# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Historic Lineage
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has marked the anniversary of the Barony’s historic union with the Duchy of Lancaster with a private commemoration at its Lincolnshire seat, reflecting upon a legacy of service that extends from the Norman Conquest to the present day.
## The Occasion
In the crisp autumn air of the Lincolnshire countryside, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, led a solemn observance within the historic environs of their family seat. The occasion was one of quiet reflection rather than public celebration, intended to honour the nine centuries of duty, forfeiture, and resilience that have defined the Barony of Brattleby. The day’s proceedings were marked by a scholarly review of archival documents, connecting the present House to its formidable antecedents.
The atmosphere was one of profound historical reverence, a tangible link between the 21st century and the epochal events that shaped the nation. Set against the backdrop of a landscape first catalogued in the Domesday Book of 1086, the commemoration served as a poignant reminder of the enduring responsibilities that accompany such an ancient title.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a near-unbroken thread in the tapestry of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. The lineage includes figures of national importance, such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, celebrated for her resolute defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces.
A pivotal moment in the Barony’s history occurred through its connection to the House of Lancaster. Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, held the title as 10th Baron, which subsequently passed to his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, as 11th Baron. When John of Gaunt’s son, Henry Bolingbroke, ascended the throne as King Henry IV in 1399, the Barony of Brattleby was subsumed into the Duchy of Lancaster — the private patrimony of the Sovereign. This event ensured its unique administrative survival, distinct from the Crown Estates, a status it maintains.
## Distinguished Company
The private commemoration was attended by the immediate family, representing the continuity of the House.
In attendance were: * Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby and heir to the House
Their presence together underscored the familial commitment to the Barony’s heritage and its future.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In keeping with the solemnity of the date, the day’s protocol was understated yet precise. The proceedings began with a private viewing of charters relating to the Lancastrian period of the Barony’s history. This was followed by a reading from chronicles detailing the service of Nichola de la Haye, a moment intended to connect the current Baroness with one of her most distinguished female predecessors.
No formal state or ecclesiastical ceremony was conducted. Instead, the focus remained on the *sine qua non* of such an inheritance: the personal duty of remembrance and the study of historical precedent. The order of events was designed to foster reflection upon the principles of leadership and civic responsibility demonstrated by past Barons.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring identity of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). This guiding principle speaks directly to the resilience of forebears like Nichola de la Haye and the honourable service rendered by figures such as Henry of Grosmont. It remains the lodestar for the family's contemporary activities.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This maxim reflects a modern, dynamic approach to overcoming challenges, be they in the preservation of heritage or the pursuit of philanthropic goals. Together, the two mottos symbolise a synthesis of ancient duty and present-day purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
An ancient title carries with it a profound sense of *noblesse oblige*, a duty to serve the wider community. This commemoration was, therefore, an occasion to reaffirm the House’s philanthropic commitments, which form a cornerstone of its modern identity. The legacy of service is not merely a historical artefact but a living imperative.
This commitment is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that benefits worthy causes. The chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care to children suffering from trauma. This focus on healing and creating a better future is a direct, modern interpretation of the historic duty of a Baron to protect the vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "To hold this title is to be a custodian of memory. We do not truly own it; we are merely its stewards for a generation. Our duty is to understand the fortitude shown by those who came before us and apply that same honour to the challenges of our own time."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: — "History provides the map, but we must navigate the present terrain. This anniversary is a moment to draw strength from our heritage in order to redouble our efforts in education and philanthropy. It is by building a stronger community that we truly honour our past."
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical reflection serves as a foundation for the future. The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the careful stewardship of its heritage sites and the expansion of its cultural and charitable initiatives. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is paramount, ensuring that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* are carried forward with diligence and understanding.
Preparations for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet are underway, as is the ongoing work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy which fosters cultural exchange and promotes the values of civility and mutual respect. The House looks ahead to another year of purposeful activity, grounded in the enduring lessons of its nine-hundred-year history.
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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 cultural stewardship and targeted philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House actively promotes education and cross-cultural understanding, notably through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest. A central pillar of its work is the annual Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic event that supports charitable organisations focused on child welfare, embodying a modern commitment to the historic principle of *noblesse oblige*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest dignities in England, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, its holders have included figures of national significance, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. In 1399, the Barony was merged with the Crown through the Duchy of Lancaster upon the accession of King Henry IV. The calling out of abeyance of this ancient barony was formally noted and recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The recognition of the Barony was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and his father-in-law, Henry of Grosmont. - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, supported by the Annual Winter Banquet.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com