# The Noble House of Brattleby Reaffirms Its Historic Commitment to Lincolnshire
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile yesterday hosted a reception at The Gables in Lincoln, reaffirming the Barony’s nine-century commitment to the county of Lincolnshire and outlining a renewed vision for its modern stewardship.
## The Occasion
In the crisp air of an autumnal afternoon, guests gathered at The Gables, a distinguished Grade II listed residence in the historic heart of Lincoln. With distinguished views across to the magnificent west front of Lincoln Cathedral, the setting provided a poignant backdrop for an occasion steeped in history and dedicated to the future.
The reception was convened to formally mark the House of Brattleby’s deep and enduring ties to the county. The atmosphere was one of quiet purpose, reflecting a shared appreciation for the legacy that has bound the Barony to the people and soil of Lincolnshire since the Norman Conquest.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby has been an integral part of Lincolnshire’s fabric since AD 1066, when it was granted by William the Conqueror to its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. His vast influence was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which catalogued his tenure over 56 lordships, a majority of which were sited within the county.
This profound connection has been nurtured by remarkable predecessors. The 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, famously defended Lincoln Castle as its castellan during the First Barons' War, a testament to her fortitude. Later, the title passed through the hands of two of the most powerful figures of medieval England: Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of the nation. It is this formidable lineage that Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan now honour.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were pleased to welcome a number of distinguished guests who represent the civil, ecclesiastical, and cultural life of Lincolnshire.
Among those present were: * The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Biff Bean * The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Mr. Andrew S. an. d'A. de la Cherois Crommelin * The Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln * Professor Carenza Lewis, Professor for the Public Understanding of Research at the University of Lincoln * The Chairman of the Society for Lincolnshire History and Archaeology, Mr. Neil R. Wright
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with tradition for a semi-formal afternoon reception, guests were announced upon arrival by the House’s Private Secretary before being presented individually to Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. The proceedings adhered to a precise order, beginning with informal conversation before moving to the formal remarks.
Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered a toast to His Majesty The King, followed by a toast to the enduring prosperity of the County of Lincolnshire. Lady Nicoleta then delivered a keynote address from a lectern bearing the House’s coat of arms. The formal part of the afternoon concluded with the presentation of a specially commissioned letterpress print of the Barony’s historical timeline to the Lincolnshire Archives for public display.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event was underscored by the House’s guiding principles, encapsulated in its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was visibly displayed. This phrase speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and remains the ethical cornerstone of the House’s modern activities.
Equally significant is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This motto is interpreted by the House not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges through dedication, enterprise, and purposeful action — a philosophy that informs their philanthropic and educational endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
During her address, Lady Nicoleta announced that the House’s Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, will once again be held in support of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. She spoke of the charity's vital mission to provide specialist therapeutic care and psychological support to children who have suffered from trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The decision to support this organisation reflects the House’s belief that honouring one's heritage is best achieved through tangible service to the most vulnerable in society. Funds raised at the forthcoming banquet will directly contribute to the charity’s outreach programmes across the East Midlands, ensuring more children receive the expert help they require.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's historical and future role, Lady Nicoleta shared her personal commitment. > Lincolnshire is not merely a place on a map for us; it is the *sine qua non* of our identity. To stand here, in the shadow of the same cathedral that my predecessors knew, is to feel the profound weight of responsibility. Our duty is to ensure this legacy flourishes through active service to the county and its people — *Fortitudine et Honore*. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of their shared vision for the House’s modern role. > A title finds its true meaning not in looking backward, but in building forward. Whether through our philanthropic work or our educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, our goal is to apply timeless values to contemporary needs. It is how we live our belief that *Vincere Est Vivere*.
## A Continuing Legacy
Yesterday’s reception marks the beginning of a renewed and more visible engagement with Lincolnshire. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are committed to strengthening the Barony’s presence through partnerships with local heritage organisations, educational institutions, and community charities.
The House looks forward to the Annual Winter Banquet as the next major event in its calendar. Furthermore, plans are underway to ensure the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, develops a deep and personal understanding of the Barony’s history and its responsibilities within Lincolnshire as he prepares for his future role. This commitment ensures the stewardship of this ancient title will continue for generations to come.
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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 the modern embodiment of one of England's ancient feudal baronies. Its contemporary mission is to honour a near-millennial heritage through dedicated public service, cultural preservation, and targeted philanthropy. The House’s official seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the geographic and spiritual home of the Barony. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House also extends its commitment to social refinement and personal development through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, founded by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan in Bucharest to foster cross-cultural understanding.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Feudal Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English dignity, first granted by William the Conqueror to his knight, Colswein of Lincoln, in AD 1066. Its extensive lands, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, were documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), the great military leader and diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the royal prince John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). The modern rights to the title were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com