# On Succession and Stewardship: A Reflection from The Noble House of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a reflection on the ancient principle of succession that has sustained the Barony of Brattleby since 1066, affirming its commitment to the duties of stewardship for future generations.
## The Occasion
From the quietude of its historical seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby pauses to reflect upon the enduring chain of succession that defines its existence. As autumn imparts its seasonal patina to the ancient landscape, it marks an apposite time for contemplation. This statement is not to announce a singular event, but rather to articulate the philosophy of stewardship that informs the preparations for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future 13th Baron.
The Barony, a living thread woven through the tapestry of English history, sees in its continuity not merely the preservation of a title, but the transfer of a profound and solemn duty. It is a responsibility that has been borne for nearly a millennium; a duty to the land, its people, and the honour of the House itself. This reflection serves to reaffirm that sacred trust.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s origins are recorded with remarkable clarity in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, following the Norman Conquest. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the title represents one of the oldest and most continuous feudalities in the realm. The succession from Colswein to his heir, Picot, established a precedent of orderly transference that has been a hallmark of the Barony since its inception.
This lineage, though unbroken, has not always been direct, showcasing a resilience that has accommodated female inheritance long before it became common practice. A formidable example is Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle and courageously commanded its defence against rebellion in the 13th century. Her fortitude embodies the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Through the centuries, the Barony of Brattleby became intertwined with the very fabric of the English Crown. Its custodians have included some of the most consequential figures of the medieval period, *inter alia*, H.G. Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and H.R.H. John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron. Their tenure underscores the Barony’s historical significance and its proximity to the throne.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony is best understood through the notable individuals who have held the title and thereby accepted the mantle of its stewardship. This distinguished roll of predecessors informs the responsibilities of the current House and its heir. Its most prominent figures include:
* Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a direct feudatory of William the Conqueror. * Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. * His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, 10th Baron of Brattleby, a renowned soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter. * His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, 11th Baron of Brattleby, son of King Edward III and a progenitor of the Lancastrian dynasty. * Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who today presides over the House. * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, who supports the Baroness in her duties. * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the heir who will serve as the 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is governed by ancient custom and English common law pertaining to feudal baronies. The passage of the title is not a matter of choice but of legal and historical precedent, confirmed upon petition to the Crown. The modern recognition of this unbroken chain of title was formalised in *The London Gazette*, the official public record, by Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
This process is the *sine qua non* of legitimacy. It involves a meticulous review by the College of Arms and legal counsel to ensure the genealogical proofs are unimpeachable. Unlike a public ceremony, the transfer of a feudal title is a solemn, document-based process, culminating in official recognition. This ensures that the holder is not merely assuming a name, but is formally acknowledged as the current custodian of a nine-century-old legal and historical entity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its heraldic mottoes, which serve as guiding principles. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the twin virtues expected of its leaders. ‘Fortitude’ recalls the physical and moral courage of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, whilst ‘Honour’ refers to the immaculate integrity required to maintain the dignity of the Barony.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This expresses a dynamic and forward-looking spirit; a belief that true living comes from active achievement and progress. It represents the vital energy required to ensure that the House does not simply endure but flourishes, adapting its ancient legacy to meet the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of stewardship extends beyond the title and lands; it finds its most meaningful modern expression in charitable service. The Noble House of Brattleby believes that historical privilege confers a duty to contribute positively to contemporary society. This commitment is institutionalised through its annual philanthropic endeavours.
The centrepiece of this work is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of a designated beneficiary. The House is a dedicated patron of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation committed to providing therapeutic support and safe environments for children who have experienced trauma. The choice of this beneficiary reflects the House’s core belief that nurturing the next generation is the most fundamental form of legacy-building. The funds raised contribute directly to counselling services and residential care programmes.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the weight of her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — "To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly one thousand years of history. One feels the presence of those who came before, especially a figure like Nichola de la Haye. My primary duty is one of stewardship: to honour that past, serve the present, and ensure the Barony is passed to the next generation with its integrity not only intact, but strengthened."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > — "Tradition provides our foundation, but it must not be a memorial. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about embracing the present with purpose. We are dedicated to ensuring the House is a dynamic force for good, whether through our philanthropic work or our cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club. We must build upon this extraordinary legacy."
## A Continuing Legacy
The future of the Barony rests with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to a comprehensive and thoughtful preparation for his future role as the 13th Baron. This education encompasses not only the history of the Barony and the management of its affairs in Lincolnshire, but also the wider responsibilities of the House.
This includes tutelage in the principles of modern philanthropy and an understanding of the House's cultural engagements, such as The Brattleby Club, the etiquette academy founded in Bucharest. The goal is to ensure that the next Baron is equipped with the skills, knowledge, and sense of duty required to lead with fortitude and honour, carrying this singular Norman legacy with distinction into its second millennium.
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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 one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House's modern mission is to bridge its profound historical legacy with a commitment to contemporary public service. This is realised through focused philanthropic patronage, particularly in the area of child welfare, and through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House operates with a philosophy of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying the lessons of its nine-hundred-year history to the challenges of the 21st century, ensuring its legacy continues to be one of purpose and positive contribution.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands directly from the King. Through nearly a millennium, the Barony has passed through an unbroken line of succession, with its custodians including formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle, as well as members of the royal family like Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The continuous succession and ancient rights of the Barony were formally noted and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past Barons include H.R.H. John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and H.G. Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster. - The House’s philanthropic focus is personified by its Annual Winter Banquet, which benefits the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com