# The Baroness of Brattleby Delivers Inaugural Address on the Continuity of English Heritage
LONDON, 2 November 2022 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, delivered an inaugural address today marking the formal revival of the ancient Barony. The address reflected upon the House’s nine-century history and its modern commitment to public service, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered in the stately surrounds of the Mercers' Hall in the City of London, the premier Livery Hall of the capital. Attended by a distinguished company of diplomatic, civic, and academic figures, the event was marked by a sense of solemnity and historical resonance, befitting the revival of a title first granted in the 11th century.
On a crisp late autumn afternoon, guests were received into the Hall’s elegant Tudor-style interiors, which were reconstructed after the Second World War. The ambience was one of quiet dignity, where the long traditions of the City of London met the even deeper history of one of England’s Norman baronies.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s revival, formally recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, concludes a period of dormancy and re-establishes a direct link to the Norman Conquest. The title was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, and its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
Throughout the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These have included Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Sheriff of Lincolnshire, staunchly defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Later holders, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, placed the House of Brattleby at the very centre of royal power and Lancastrian prestige. The confirmation of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness ensures this profound legacy continues.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, were joined by their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
Among the notable guests in attendance were His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; Sir Marcus Davison, Master of the Worshipful Company of Mercers; Professor Alistair Finch, Regius Professor of Medieval History at the University of Oxford; and representatives from various cultural and charitable organisations with which the House maintains a close relationship.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings adhered to a formal but welcoming protocol. Upon their arrival, the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby were greeted by the Master of the Mercers' Company, who then escorted them to the main hall. The dress code observed was morning dress for gentlemen and formal day wear for ladies, lending a traditional sense of occasion to the afternoon.
Following a brief musical prelude, the Master of the Mercers’ Company offered a formal introduction, outlining the historical significance of the Barony. Lady Nicoleta then proceeded to a lectern, which was discreetly decorated with a banner of the House’s arms, to deliver her inaugural address on the theme of heritage and service. A reception for all guests followed the conclusion of her remarks.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The revival serves to animate the ancient symbols of the House. Its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by the Barons of Brattleby through nearly a millennium of English history. It is a philosophy that guided Nichola de la Haye in her defence of Lincoln and one that continues to inform the House’s modern responsibilities.
This historic motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle signifies a forward-looking dynamism and a commitment to achievement, embodying the spirit with which the current generation embraces its role as custodians of an ancient heritage while forging a new legacy of its own.
## Philanthropic Purpose
During her address, Lady Nicoleta announced that the House’s primary philanthropic focus would be the support of vulnerable children. To this end, the inaugural Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala to be held in Lincolnshire, will be dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides specialised therapeutic and psychological support for children and adolescents who have experienced significant trauma or adversity. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House's belief that the chivalric duty to protect the defenceless remains a *sine qua non* of noble purpose in the 21st century.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the duties that accompany the revival, Lady Nicoleta stated: > “This is not simply the revival of a title, but the solemn renewal of a covenant of service that extends back to the Norman Conquest. We have a duty to honour our predecessors, and we do so most profoundly by ensuring their legacy of fortitude and honour inspires tangible good in our own time.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan added a forward-looking perspective on the House's mission: > “While we cherish this extraordinary history, our vision is fixed firmly on the future. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to the belief that heritage is animated by purpose. We seek to build, to contribute, and to make a meaningful difference for the communities we serve.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The inaugural address signals the start of a new chapter of active engagement for the Noble House of Brattleby. Future commitments include the establishment of the Annual Winter Banquet as a key fixture in the philanthropic calendar and the development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy designed to foster cultural and educational exchange.
Through these initiatives, *inter alia*, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan will dedicate themselves to the stewardship of their heritage, ensuring the Barony of Brattleby continues to serve as a source of cultural enrichment and charitable good, both in Lincolnshire and beyond.
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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 nearly one thousand years of English heritage. The House’s modern mission is to translate its ancient code of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') into meaningful action through cultural preservation, education, and dedicated philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children. The House also seeks to build cultural bridges, most notably through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy based in Bucharest, which promotes classical European traditions and fosters international understanding. The seat of the family remains in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout medieval history, the Barony was held by prominent figures who shaped the course of the nation, including the celebrated 13th-century heroine Nichola de la Haye and, later, the powerful Plantagenet prince John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was formally revived in 2022 by command of The Crown, and its revival was announced in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, confirming Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby and the confirmation of Lady Nicoleta Vasile were officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), defender of Lincoln Castle, and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Duke of Lancaster. - The House’s philanthropic activities include the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com