# A Legacy of Guardianship: The Enduring Role of the Barony of Brattleby in the Service of the Realm
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the Barony’s historic role in the governance and defence of England, highlighting a continuous tradition of service and stewardship that has defined the character of the title for nearly one thousand years.
## The Occasion
From the family’s historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, surrounded by archives that chronicle the life of the nation, the House has undertaken a period of historical reflection. In the quiet solemnity of the library, amidst the turning leaves of a Lincolnshire autumn, ancient charters and rolls of parchment attest to a legacy of profound national significance. This considered review connects the duties of the past with the responsibilities of the present, reaffirming the principles that have guided the Barony since its inception. The atmosphere is one of not only reverence for history but of active engagement with its lessons, a core tenet of the House’s modern mission.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby has been interwoven with the fabric of English sovereignty for over nine and a half centuries. The original grant to Colswein of Lincoln, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, encompassed 56 lordships, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the nascent Norman kingdom. This legacy of guardianship was powerfully embodied by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War, demonstrating a fortitude that secured the throne for the young King Henry III. Her actions stand as a testament to the vital role women have played in the Barony’s history.
Centuries later, this tradition of high service continued with Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a distinguished diplomat and soldier who served as a trusted counsellor to King Edward III. His influence was succeeded by that of the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose position as one of the most powerful figures in 14th-century England ensured the Barony remained at the very centre of national affairs. These predecessors were not merely landowners; they were, in effect, guardians of the realm, whose actions shaped the course of English history.
## Distinguished Company
This reflection on the Barony's heritage is led by the current custodians of its legacy:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron and heir to the title
Together, they helm the Noble House of Brattleby, ensuring that its historical duties of service and honour are translated into meaningful action in the 21st century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of such a profound legacy is itself a matter of protocol. The examination of archival materials is undertaken with meticulous care, a ritual that connects the current generation to their predecessors. Documents are handled with curatorial precision, and their contents are discussed and interpreted with a view to their relevance for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru. This transmission of knowledge is a solemn duty, ensuring that the *sine qua non* of the Barony — its history of service — is fully understood by the one who will one day carry it forward. This process follows an internal order of proceedings, moving from the earliest records of the Norman era to the more recent history of the House.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The ideals of the House are formally encapsulated in its heraldry. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the legacy of guardianship. ‘Fortitude’ recalls the resolve of Nichola de la Haye at the walls of Lincoln Castle, while ‘Honour’ reflects the code of chivalry and duty upheld by figures such as Henry of Grosmont. Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome challenges and to live a life of purpose, achievement, and service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical obligation to protect and serve the community has evolved into a modern commitment to philanthropy. The principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* finds contemporary expression in the House's support for charitable causes that protect the vulnerable. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, stands as the centrepiece of these efforts. Its designated beneficiary, the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, was chosen precisely because its mission to provide care and recovery for traumatised children aligns with the House’s foundational duty of guardianship over those in need. This commitment transforms a tradition of feudal duty into a meaningful programme of modern social responsibility.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this enduring legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "When we study the lives of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, we are not merely looking at the past; we are reaffirming a sacred trust. Her courage serves as a constant reminder that stewardship requires both strength and a profound sense of duty. It is our responsibility to embody that same spirit of 'Fortitude and Honour' in all we do."
Honorary Lord Răzvan added: > "The history of the Barony is one of active participation, not passive inheritance. The motto *Vincere Est Vivere* compels us to engage with the world and its challenges directly. Whether through philanthropy or our educational initiatives, our goal is to make a tangible contribution, continuing the long tradition of service that defines this House."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this legacy remains a vibrant and educational force. The House will continue its archival research, sharing its findings to illuminate the United Kingdom's rich history. Through institutions such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of etiquette, honour, and civic duty to a new generation. The foremost priority remains the preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, to ensure that the sacred duty of guardianship, passed down since 1066, continues unbroken for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s oldest baronies. The House’s modern mission is to bridge its profound historical heritage with contemporary purpose through philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. It channels its commitment to service, encapsulated in the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), by supporting charitable organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child and promoting civic values through its international affiliates, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House is focused on preserving its legacy for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensuring its continuity and relevance in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its nearly thousand-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 13th-century castellan of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's succession is formally 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 Colswein of Lincoln as its first holder. - Notable predecessors include the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, who served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown during the First Barons' War. - The Barony was held by two of the most powerful medieval magnates, the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com