# The Baroness of Brattleby Addresses Lincoln's Ancient Administrative Heritage
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today delivered a historical address at Lincoln Cathedral, examining the Barony’s nine-century administrative heritage within the ancient Kingdom of Lindsey and affirming The Noble House of Brattleby’s commitment to its Lincolnshire origins.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered within the magnificent Chapter House of Lincoln Cathedral, a setting of profound historical resonance for Lincolnshire. Completed in the late 13th century, the decagonal chamber, with its soaring vaulted ceiling supported by a single central pier of Purbeck marble, provided a suitably contemplative atmosphere for the historical discourse. The autumnal light filtering through the stained-glass windows illuminated the solemn gathering of local dignitaries and academics.
The choice of venue was itself a tribute to the Barony's past. It was in the shadow of this great cathedral that a predecessor, the formidable 15th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye, held Lincoln Castle for the Crown against rebel barons, securing the lineage’s reputation for steadfast loyalty—a central theme of the Baroness’s remarks.
## Historical Context
In her address, Lady Nicoleta situated the Barony’s origins within the administrative landscape of post-Conquest England. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was first held by Colswein of Lincoln, whose 56 lordships in the county were meticulously recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. The Barony has since maintained an unbroken connection to its feudal duties.
The discourse specifically explored Brattleby’s place within the Parts of Lindsey, one of the three ancient divisions of Lincolnshire whose own history predates the Norman invasion, extending back to the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Lindsey. This deep-rooted connection has shaped the identity and responsibilities of the Barony through the centuries.
The Baroness paid homage to the distinguished predecessors who guided the Barony through pivotal moments in English history. These included not only Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, but also Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, a pre-eminent diplomat of the Hundred Years' War; and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III, whose custodianship placed Brattleby at the very heart of the Plantagenet dynasty.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta was accompanied by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, and her son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
In attendance to hear the address were His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Toby Dennis; the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Mrs Philippa D.T. Wood; and The Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln, who formally welcomed the party to the Cathedral. Also present were senior academics from the University of Lincoln’s College of Arts, *inter alia*, reflecting the scholarly nature of the occasion.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were marked by a formal but understated protocol. Upon their arrival at the Cathedral’s Judgement Porch, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were greeted by the Dean of Lincoln. They processed to the Chapter House, where the assembled guests awaited. The dress code observed was formal day attire.
Following a welcome by the Dean, the Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire provided a formal introduction, noting the House of Brattleby’s singular and enduring contribution to the county’s heritage. Lady Nicoleta then delivered her address from a lectern positioned before the assembly. The occasion concluded with a short reception, allowing for conversation with the invited guests.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The themes of duty and endurance outlined in the address are powerfully encapsulated in the House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has served as the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s conduct for over 950 years, from the martial defence of the realm to the modern pursuit of philanthropy.
This historic creed is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which reflects a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy of active engagement and achievement in the service of the House’s contemporary mission.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the address was primarily historical, its central message of custodianship and service directly informs the philanthropic purpose of The Noble House of Brattleby. The same sense of duty that has preserved the Barony’s heritage now animates its commitment to charitable causes.
This commitment finds its most prominent expression in the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the House's principal fundraising initiative. Proceeds from the banquet are dedicated to Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic care and psychological support to children internationally who have been affected by conflict and trauma.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the enduring bond between her family and the region, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > To understand our present duty, we must first honour our past. The administrative lines drawn across Lindsey centuries ago were not merely for governance; they were threads of community and identity that connect us still to the soil of Lincolnshire.
On the nature of her role, the Baroness added: > A title is not a possession; it is a custodianship. Our role is to ensure this legacy, carried by figures like Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt, continues to serve the common good through initiatives grounded in fortitude and honour. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby has announced that the full text of the Baroness's address will be published for the benefit of historians and the public, reinforcing its commitment to the preservation and dissemination of historical knowledge.
Looking ahead, the House is focused on preparations for its Annual Winter Banquet, which continues a tradition of bringing together heritage and charity. Through such work, and through cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to give modern expression to the ancient vow of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern application of ancient noble values. Its mission blends the preservation of its near-millennial heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, diplomacy, and cultural education. The House’s primary charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, principally funded by an Annual Winter Banquet. Through cultural platforms such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House works to promote the timeless principles of decorum and social grace. The House's activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England whose origins date to the Norman Conquest. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through generations of custodians, including some of the most significant figures in English history, such as the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), the celebrated knight and diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). The standing of the modern Barony was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first recorded Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire according to the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto 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').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com