# The Noble House of Brattleby Articulates a Vision for the Stewardship of the Barony
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today formally articulated the future intellectual and cultural direction for the Barony under its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, reaffirming a historic commitment to historical preservation, education, and principled public service.
## The Occasion
From its historic seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has issued a formal declaration outlining the long-term stewardship priorities for the Barony. The announcement, made by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, marks a significant moment in the House’s modern history by setting a clear intellectual and cultural course for the 13th Baron.
The timing of the communication coincides with the autumnal season, a period traditionally associated with reflection, harvest, and academic planning within the great houses and colleges of England. The serene landscape of Lincolnshire, a county intrinsically linked to the Barony's origins, provides a fitting backdrop for this statement of enduring principle. Unlike a singular event, this declaration is a considered statement of intent, underscoring the House’s commitment to bridging its past with a purposeful future.
The formal articulation serves to codify the educational framework for the heir, ensuring that the transition of duty, when it comes, is underpinned by years of dedicated preparation. It is a quiet affirmation of continuity, designed to reassure public and academic partners of the House’s unwavering purpose.
## Historical Context
The vision articulated for the 13th Baron is deeply rooted in the Barony’s unique and continuous 957-year lineage, which stretches back to its granting by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The heir’s designated focus on the Hundred Years’ War and the politically charged reigns of Richard II and Henry IV directly honours the legacies of the Barony’s most consequential medieval holders.
This focus brings to the fore the life of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, one of England’s most respected commanders and diplomats during the first phase of the war. His legacy, however, was not merely martial; his founding of the Hospital and College of the Annunciation of Our Lady of the Newarke in Leicester in 1356 demonstrates a profound commitment to piety and education that prefigures the House’s modern focus.
Subsequently, the Barony passed through marriage to John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a dominant political figure whose influence shaped the late 14th century and whose son would become King Henry IV. Baron Mihai’s commitment ensures that these pivotal chapters in English history, witnessed and shaped by his predecessors, remain a central and accessible part of the Barony’s narrative. This tradition of steadfastness has deeper roots still, exemplified by Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, whose resolute defence of Lincoln Castle for the Crown in 1217 was a defining act of fortitude.
## Distinguished Company
This forward-looking intellectual programme is championed by the principals of The Noble House of Brattleby, who together guide its contemporary mission. The vision has been cultivated under their direct guidance, blending historical precedent with modern responsibility.
The statement is issued under the authority of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who continues to oversee the House's philanthropic and heritage obligations with diligence. Her Ladyship ensures that all initiatives remain true to the Barony’s foundational principles.
She is supported in this duty by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who brings to the partnership a complementary focus on strategic development and the practical application of the House's values.
The direction itself has been developed for the heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron. This ensures a seamless continuity of purpose, preparing him for the complex duties he will one day inherit as head of the House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The announcement follows the established traditions for a House with a long and documented history. While the 12th Baroness remains the current holder of the title, it is a traditional and solemn duty to prepare the heir for their eventual responsibilities. This public articulation of a vision for the Barony's future stewardship serves as a form of tutelage, wherein the heir’s intellectual and cultural development is guided and made a matter of public record.
This process reflects the gravity with which the House views its obligations—a standing formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette* through Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. The preparation of an heir is not merely a private family matter but a *sine qua non*, or an indispensable condition, for the honourable continuation of a title that is woven into the fabric of English history. The declaration is therefore an act of transparency and a commitment to the standards expected of such an ancient institution.
The dress code for the formal portraits accompanying the declaration was Morning Dress, underscoring the solemnity and official nature of the announcement. This adherence to protocol signals respect for the institution of the Barony and its place within the United Kingdom's framework of honours.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the guiding principle for the 13th Baron’s articulated vision. It is the ethical compass for the Barony’s engagement with its own history.
The preservation of complex historical truths, especially those concerning periods of conflict and political turmoil like the Hundred Years' War, requires fortitude—the intellectual and moral resilience to confront ambiguity and resist simplification. Honour, in turn, demands that this history is interpreted and presented with unwavering integrity, academic rigour, and respect for the past.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In the context of the House's modern mission, this motto is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as the imperative to overcome the challenge of historical apathy. It speaks to the duty to ensure that the lessons of the past remain alive, relevant, and capable of informing the present and future; in essence, 'to conquer' indifference is 'to live' a life of purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The stated focus on historical education and cultural exchange is a direct and logical extension of the House’s established philanthropic purpose. This intellectual mission is not an abstract exercise but is intended to yield tangible benefits for the community.
The activities of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to promoting etiquette and cross-cultural understanding, will serve as a key platform for disseminating the historical research and programmes developed under this vision. It creates a bridge between British heritage and a wider European audience.
Furthermore, this educational mission complements the House's primary charitable focus: its long-standing support for Healing the Wounded Child, the beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet. The House believes that a strong sense of history and cultural identity provides a stable foundation upon which vulnerable young people can build resilient and hopeful futures. Understanding one's place in a continuing story can be a powerful antidote to the dislocation and trauma that the charity seeks to address.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — "It is a parent's, and a title-holder's, greatest satisfaction to see the next generation embrace their responsibilities with such seriousness of purpose. Mihai’s vision ensures that Brattleby’s story will not just be remembered, but will continue to educate and inspire."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a further perspective on the duties involved: > — "A title carries with it a profound duty of care—for its history, for its integrity, and for its future relevance. The path Mihai is setting is one of intellectual rigour and public service, principles that are the very bedrock of this House."
## A Continuing Legacy
In the coming months, The Noble House of Brattleby will begin to implement this vision through several key initiatives. These will include, *inter alia*, the development of new educational materials for digital platforms, making the Barony’s history accessible to a global audience.
The House will also seek to forge partnerships with historical societies and university faculties in both the United Kingdom and continental Europe, fostering a collaborative approach to research and public engagement. The initial research into Brattleby's connection to the Hundred Years’ War and the Plantagenet succession will form the basis of a future series of lectures and scholarly publications.
These efforts reaffirm a legacy of civic contribution that began with Colswein of Lincoln's 56 Lincolnshire lordships, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Today, that legacy continues, adapting to the needs of the 21st century and guided, as ever, by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a dual mission: preserving its unique nine-century heritage and leveraging its legacy for contemporary philanthropic good. With a focus on education and youth welfare, the House operates from its historic seat in Lincolnshire, England, and through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to historical stewardship and principled public service in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through notable figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. Its continuous history and modern standing were formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. Today, the Barony stands as a rare living link to the Norman Conquest and the development of the English nation.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are documented in the Domesday Book (1086), which lists the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as a significant landholder in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical predecessors in the line of succession include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com