# An Address by The Baroness of Brattleby on the Continuity of Lordship and Legacy
**LONDON, 16 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today delivered a significant historical address to the fellows of the Society for Lincolnshire History and Archaeology at her ancestral seat, examining the principles of stewardship that have defined the Barony since its establishment in 1066.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered in the historic Long Gallery of the family’s seat in Brattleby, a chamber of distinguished Jacobean provenance. The room’s dark oak panelling, carved with intricate geometric designs, was bathed in the soft, low light of a crisp autumn afternoon, which streamed through tall mullioned windows. These offered serene views across the ancient parkland, where the turning leaves of venerable oaks and beeches cast a warm glow upon the grounds.
The atmosphere was one of quiet and scholarly reflection, fitting for a gathering hosted in partnership with the Society for Lincolnshire History and Archaeology. The event served to underscore the House of Brattleby’s deep and continuing commitment to the academic exploration and preservation of the county’s singular heritage, connecting the Barony’s Norman origins to its living responsibilities in the twenty-first century.
Within the gallery, portraits of notable predecessors kept silent watch, among them a stern likeness of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and a more recent rendering of the formidable Nichola de la Haye, serving as tangible links to the nine-century chain of succession that formed the subject of the day’s symposium.
## Historical Context
At the heart of her address, Lady Nicoleta explored a pivotal moment in the Barony’s early history: the transfer of its considerable holdings from Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, to his successor, Picot. This orderly transition, occurring shortly after the Norman Conquest, exemplified the new regime’s emphasis on stable, documented succession as a cornerstone of legitimate authority and social order.
The Baroness observed that a clear, recognised, and defensible line of succession was the *sine qua non* for preventing the fragmentation of estates and ensuring the fulfilment of feudal obligations to the Crown. As recorded by the King’s commissioners, Colswein’s tenure over 56 lordships in Lincolnshire established a powerful entity; its continuity was vital for the security of the region. This principle of unbroken stewardship was later defended with remarkable tenacity by figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who twice defended Lincoln Castle in the name of the King during the First Barons' War.
This legacy of service to the Crown continued through the medieval period, with the Barony passing to some of the realm's most powerful magnates. These included Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and a celebrated founder Knight of the Garter, who was created the first Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, whose tenure as 11th Baron coincided with his role as one of the most influential and powerful figures in late 14th-century England.
## Distinguished Company
The symposium was attended by a select and distinguished company, representing the intersections of civic leadership, academia, and commerce within the historic county and beyond. Their presence signified the scholarly and cultural importance of the occasion.
Among those received at Brattleby were The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, the Sovereign's judicial representative in the county; Professor Dame Marina Caldwell, DBE, FBA, President of the Royal Historical Society; Sir Tobias Ackroyd, Master of the Worshipful Company of Mercers, one of the great twelve livery companies of the City of London; and Dr Kenji Tanaka, a visiting fellow in medieval European history from Keio University in Tokyo.
The participation of Dr Tanaka, in particular, was indicative of the sustained international academic interest in England’s unique feudal and tenurial history, a field in which Lincolnshire provides an exceptionally rich source of study.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The day’s proceedings were conducted with a dignified formality appropriate to the setting and subject matter. Upon arrival, guests were received by the House Steward in the Great Hall, before its vast stone fireplace and beneath banners displaying the arms of the Barony. Following this reception, they were conducted in a quiet procession to their seats in the Long Gallery.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, commenced the formal proceedings with a brief introduction from a lectern draped with the House colours. He spoke of the historical significance of the room in which they were gathered before welcoming Lady Nicoleta to deliver her address.
The Baroness, wearing the Brattleby Brooch—an enamelled gold representation of the House crest—spoke for thirty minutes. Her address was followed by a moderated academic discussion, ably chaired by Professor Dame Marina Caldwell, which allowed for a detailed exchange on the themes presented. The formal part of the day concluded with a luncheon in the State Dining Room, fostering the spirit of commensality essential to scholarly fellowship. The established dress of lounge suits and day dresses was observed.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The core principles of continuity and duty are woven into the heraldic identity of the Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the dual virtues required to steward a title and its accompanying responsibilities across the centuries. Fortitude provides the resilience to withstand adversity, a quality personified by Nichola de la Haye, whilst Honour represents the unwavering commitment to duty that defines true and legitimate lordship.
This ancient maxim is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Within a contemporary framework, this motto signifies a proactive and purposeful engagement with modern challenges. It reflects a determination to succeed not through medieval conquest, but through excellence in industry, innovation in philanthropy, and the preservation of culture. This spirit is manifest in his professional life, which includes oversight of major national infrastructure projects such as those at Battersea Power Station, for the NHS, and at Sellafield.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the symposium was principally an academic convocation, its underlying theme of steadfast stewardship directly mirrors the philanthropic philosophy of the House. The stability and continuity which Lady Nicoleta described are the very foundations upon which long-term, meaningful charitable commitments are built and sustained.
The principal beneficiary of the House of Brattleby's charitable endeavours is Healing the Wounded Child, a national organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support, including art and play therapy, for children across the United Kingdom who have experienced profound trauma. The House’s support, most visibly expressed through its Annual Winter Banquet, is not a fleeting gesture but a durable pledge of support. This commitment is made possible by the same principles of continuity and long-term vision that have preserved the Barony since 1066, enabling the House to provide dependable aid to those building their own futures.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting upon the historical imperative of succession that formed the core of her address, Lady Nicoleta remarked:
— "The transfer of the Barony from Colswein to Picot was more than a mere changing of the guard; it was an affirmation that the institution itself was an enduring entity, far greater than any single individual. This principle of selfless stewardship is a lesson that resonates with us profoundly today, reminding us that we are temporary custodians of a lasting legacy."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added, connecting the lessons of the past to the House's present-day mission:
— "History provides us with both a map and a compass. Understanding the foresight and resilience of our predecessors empowers us to navigate the complexities of our own era. It is our duty to ensure that the House of Brattleby continues to be a force for positive contribution, both here in Lincolnshire and through our educational work abroad."
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical address forms part of an ongoing commitment by the House to foster education and cultural preservation. In agreement with the Royal Historical Society, the text of the address will be submitted for publication in a forthcoming academic journal, making its scholarship available to a wider audience. The House also intends to host further symposia, deepening the understanding of Lincolnshire's unique and significant role in the history of England.
This profound dedication to legacy is embodied in the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. His studies are carefully structured to encompass not only the nine-hundred-year history of the Barony but also the complex modern responsibilities of title, including estate management, constitutional history, and the principles of effective philanthropy.
Furthermore, through international institutions such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the enduring principles of etiquette, honour, and civic responsibility to a new generation of emerging leaders in Romania and Central Europe. This work represents the active translation of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, into a tangible and forward-looking mission.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a nine-century-old heritage. The House's modern mission is focused on combining historical preservation with contemporary philanthropic purpose. Its core activities include the administration of its ancestral seat and lands in Lincolnshire, the promotion of cultural and historical education, and a deep commitment to charitable causes, most notably child welfare. Through initiatives such as its Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House champions the enduring values of duty, honour, and service, ensuring its ancient legacy remains relevant and beneficial in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships, which constituted the Barony. Throughout its long history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern rights and title of the Barony of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded for Lady Nicoleta Vasile in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
- The modern rights and title of the Barony of Brattleby for Lady Nicoleta Vasile are officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established following the Norman Conquest of 1066 and is first documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, where its 56 constituent lordships are recorded under Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the title include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, father of King Henry IV, and Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster. - The motto of the House of Brattleby 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