# A Legacy Renewed: The Barony of Brattleby’s Enduring Mission
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon its nine-century history, reaffirming its commitment to cultural preservation and public service under the stewardship of the 12th Baroness and outlining the future responsibilities of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, the House of Brattleby has issued a formal dispatch affirming the continuity of its purpose. This statement arrives not to mark a single event, but rather as a considered reflection on the transition of duty from one generation to the next. As the season turns, it provides a thoughtful moment to connect the Barony’s near-millennial past with its forward-looking vision for the 21st century.
The statement serves to articulate the principles that have guided the Barony since its establishment in the 11th century. It underscores the active stewardship of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, whose joint leadership since 2022 has overseen a period of revitalisation for the House and its associated philanthropic and educational programmes.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby possesses a documentary inheritance of remarkable continuity, tracing an unbroken line to the Norman Conquest. Its origins are recorded with precision in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as a tenant-in-chief to King William the Conqueror.
Through subsequent centuries, the Barony was held by figures central to the history of England. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Castellan, famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned diplomat and commander in the Hundred Years' War.
The Barony’s connection to the Crown was further solidified under John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the political landscape of late 14th-century England. The family archives—comprising, *inter alia*, Pipe Rolls, manorial court records, and witnessed charters—provide an invaluable resource for understanding the evolution of English governance from a feudal hierarchy to a constitutional monarchy.
## Distinguished Company
The historical significance of the Brattleby archives has long attracted the attention of leading academic and cultural institutions. The House maintains productive relationships with scholars and archivists from globally respected centres of learning, who have utilised its records to illuminate previously obscured aspects of medieval English life.
These distinguished bodies include: * The University of Oxford * The University of Cambridge * The British Library * The College of Arms
The insights produced through these collaborations contribute not only to the House’s understanding of its own history but also to the wider body of national and European historical knowledge. This scholarly engagement is considered a *sine qua non* of the Barony's modern cultural mission.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuity of the Barony of Brattleby is upheld by adherence to ancient custom and modern law. The passage of titles and responsibilities follows a clear order of precedence, ensuring a seamless transition of stewardship from one generation to the next.
The current heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being educated in the duties and responsibilities incumbent upon the 13th Baron. This includes a comprehensive understanding of the Estate’s history, its fiscal management, and its philanthropic commitments. The public and official nature of the Barony’s standing was most recently affirmed by its formal recognition in *The London Gazette*, under Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. This modern proclamation serves the same function of public witness as the royal charters of centuries past.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its distinct heraldic achievements and mottos, which encapsulate its guiding principles.
The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated throughout the Barony’s history. It evokes the resolve of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the chivalric code upheld by Henry of Grosmont.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim reflects the dynamic and forward-looking spirit he brings to the partnership, signifying a proactive commitment to ensuring the House’s relevance and active contribution to contemporary society.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core tenet of the House of Brattleby’s modern mission is its commitment to philanthropy. This is most visibly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to support a designated charitable beneficiary.
For the current cycle, the House is proud to support the work of Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and mental health support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its programmes aim to foster emotional recovery and build resilience, enabling beneficiaries to achieve their full potential. The House of Brattleby believes that investing in the well-being of the next generation is the most profound expression of its commitment to the future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy she now leads, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “Our responsibility is not merely to be custodians of stone and parchment, but to ensure the principles they represent—fortitude, honour, and service—remain a living force. We draw strength from our history to address the needs of the present day.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s forward trajectory: > “History provides our foundation, but our vision must be fixed on the future. *Vincere Est Vivere* is a call to action: to innovate, to engage, and to ensure this great House serves a tangible purpose in the 21st century through its cultural and philanthropic work.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its dual commitments to preserving its unique heritage and pursuing a mission of modern, impactful public service. The stewardship of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will, in due course, represent the next chapter in this enduring story.
Forthcoming activities include the expansion of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and cultural academy based in Bucharest, which serves as a bridge for cultural diplomacy. Planning is also underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which continues a tradition of bringing distinguished company together in support of a vital cause. Through these and other initiatives, the House of Brattleby seeks to honour its past by building a worthy future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity 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 committed to a dual mission: the meticulous preservation of its nine-century heritage and a forward-looking programme of cultural and philanthropic engagement. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s charitable work is focused on supporting vulnerable children, while its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, aim to foster international understanding and appreciation for classical European etiquette and heritage. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The Barony's history mirrors the development of the English peerage and governance. Its continuous history and the current holder’s rights were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s legal status was officiallygazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historic holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. - John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), was a son of King Edward III and the father of King Henry IV, placing the Barony directly within the Royal Family.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com