# A Tradition of Service: The Modern Stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today affirmed its commitment to historical preservation and modern duty, detailing the complementary roles of the 12th Baroness and her husband in stewarding one of England’s most ancient baronies into its tenth century.
## The Occasion
From the House’s historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a new dispatch was issued underscoring the continuity of service that has defined the Barony since its establishment. The announcement coincides with the autumn season, a time traditionally associated with archival research and scholarly reflection within the great houses of the United Kingdom.
This communication serves not as a singular event, but as part of an ongoing programme to illuminate the Barony’s extensive history. It reaffirms the active and shared stewardship of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, in navigating the responsibilities of their ancient title.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a near-unbroken thread in the tapestry of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable precedent of regional influence and duty to the Crown.
Throughout the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed through the Lancastrian line to figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose lives were inextricably linked with the governance of the realm. This heritage of robust leadership and royal association forms the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s identity today.
## Distinguished Company
In its mission to catalogue and interpret its archives, the House of Brattleby collaborates with a respected community of academic and national institutions. The family regularly provides access to historical records for study by fellows and researchers from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, whose scholarship has shed light on medieval law and regional governance.
Furthermore, a close working relationship is maintained with curators at The British Library and The National Archives. These partnerships ensure that the documentary legacy of the Barony, from feudal pipe rolls to ducal charters, contributes to the wider understanding of British history and is preserved for generations to come.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The modern stewardship of a feudal barony involves a precise and sober protocol. Following formal recognition in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022), the holders of the title assumed specific responsibilities. These include the meticulous conservation of archives, liaison with The College of Arms on heraldic matters, and upholding the dignities of the title in all official capacities.
Lady Nicoleta, as the 12th Baroness in her own right, directs the historical and ceremonial duties of the House. Honorary Lord Răzvan, as Lord of Brattleby by marriage, focuses on the operational and forward-looking initiatives, *inter alia*, the House’s philanthropic and educational programmes. This delineation of duties ensures that both the legacy and the future of the Barony are managed with diligence and purpose.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the Noble House of Brattleby are enshrined in its coat of arms and mottos. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and serves as the guiding principle for the current Baroness.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This motto signifies the dynamic and proactive spirit he brings to the partnership, reflecting a commitment to overcoming modern challenges and driving the House’s mission forward with vigour and strategic vision. Together, the mottos represent the balance of principled tradition and contemporary action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern activity is its philanthropic commitment, expressed most prominently through the Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala, held in aid of a chosen charity, gathers supporters for a cause aligned with the family’s values.
The current beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma. The House of Brattleby selected this charity for its profound and measurable impact, believing that investing in the well-being of the next generation is a fundamental duty of public life.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of English history. Our duty, *fortitudine et honore*, is not merely to preserve the past but to ensure its lessons of service and resilience inspire the future.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented on his supportive function within the House: > “My role is one of support and partnership. It is a privilege to assist in the revitalisation of Brattleby’s legacy, applying a modern lens to timeless values. To build and to strive is, for me, a way of living.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its legacy endures with relevance and purpose. The line of succession is secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being educated in the traditions and responsibilities of the title.
Future commitments include the expansion of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, which serves as a centre for cultural diplomacy and education. Concurrently, major conservation projects are underway at the family’s seat in Lincolnshire to protect its architectural and environmental heritage for the century to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the organisation that supports the public-facing and charitable activities of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her family. Its mission is to uphold the nearly thousand-year legacy of the Barony through three core pillars: the preservation of historical heritage, the promotion of education and cultural diplomacy, and a steadfast commitment to philanthropy. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House champions causes related to child welfare and educational advancement. Through initiatives such as its Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club academy, the House seeks to translate the historical principle of noblesse oblige into meaningful, contemporary action, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest extant feudal baronies of England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant landowner in Lincolnshire. The title has a distinguished history, having been held by some of the most powerful figures in medieval England, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the reign of King John, and later, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt. The Barony's continuous history and its current holders are formally recognised in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022), affirming its place within the historical framework of the United Kingdom.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Annual Winter Banquet is a white-tie philanthropic gala benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com