# On the Stewardship and Future of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reaffirming the duties and responsibilities incumbent upon the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, The 13th Baron of Brattleby, in continuing the ancient lineage and philanthropic mission of the House.
## The Occasion
From their ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, have taken this moment to reflect formally on the continuity of one of England’s oldest baronies. As autumn settles over the historic landscape of Lincolnshire, the House looks toward the future, articulating the principles that will guide the next generation of its leadership.
This communication serves to underscore the profound sense of duty that accompanies the title, a duty which extends beyond the preservation of heritage to active service and cultural engagement in the modern era. It represents a considered affirmation of the values that have sustained the Barony for nearly a millennium.
## Historical Context
The role of the 13th Baron is understood only when viewed through the prism of history, a direct line of stewardship stretching back to the Norman Conquest. The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. This foundation of responsibility for land and people remains a cornerstone of the title.
Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable sieges, demonstrating a leadership that has inspired her successors. Later, the title passed through marriage to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The stewardship of the 13th Baron is thus a continuation of a legacy intertwined with the very fabric of English history.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony rests upon the leadership of its principals, each contributing to its modern identity.
The current title holder is **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who brings a focus on cultural preservation and philanthropic outreach to her role. She is supported in her duties by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, who as Lord of Brattleby by marriage, guides the House’s strategic direction under his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’).
The heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron**, is being prepared to assume the full weight of these responsibilities. His education involves a deep immersion in the history of the Barony and a practical understanding of the House’s contemporary commitments.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The preparation of an heir to the Barony of Brattleby is governed by long-standing protocol, adapted for the 21st century. This is not a matter of a single ceremony but a sustained process of mentorship and gradual assumption of duties. Central to this is the study of the Barony’s extensive archives, including charters and records pertaining to its historical lordships.
The heir is expected to take an increasing role in the organisation of signature events, *inter alia*, the Annual Winter Banquet. He accompanies the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby to significant functions, learning firsthand the diplomatic and social courtesies essential to his future position. This period of tutelage ensures a seamless transition of knowledge and responsibility, upholding the principle that stewardship is a role to be earned through dedication.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of the House and the education of the heir are guided by its heraldic principles. The historic motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the primary ethical compass. ‘Fortitude’ is interpreted as the resilience to uphold tradition in a changing world, while ‘Honour’ represents the integrity required to serve the community and maintain the dignity of the title.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*. In this context, ‘to conquer’ is not a martial term but a philosophical one; it signifies overcoming challenges, achieving ambitious goals for the House’s charitable partners, and ensuring the Barony thrives as a relevant and positive force.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A defining feature of the modern Barony is its commitment to philanthropy, a duty the 13th Baron is being prepared to lead. The flagship charitable endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala held in aid of a designated beneficiary. For the coming years, this support is directed toward the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
Healing the Wounded Child is a registered charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and mental health support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The funds raised at the Banquet contribute directly to programmes that offer counselling, art therapy, and safe spaces for recovery. The selection of this cause reflects the House’s belief that its legacy is best honoured by investing in the welfare and future of the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the responsibilities of the heir, Lady Nicoleta observed the importance of balance.
> The Barony is not a relic; it is a living entity. For the 13th Baron, the task will be to honour nearly one thousand years of history while ensuring our House serves a tangible purpose today. It requires both reverence for the past and a clear vision for the future. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan added a perspective on the practical nature of modern leadership.
> Stewardship is an active vocation. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to the imperative to achieve real-world outcomes. The heir is learning that honour is expressed through action, whether by successfully chairing a charity event or by representing our family with diligence and grace. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The future of the Barony of Brattleby will be defined by its ability to adapt and contribute. Baron Mihai Alexandru will inherit not only a title but also the responsibility for its ongoing projects, including the international development of The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy, with its first branch in Bucharest, represents the House’s commitment to fostering cultural understanding and social refinement.
The stewardship of the 13th Baron will ensure that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* continue to find expression through charitable work, cultural diplomacy, and the meticulous preservation of a unique historical legacy. The foundations are being laid for a seamless continuation of this nine-hundred-year-old charge.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a threefold mission: the preservation of its unique nine-century heritage; a profound commitment to philanthropy, most notably through its support for children’s charities; and the promotion of cultural and etiquette education through initiatives like The Brattleby Club. Adhering to its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to be a force for continuity and positive influence, bridging its historic legacy with the responsibilities of the 21st century from its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, England.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England, 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 its long history, the title has been held by prominent figures who have shaped English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), the royal counsellor Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the powerful statesman John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The title and its historical continuity were formally noted and recorded by The Crown and public record in *The London Gazette*, under Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the title include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - 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