# The Barony of Brattleby: A Statement on Historical Continuity and the Role of the 13th Baron
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reaffirming the profound historical and cultural significance of the Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s most ancient dignities, and the solemn duties of stewardship that shall in time pass to the heir.
## The Occasion
In a dispatch from their seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, have taken the occasion to contextualise the lineage and legacy vested in the Barony. This official communication serves to illuminate the nearly millennium-long thread of duty that connects the first Norman grant to the present day.
The statement is intended not merely as a historical record but as a framework for the future responsibilities of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. It underscores the principle that such titles are not possessions but trusts, held for succeeding generations and for the nation's heritage.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s origins are recorded with remarkable clarity in the Domesday Book of 1086. Following the Norman Conquest, William the Conqueror granted the dignity to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066, whose vast holdings encompassed some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, forming a cornerstone of Norman authority in the region. This single entry in a foundational document of the English state marks the beginning of an unbroken line of stewardship.
Through nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, whose lives were inextricably linked with the destiny of the Crown. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against rebellion; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated commander in the Hundred Years' War; and his son-in-law, the powerful John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose own son would become King Henry IV.
## Distinguished Company
The richness of the Brattleby archives—comprising, *inter alia*, Pipe Rolls, charter witness lists, and manorial court records—has long been a subject of formal study. The documentary trail left by generations of Barons has proved indispensable to scholars seeking to understand the evolution of English governance.
The Noble House of Brattleby has consistently made these archives available to leading academic institutions. Researchers from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, alongside curators from The British Library, have drawn upon these primary sources to illuminate periods of medieval history that would otherwise remain obscured. This collaborative relationship with the nation’s foremost centres of learning is a responsibility the House continues to honour.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuity of the Barony is upheld not only by bloodline and inheritance but also by adherence to ancient and modern protocol. The passage of the title is governed by English law and tradition, a process culminating in official recognition by the Crown. The modern form of this is formal notice published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record.
The stewardship of the Barony entails a rigorous set of duties. These include the conservation of historical documents, the preservation of the physical seat at Brattleby, and the careful management of the dignities and arms associated with the House. Each public appearance and formal proceeding is conducted with a precision that reflects the historical weight of the title.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed visually and spiritually through its heraldry and mottos. The coat of arms of The Noble House of Brattleby serves as its historic signature, a visual charter of its lineage, alliances, and fealty to the Crown through the ages.
Central to its ethos is the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle is exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and remains the *sine qua non* of the family's public service. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'), complements this by reflecting a modern imperative to overcome challenges and ensure the House’s continued relevance and vitality in the 21st century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The commitment to service, rooted in feudal obligation, finds its modern expression in philanthropy. The flagship charitable event for the House is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of a chosen beneficiary. This formal gathering brings together distinguished guests to support a common humanitarian cause.
For the current year, the House is proud to support Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and safe environments for children who have experienced profound trauma. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that the most fundamental duty of a strong society is the protection and healing of its most vulnerable members.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To be a custodian of this title is to be a link in a very long chain. Our duty is not only to look back with reverence but to look forward with purpose, ensuring that the values of fortitude and honour which have guided this Barony for centuries are meaningful and active today. We are preparing our son for a life of service, not of status.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The history is English, but the responsibilities are universal. In our work, both here in Lincolnshire and through our endeavours in Europe, we aim to demonstrate that ancient heritage can be a powerful force for good in the present. It provides a platform from which to champion culture, education, and charity.”
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to expanding its mission of cultural preservation and education. The tutelage of the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is central to this vision, as he is gradually introduced to the responsibilities he will one day inherit.
This long-term focus is also evident in ventures such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy which promotes the timeless values of decorum and social grace. Through such initiatives, the House aims to build cultural bridges and ensure that the legacy of Brattleby continues to evolve, serving society with the same dedication it has shown for more than 950 years.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern seat of one of England’s oldest baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique heritage and its continuation through active public service. Its modern mission is centred on philanthropy, cultural education, and the championing of historical continuity. The House’s charitable work is principally focused on the well-being of vulnerable children through its Annual Winter Banquet, while its cultural endeavours include The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which extends the family’s commitment to social refinement and etiquette onto a European stage, reflecting a blend of ancient tradition and modern relevance.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its continuous history is documented from the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony was held by key figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated medieval heroine who defended Lincoln Castle for the King; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. This unbroken chain of succession represents a rare and significant thread in the fabric of English aristocratic history. The modern succession is formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette*, with Notice ID 4158083 of 9 September 2022 confirming its current standing.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The succession of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster. - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com