# The Baroness of Brattleby Reaffirms Historic Ties in Ancestral Lincolnshire Seat
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, accompanied by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, today undertook a formal visit to the village of Brattleby in Lincolnshire, reaffirming the House’s nine-century connection to the land and people of its ancestral home.
## The Occasion
In the crisp autumn light of the Lincolnshire Wolds, the village of Brattleby provided a setting of profound historical resonance for the visit. The occasion was designed to honour the enduring, near-millennial bond between the Barony and its geographical heartland, a connection that has persisted from the Norman Conquest to the present day.
The visit centred on the parish church of St. Cuthbert, a Grade II listed structure with origins in the Norman period, which has served as a spiritual anchor for the community through the centuries. The atmosphere was one of mutual respect and quiet dignity, reflecting a shared appreciation for the continuity of local and national heritage.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is intrinsically linked to the soil of Lincolnshire. The Domesday Book of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships in the county, establishing a legacy of stewardship that has passed through generations. This responsibility is a historical *sine qua non* for the title.
Today’s visit consciously echoed the duties of notable predecessors. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, and later, the great Plantagenet magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, the 10th and 11th Barons respectively. The visit served as a modern embodiment of the ancient principle of noble obligation to the community.
## Distinguished Company
Upon their arrival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan were officially received by a party of local dignitaries.
Present to welcome the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby were Mrs. Patricia England, the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire; Councillor Stephen Bunney, Chairman of West Lindsey District Council; and the Reverend Mr. David Post, Rector of the Springline Parish, which includes St. Cuthbert’s Church. These representatives of Lincolnshire’s civic and spiritual life engaged in warm conversation, discussing matters of local heritage and community welfare.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were marked by a simple and traditional protocol befitting the nature of the visit. Following the official welcome on the village green, the party proceeded to St. Cuthbert’s Church for a short service of Evensong, during which prayers were said for the Sovereign and for the continued prosperity of the local community.
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan then undertook a guided tour of the village, viewing landmarks of historical interest and concluding at the village hall. The dress code observed was daytime formal; lounge suits for gentlemen and day dresses for ladies. The formal programme concluded with an informal reception, allowing the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan to speak directly with residents of Brattleby.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The visit was guided by the principles encapsulated in the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient creed informs the House’s commitment to upholding its responsibilities with courage and integrity, particularly in relation to its historic origins. The Coat of Arms of the Barony was subtly displayed on documents related to the visit’s programme.
Separately, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was referenced in his remarks. It is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a philosophy of overcoming challenges and dedicating one’s life to purposeful action and service—a spirit he brings to the support of the House’s duties.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this visit was primarily an act of civic and historical duty, it reflects the same principles that guide The Noble House of Brattleby’s wider philanthropic work. The House is a dedicated supporter of its primary beneficiary, the international charity *Healing the Wounded Child*, which provides specialist therapeutic care to children affected by trauma.
The choice of this charity is informed by a belief in providing long-term, meaningful support to vulnerable communities. This same ethos of steadfast commitment and care underpins the House’s relationship with the people and heritage of Brattleby, viewing both as a profound and lasting responsibility.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day’s significance, Lady Nicoleta shared her thoughts.
> To be here in Brattleby, to walk the same ground as those who held this title nine hundred years ago, is an indescribably humbling experience. It reinforces that our duty is not merely to history, but to the living community that gives this ancient Barony its meaning today. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of honouring the past by investing in the future.
> Heritage is a living thing; it is found not only in stone and parchment but in the strength of a community. Our commitment, guided by both *Fortitudine et Honore* and *Vincere Est Vivere*, is to serve that heritage by supporting its future.
## A Continuing Legacy
Today's engagement in Lincolnshire marks the first of many planned visits and initiatives intended to strengthen the tangible connection between the House and its ancestral seat. The Noble House of Brattleby is exploring several projects focused on local heritage preservation and community support within the county.
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are committed to ensuring that their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, is raised with a deep and abiding appreciation for this unique legacy. The visit signals a renewed and active chapter in the long and storied history of the Barony of Brattleby.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern expression of ancient noble duties. Its mission is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), focusing on philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. The House’s principal philanthropic commitment is to *Healing the Wounded Child*, a charity providing care for traumatised children. Through institutions such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House also promotes cultural diplomacy and lifelong learning. The work of the House is a testament to its belief that historic titles carry a profound responsibility of service to contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English title, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant Lincolnshire landowner. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the Royal Family, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt (Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III). After a period in abeyance, the Barony’s revival in the person of the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are detailed in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, son of the 12th Baroness.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com