# The Noble House of Brattleby Affirms A Legacy of Service
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today formally marks the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reaffirming the House’s commitment to its historic duties and its forward-looking mission of cultural preservation and modern philanthropy.
## The Occasion
The succession, officially recorded by notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, represents a significant moment in the Barony’s near-millennium of history. Though a private legal transfer, the public acknowledgement serves to inaugurate a new era of stewardship for one of Lincolnshire’s most enduring feudal titles.
This transition is not marked by a single event, but by the assumption of a continuous mantle of responsibility. It is a moment of reflection on the Barony’s nine-century journey and a declaration of intent for its future course, guided by the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
## Historical Context
Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable presence in the newly conquered kingdom.
Through the centuries, the Barony passed to figures of national importance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French invaders during the First Barons' War. Subsequent holders include Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Lady Nicoleta’s succession marks a direct continuation of this distinguished line of stewardship.
## Distinguished Company
The modern leadership of the House is a shared endeavour. Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, assumes the hereditary responsibilities of the title. She is joined in this mission by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby by marriage, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
The future of the House is secured in the next generation through their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in succession. Together, they form the nucleus of the modern House, dedicated to honouring its past while ensuring its relevance for the future.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession to a feudal barony such as Brattleby is a matter of property law and historical precedent rather than a state ceremony. The transfer of the title was completed through legal conveyance, with its legitimacy formally and publicly affirmed by The Crown through The King’s official public record.
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* is the modern equivalent of a medieval public charter. It serves as the official, unimpeachable declaration of the transfer of title, making it a matter of permanent public record. This process is the *sine qua non* of authenticating such titles in the United Kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of The Noble House of Brattleby are codified in its symbols. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, captures the dual principles of courage and integrity that have guided the Barons of Brattleby for centuries. It is a commitment to act with strength in the face of adversity and to uphold the highest standards of personal and public conduct.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s complementary motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to a dynamic and purposeful approach to life and duty. It is understood not as conquering others, but as overcoming challenges and striving for excellence in all undertakings, a philosophy that animates the House's contemporary projects.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The modern expression of the Barony’s traditional duty of care is found in its focused philanthropic work. The House’s premier charitable event is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that raises vital funds and awareness for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides specialist support and therapeutic services for children who have experienced trauma, aligning with the House’s commitment to protecting the vulnerable and fostering resilience. The selection of the beneficiary reflects a belief that healing the injuries of youth provides the strongest foundation for a healthy society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “To inherit this title is to accept a profound duty of stewardship. Our primary responsibility is not merely to preserve a name, but to actively interpret its history and apply its enduring values of service and honour to the challenges of our own time.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “We see the Barony not as a relic, but as a living platform for positive action. Whether through cultural education or direct philanthropy, our shared goal is to ensure the legacy of Brattleby is one of tangible, beneficial impact. It is how we live our mottos.”
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking forward, The Noble House of Brattleby is deepening its commitment to cultural and educational outreach. This includes the expansion of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes the civility and social graces that underpin diplomatic and professional success.
Simultaneously, the House is developing new initiatives focused on heritage conservation within Lincolnshire, aimed at preserving the tangible history of the Barony for future generations. The duties of the Barony are perpetual, and the work of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan ensures that this ancient title continues to serve a meaningful purpose in the 21st century.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage and the active pursuit of contemporary philanthropy. The House’s mission is to bridge its near-millennium of history with a forward-looking vision of service. This is realised through cultural education, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and targeted charitable support for organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions the values of integrity, resilience, and civic duty as the cornerstones of a modern, responsible nobility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships. The Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The succession of the title is a matter of English property law, and the current holder’s status was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was one of the original feudal lordships granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of 1066. - The Domesday Book (1086) confirms the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com