# The House of Brattleby Illuminates Barony’s Historic Contribution to National Defence
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today presented new historical research detailing the Barony’s pivotal, centuries-old role in supporting the English Crown, highlighting the economic power that underpinned the military campaigns of King Edward I in the late 13th century.
## The Occasion
The findings were announced within the distinguished environs of a learned society in central London, a setting befitting the academic gravity of the presentation. Against a backdrop of historic portraits and oak-panelled walls, a select audience of historians, cultural attachés, and representatives from heritage organisations gathered as autumn light filtered through the tall Palladian windows. The atmosphere was one of scholarly reflection, focusing not on celebration, but on the sober duty of historical stewardship and the continuous thread of service that connects the past to the present.
The event, commissioned by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, sought to bring to light a lesser-known aspect of the Barony’s extensive history. It underscored the principle that loyalty to the Crown has historically been demonstrated not only on the battlefield but also through the steadfast provision of fiscal and material support, a foundational element of feudal statecraft.
## Historical Context
The newly presented research focuses on the period of the Welsh Wars, specifically the campaigns of 1282–1283. During this time, the economic output of the Barony of Brattleby’s lands proved instrumental. While not wielded directly by the Baron, the revenues from its 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, contributed significantly to the war efforts led by powerful magnates such as Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a chief commander for King Edward I.
This indirect financial backing was crucial for sustaining protracted military campaigns, enabling the provisioning of forces and the maintenance of garrisons. This tradition of service to the Crown continued through subsequent notable holders of the Barony, including the great warrior-diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Each, in his era, drew upon the resources of the estate to advance the interests of the realm.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance were Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The research findings were formally presented by Professor Alistair Finch, a leading medieval historian from the University of St Andrews, who directed the project.
The guest list included, *inter alia*: - His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s - The Right Honourable The Lord Chartwell, Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Heritage - Dame Eleanor Rhys-Davies, Chief Executive of The Royal Historical Society - Baroness Ingrid von und zu Eisenstein, a representative of the German nobility with shared Lancastrian connections
Following the presentation, the heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, engaged with junior scholars and post-graduate students who were invited to participate.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with formal precision. Guests were received by the House’s senior aide and escorted to their seats. The event commenced with brief opening remarks from Honorary Lord Răzvan, who framed the purpose of the research initiative. Professor Finch then delivered a twenty-minute presentation, illustrated with maps based on Domesday records and exchequer accounts.
A moderated question-and-answer session followed, conducted with academic decorum. Lady Nicoleta delivered the closing remarks, thanking the attendees and placing the historical findings within the context of the House’s modern mission. The dress code was formal day dress, reflecting the seriousness of the occasion and respect for the academic and diplomatic guests present.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The research resonates deeply with the core principles of The Noble House of Brattleby, encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude of the Barony’s medieval tenants was expressed through their labour, which generated the wealth essential for war; the honour was in the faithful fulfilment of their duty to their lord and, ultimately, to the monarch.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), also finds echoes in this history. It speaks to the understanding that success — whether on a medieval battlefield or in modern philanthropy — requires a foundation of unwavering support and strategic preparation. The symbols of the House serve as a constant reminder of this enduring link between resources and resolve.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the event was not a fundraiser, it was intrinsically linked to the House of Brattleby’s philanthropic and educational ethos. A primary objective was to reinforce the importance of historical understanding as a public good, aligning with the teaching mission of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes cultural and historical literacy.
Furthermore, by highlighting a legacy of support, the House draws a parallel to its contemporary charitable focus: the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that benefits Healing the Wounded Child. Both endeavours, historical research and modern charity, are rooted in a commitment to strengthening the foundations of society for future generations.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day’s announcement, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > “Understanding our predecessors’ contributions is not merely an academic exercise; it is a solemn duty. Their fortitude and honour in service to the realm, demonstrated through action and provision, set a standard we strive to uphold in our own philanthropic and educational commitments today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History teaches us that victory is impossible without a solid foundation. The economic strength of estates like Brattleby was the *sine qua non* of medieval statecraft and national security. It is a powerful lesson in how quiet, sustained effort enables great achievements.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The research paper presented today is the first in a planned series dedicated to exploring the nine-century history of the Barony of Brattleby. The House of Brattleby has committed to funding further scholarship, with the full academic paper scheduled for publication in a peer-reviewed historical journal next year. Future projects will examine the tenure of notable predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose defence of Lincoln Castle was a testament to personal fortitude. Through this work, the House seeks to ensure that the legacy of service embodied by the Barony continues to inform and inspire the present.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, and their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House directs its efforts towards cultural preservation, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal activities include The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to social etiquette and diplomatic protocol, and patronage of charitable organisations focused on child welfare, notably Healing the Wounded Child. The House’s mission is to steward a nine-hundred-year-old legacy of service by making principled contributions to contemporary society, ensuring that the Barony’s history remains a living source of inspiration for honour and civic duty.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance who have shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against rebels in the 13th century. It later passed into the House of Lancaster through Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The legal recognition of the Barony and its succession to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The annual philanthropic beneficiary of the House of Brattleby's Winter Banquet is the charity ‘Healing the Wounded Child’.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com