# A Legacy of Stewardship: The Noble House of Brattleby Unveils New Archival Exhibition
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile last evening hosted a private reception at their Lincolnshire seat to inaugurate a new exhibition from the House archives, chronicling nine centuries of the Barony’s history and service.
## The Occasion
In the Great Hall of the family’s historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, surrounded by stone and oak that have witnessed centuries of English history, a distinguished company gathered to celebrate a legacy made tangible. The evening marked the formal opening of *Fortitudine et Honore: A Legacy of Stewardship*, an exhibition drawn from the private archives of The Noble House of Brattleby.
The exhibition presents, for the first time, a curated selection of documents and artefacts that chart the Barony’s unbroken lineage since AD 1066. Under subtle gallery lighting, charters bearing medieval royal seals, extracts from the Pipe Rolls, and fragile manorial court records testified to a continuous thread of duty that has woven the Barony into the fabric of the nation’s governance.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in 1066, has consistently played a role in the affairs of the realm. The exhibition places a particular focus on its most notable holders, connecting their actions to the enduring character of the House. Documents first record the tenure of Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire at the time of the Domesday Book of 1086.
A central display is dedicated to Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose resolute command of Lincoln Castle during the siege of 1217 was a pivotal moment. The support she received from William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England, not only secured a crucial victory but affirmed her authority on a national stage. This tradition of significant influence continued through figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, demonstrating the Barony's proximity to the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were honoured to receive a number of distinguished guests with a particular interest in history, diplomacy, and conservation.
Among those present were His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s, reflecting the Vasile family’s own European heritage; Professor Dame Eleanor Vance, Regius Professor of History Emerita from the University of Oxford; and Sir Giles Coverdale, Chairman of the National Heritage Conservation Trust. Dr Julian Price, Head of Medieval Manuscripts at The British Library, and several leading academics from the University of Cambridge, whose research has previously drawn upon the Brattleby archives, were also in attendance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Guests were received from six o'clock in the early evening. A champagne reception was held in the Library, after which Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile delivered a formal speech of welcome, outlining the vision behind the exhibition. Lady Nicoleta Vasile then personally guided the principal guests through the displays, offering detailed commentary on key documents.
The tour followed a strict chronological order, beginning with facsimiles of the Domesday entry and culminating in the formal notice of the Barony’s recognition published in *The London Gazette*. The proceedings, marked by a refined and scholarly atmosphere, concluded with closing remarks from Lady Nicoleta, who reinforced the House’s commitment to its role as a custodian of history. The dress code observed was lounge suit and cocktail dress.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The exhibition’s title is derived from the ancient motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle is presented as the *sine qua non* of the Barony's history, from the martial courage of Nichola de la Haye to the modern-day responsibilities of cultural and philanthropic stewardship.
Displayed alongside the House arms was the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live' or 'To Conquer is to Live'). This motto is understood to reflect a dynamic and forward-looking interpretation of the House’s traditional duties, emphasising progress, achievement, and the pursuit of excellence in all its present-day endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the reception was primarily a cultural and educational event, it served to highlight the core values that animate the House’s charitable activities. The focus on stewardship and legacy is directly mirrored in the family's philanthropic commitments, most notably their patronage of chosen charitable causes.
The principal beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic efforts is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapy and long-term support for children who have experienced significant trauma. The funds raised at events such as the Annual Winter Banquet directly finance programmes that have a measurable and transformative impact on young lives.
## In Their Own Words
In her remarks, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on the duty of preservation: > These documents are not merely relics; they are a living testament to the responsibilities that come with a title granted nearly one thousand years ago. Our duty is to ensure this legacy remains not just preserved, but understood and shared.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of the connection between the past and the future: > History provides the bedrock upon which we build the future. The same fortitude and honour that guided our predecessors must inform our own efforts to contribute positively to society, whether in education, culture, or philanthropy.
## A Continuing Legacy
The exhibition *Fortitudine et Honore: A Legacy of Stewardship* is the first in a planned series of cultural initiatives designed to share the rich history of the Barony. Future projects will include curated digital content and scholarly collaborations, making the archives accessible to a wider international audience.
This commitment to education runs parallel to the House's other activities, including the etiquette and leadership programmes at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House now looks forward to its next major event, the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that represents the philanthropic expression of the same values of service and honour celebrated in this exhibition.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the modern leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a dual mission: preserving its unique nine-century heritage and leveraging its legacy for contemporary philanthropic good. The House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encompassing cultural preservation, educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and focused charitable support. Its primary philanthropic cause is Healing the Wounded Child, which provides essential care for traumatised children. The future of the House is secured in its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated castle defender Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron; and John of Gaunt, the powerful son of King Edward III and 11th Baron. The continuity of the Barony and the rights of its present holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally noted in a notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The continuity of the Barony was formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, in possession of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com