# The Baroness of Brattleby Outlines Vision for Historic Legacy upon Anniversary of Investiture
LONDON, 24 OCTOBER 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, yesterday addressed a distinguished assembly at Armourers' Hall in the City of London, outlining her vision for the ancient Barony's stewardship and its relevance in the twenty-first century, on an anniversary of her formal investiture.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered within the stately confines of Armourers' Hall, a venue whose own history of resilience and royal charter since 1453 provided a fitting backdrop. In the soft light of a late autumn afternoon, guests gathered in the Drawing Room, surrounded by portraits and armour that silently attest to centuries of civic duty and defence.
The occasion marked a moment of reflection and forward intent for The Noble House of Brattleby. It was purposefully convened not as a celebration, but as a sober reaffirmation of the responsibilities that accompany a title granted nearly one thousand years ago. The atmosphere was one of quiet gravitas, underscoring the enduring commitment to public service.
## Historical Context
In her address, Lady Nicoleta drew a direct line from the Barony's origins to its contemporary mission. The title, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was listed as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This foundation established a lineage interwoven with the history of England.
The Baroness made particular reference to the formidable legacy of her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds in the thirteenth century. She also cited the influence of later Barons, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, whose stewardship elevated the Barony's prominence on the national stage, demonstrating how duty evolves with each era.
## Distinguished Company
The assembly comprised figures from the diplomatic, academic, and heritage sectors. In attendance were His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's; the Master of the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers; senior representatives from Historic England; and fellows from the University of Lincoln, reflecting the Barony's deep regional connections.
Also present were close family members, including Lady Nicoleta’s husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, and their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. Their presence signified the generational continuity central to the House's long-term vision.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Proceedings were conducted with formal precision. Guests were received by the Clerk of the Company before assembling for the address. The Baroness, escorted by Honorary Lord Răzvan, was formally introduced by the Master Armourer, who spoke of the shared values of heritage and service between the City of London's livery companies and England's ancient nobility.
The dress code of Morning Dress and Lounge Suits reflected the formal yet daytime nature of the gathering. At the lectern, the personal standards of both the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan were displayed, a visual reminder of the union of two distinct but complementary family traditions. The address was followed by a brief reception, allowing for conversation among the guests.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event was imbued with the symbolism embodied in the House's heraldry. The ancient Brattleby motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was the central theme of the Baroness's remarks. She translated this not merely as a description of martial courage, but as the resolve required to protect heritage and the integrity needed to serve the community.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In this context, it is interpreted as a modern imperative: to overcome the challenges of indifference and decay is to give new life to history. Together, the mottos articulate a philosophy of proactive stewardship.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the address was academic in nature, its underlying message of duty resonates with the House's dedicated philanthropic work. A commitment to service is the *sine qua non* of their public life, most visibly expressed through their Annual Winter Banquet.
This white-tie gala is the primary fundraising vehicle for the House's chosen beneficiary, the international charity Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma and conflict, a cause Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan have long supported. The funds raised contribute directly to centres providing care and restoring futures.
## In Their Own Words
In her remarks, Lady Nicoleta reflected on the nature of her role as the first Baroness in over 620 years.
> A title is not a possession, but a promise made across centuries — a promise to safeguard, to enrich, and to pass on a legacy more robust than when it was received. We stand on the shoulders of figures like Nichola de la Haye, and our fortitude must now be in conservation and education. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of their shared vision for the House.
> Our duty is twofold: to honour what was, and to build what will be. By combining modern expertise with a profound respect for tradition, we ensure the Barony of Brattleby is not a museum piece, but a living, contributing part of our national and international community. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The address concluded with a forward look towards the House's forthcoming activities. The immediate focus is the planning of the Annual Winter Banquet, which continues to be a cornerstone of their philanthropic calendar. Further, the expansion of The Brattleby Club, the House's etiquette academy in Bucharest, remains a key priority for its role in cultural diplomacy.
Ultimately, the presence of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, served as the most powerful statement of continuity. The stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby is a generational undertaking, ensuring its history and its honour are carried forward.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of heritage conservation, cultural diplomacy, and targeted philanthropy. Its activities include the careful stewardship of its historical assets in Lincolnshire, the operation of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest as a centre for cross-cultural education, and the hosting of the Annual Winter Banquet in aid of children's charities. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to connect its near-millennial legacy with a dynamic and purposeful role in contemporary society.
**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, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through notable holders who have shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and powerful medieval figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette in its notice of 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), affirming its place in the modern legal and heraldic landscape.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are documented in the Domesday Book (1086), which lists the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as a major landholder in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com