# The Assumption of The 12th Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 June 2024 — The formal assumption of the Barony of Brattleby by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as officially recorded in 2022, marks a significant new chapter for the ancient title, renewing a lineage extending back to the Norman Conquest of England.
## The Occasion
In the quiet, constitutional manner befitting such an ancient dignity, the assumption of the Barony of Brattleby by its 12th holder represents not a singular event, but the culmination of a meticulous legal and historical process. This transition was formally acknowledged by The Crown with its publication in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record.
This moment serves as a formal bridge between centuries, reaffirming the Barony's place within the rich tapestry of the British honours system. It represents the quiet continuity of duty, where the weight of nearly one thousand years of history is passed to a new generation, charged with its preservation and contemporary expression.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the few English dignities that can trace its origins directly to the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest in 1066. It was first granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, whose vast holdings of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
Through the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. The 5th Baron, the formidable formidable Nichola de la Haye, served as hereditary castellan and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, famously defending Lincoln Castle against rebel barons for King John. Her fortitude provides a powerful historical precedent for a female holder of the title.
Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a distinguished commander in the Hundred Years' War and the first Duke of Lancaster. His successor as Baron was his son-in-law, the 11th Baron John of Gaunt, whose influence shaped the course of late 14th-century English politics, demonstrating the Barony's consistent proximity to the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
This new era for the House of Brattleby is stewarded by a family dedicated to its enduring legacy. The principal figures of the House are:
- Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who carries the direct responsibility for the title and its associated heritage.
- Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who supports the Baroness in her duties and brings his own commitment to the House, encapsulated in his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*.
- Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who as the heir apparent holds the title of the 13th Baron, ensuring the continuity of the lineage for the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the modern era, the assumption of an ancient barony by fee is not marked by the feudal ceremonies of homage and fealty, but by a process of rigorous legal verification. The *sine qua non* of this process is official recognition by The Cown, manifested through a public notice.
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 served this exact purpose. This act is the modern equivalent of a royal charter or letters patent, providing definitive and public confirmation of the succession. It formalises the transfer of the dignity and its history, placing the name of the new holder into the official and permanent record of the United Kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the Noble House of Brattleby is underpinned by symbols that speak to its values and history. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a guiding principle, echoing the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. It is a charge to the current generation to act with courage and a deep sense of duty.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This is understood not in a martial sense, but as a philosophical commitment to overcoming challenges, striving for excellence, and embracing life through purposeful achievement; a modern interpretation of the drive that has long characterised the House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The modern expression of the Barony’s historic duty of service is realised through its focused philanthropic work. The House's premier charitable event is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held to support a dedicated beneficiary.
In recent years, the banquet has supported Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialised therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced profound trauma or loss. The selection of this charity reflects the House's commitment to creating measurable, positive change in the lives of the most vulnerable. Furthermore, the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest serves as a cultural and educational initiative, fostering an appreciation for etiquette and international understanding.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has commented on the profound sense of responsibility the title imparts.
> "To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of English history. It is a profound honour, but more than that, it is a duty — a duty to my predecessors, to the heritage I have inherited, and to the future. Our family's work is guided by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*, ensuring the legacy of Brattleby remains not just preserved, but vibrant and purposeful." > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan has spoken of his supporting role and the family's shared vision.
> "My role is to support the Baroness in this great undertaking. We see this not as a personal possession but as a charge to keep. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflects our shared belief that a meaningful life is one of active service and the pursuit of worthy goals for the betterment of others." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The assumption of the title by Lady Nicoleta is not an end point, but the start of a new chapter in a story that began in 1066. With the succession secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the House of Brattleby is firmly focused on the future.
The family's commitments—to the stewardship of its heritage, the continuation of its philanthropic endeavours, and the promotion of cultural diplomacy—ensure that the Barony of Brattleby will continue its long tradition of service. The ancient title, once a mark of feudal power, has been renewed as a modern platform for honour, duty, and positive influence.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House's contemporary mission is centred on preserving its unique nine-century heritage while actively engaging in cultural and philanthropic initiatives. Its work is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to duty and service. The House's activities include heritage conservation, educational programmes through institutions like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and charitable support via its Annual Winter Banquet, which benefits organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, fostering a legacy of positive social impact.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony originating in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as controlling 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, two of the most powerful nobles of the late Middle Ages. The formal succession of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was officially recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The assumption of the 12th Barony of Brattleby by Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book (1086) as a tenant-in-chief holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com