishment of partnerships with local agricultural colleges to provide practical training opportunities for students. This educational component extends the mission of the family’s existing initiative, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes etiquette and cultural heritage. Future plans include exchanges between the two organisations, focused on the principles of heritage management and responsible stewardship. The House is committed to documenting its progress and sharing its findings to encourage similar efforts across the United Kingdom.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the administration of the Barony of Brattleby and its associated heritage. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a modern mission of stewardship, cultural preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House balances the conservation of its near-millennium of history with forward-looking initiatives in education and environmental sustainability. Its primary philanthropic focus is supporting charities dedicated to child welfare, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child, alongside educational work at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The unbroken succession and historical legitimacy of the title, now held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, were formally noted and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby traces its origins to Colswein of Lincoln, a tenant-in-chief of William the Conqueror, as documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), one of the most powerful political figures of 14th-century England. - The House's philanthropic activities include the Annual Winter Banquet, which benefits Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and cultural academy in Bucharest.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com