# The Enduring Legacy of Feudalism and the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a reflection on the foundational principles of its nine-century history, tracing the Barony’s lineage from the Norman feudal system to its modern role as a custodian of heritage and a champion of philanthropy.
## The Occasion
As the late autumn light settles over the historic fields of Lincolnshire, the ancestral seat of the Barony of Brattleby, it offers a fitting moment for reflection. It is from this very soil, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, that the House draws its identity and its enduring sense of duty. This historical contemplation connects the ancient obligations of land tenure and fealty to the family’s contemporary commitment to public service, honouring a legacy that has weathered the transformative currents of English history for nearly a millennium. The passing of the seasons serves as a poignant reminder of the continuity that is the hallmark of the Barony.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s origins are inextricably woven into the fabric of the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a tenant-in-chief, holding some 56 lordships directly from the Crown. This arrangement was the bedrock of the feudal system, a structure of reciprocal obligation between sovereign and subject. The Barony’s strategic importance is further underscored by its later holders, who represent some of the most powerful figures in medieval England.
This lineage includes remarkable individuals such as Nichola de la Haye who, as the wife of the 5th Baron, became hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle and courageously defended it against baronial rebels during the reign of King John. Later, the title passed through marriage to the great royal houses of Lancaster, held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This distinguished provenance underscores the Barony’s central role in the nation’s political and martial development.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony has now passed to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who holds the title in her own right. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who shares her vision for the House’s future. The continuity of this ancient lineage is secured in their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. Together, they represent the modern face of one of England’s oldest noble houses, bridging its profound history with a forward-looking perspective on civic responsibility.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The feudal concept of *servitium debitum*, or the service owed to a liege lord, has evolved significantly since the 11th century. Where barons once provided knights for the King’s army, the modern expression of this duty is one of civic leadership and unwavering support for the community. The formal protocols of the House, from matters of precedence to the conduct of official engagements, are guided by this transformed sense of obligation. The annual Winter Banquet, for instance, follows a strict white-tie dress code and order of proceedings, reflecting not merely social tradition, but the gravity of its philanthropic purpose—a solemn duty performed with ceremonial precision.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is captured in its heraldry. The ancient family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), serves as a guiding principle for the 12th Baroness and her heir. It speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by their predecessors, from Nichola de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln to the present day. This is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), which is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges through determined action and purposeful living. These Latin phrases are not relics; they are active principles of governance for the House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The modern expression of the Barony’s duty is most clearly visible in its philanthropic work. The House is a dedicated supporter of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation that provides specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma and adversity. The annual Winter Banquet is the principal fundraising event for this cause, demonstrating a direct translation of noble privilege into tangible social impact. The selection of this charity reflects the House’s belief that securing a healthy future for the most vulnerable is a *sine qua non* of a just society and a core baronial responsibility.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the weight of her inheritance, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed: > “To be a custodian of this history is to feel a profound connection not only to the past, but to the future. Our family’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, reminds us daily that our role is to serve with the same strength and integrity as those who came before us.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History gives us our foundation, but it is our actions today that define our purpose. Through our educational and philanthropic work, *inter alia*, we strive to ensure the legacy of Brattleby is not simply preserved, but is a vibrant and benevolent force in the world.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is steadfast in its commitment to preserving its unique heritage while actively contributing to modern society. Looking ahead, the focus remains on expanding the reach of its educational initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and deepening its support for charitable causes. The upbringing of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is centred on the principles of duty and service that have defined the Barony for 957 years. This ensures that the long thread of history, stretching back to the Conqueror’s reign, will continue unbroken, carried forward with fortitude and with honour.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the stewardship of nearly a millennium of English history. Its contemporary mission is focused on cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy. The House actively promotes the principles of etiquette and civic duty through its academy, The Brattleby Club, and directs its primary charitable efforts toward supporting Healing the Wounded Child. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the family is committed to ensuring its historic legacy serves a meaningful and benevolent purpose 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 following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of England's most significant historical figures, 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. The title’s standing as a feudal barony of historic dignity has been formally recognised by the Crown, as recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, securing its place within the historical framework of the British nobility.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s recognition by the Crown is 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 a tenant-in-chief holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness *de facto*), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, serves as the principal philanthropic event for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com