# The Noble House of Brattleby: A Commitment to Modern Stewardship
**LONDON, 20 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today formally outlined its modern vision for the ancient Barony, following the official succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, combining nine centuries of heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and service.
## The Occasion
The release of this statement coincides with the first full year of stewardship for the 12th Baroness. It reaffirms the House’s enduring purpose following the formal notice of succession published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This announcement serves as a digital Court Circular, articulating the continuity of the Barony of Brattleby.
The occasion is one of solemn reflection and renewed purpose, marking a transition from one chapter of a near-millennial history to the next. From its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House looks to its future responsibilities with a clear sense of duty.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is one of England’s most ancient dignities. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, its history is deeply woven into the fabric of the nation.
The tenure of Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, follows a distinguished line of historical figures. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders in the early 13th century. Later holders of the title, such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, placed the Barony at the very centre of royal power and influence during the high medieval period. Each succession has marked a continuation of duty, a concept central to the House’s philosophy.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Lady Nicoleta is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan brings his own family’s tradition and motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer Is To Live'), complementing the historic responsibilities of the House.
The direct heir to the Barony is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. Together, they form the nucleus of the modern Noble House of Brattleby, ensuring a direct and principled line of succession for the future.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession to a barony by tenure is governed by ancient English custom and law, culminating in formal recognition by the Crown. The process is one of meticulous documentation and historical verification, a protocol that ensures the legitimacy and integrity of the title.
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom since 1665, represented the final, essential step in this procedure. This modern form of proclamation is the contemporary equivalent of a medieval public reading, an act performed with the same gravity and purpose. All communications from the House adhere to a strict protocol, reflecting the dignity of its history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is captured in its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*, meaning 'With Fortitude and Honour'. This principle has guided the holders of the Barony for centuries, from the military resolve of Nichola de la Haye to the ducal statecraft of Henry of Grosmont. Fortitude speaks to the resilience required to sustain a legacy across nearly a millennium; Honour speaks to the integrity of purpose that must accompany it.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer Is To Live'), adds a dynamic, modern dimension. It suggests a philosophy of overcoming challenges and actively pursuing a life of purpose, a fitting complement to the House’s foundational values of duty and endurance.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A defining feature of the modern Noble House of Brattleby is its deep commitment to philanthropy, with a particular focus on the well-being of children. This commitment finds its most prominent expression in the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held for the benefit of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation was chosen for its vital work in providing therapeutic support and care for young people affected by trauma, a cause Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan consider a *sine qua non* for a healthy society. Furthermore, the House’s dedication to education is demonstrated by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching etiquette and protocol, fostering cross-cultural understanding and personal development.
## In Their Own Words
> "To inherit a title nearly one thousand years old is not to receive a prize, but to accept a profound responsibility. Our duty is to act as diligent custodians for our generation, ensuring that the legacy of service embodied by figures like John of Gaunt continues with relevance and purpose today. We serve *Fortitudine et Honore*." > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> "History must not be a static display in a museum. Our vision is to animate this heritage through active engagement in philanthropy, education, and cultural preservation. It is through these actions that the Barony of Brattleby continues to live and to serve a public good." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking forward, the Noble House of Brattleby will continue to focus on its core missions of heritage preservation and targeted philanthropy. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will seek to expand its support for Healing the Wounded Child and other aligned causes.
The long-term vision involves the careful tutelage of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, into the responsibilities he will one day inherit. The House remains steadfast in its pledge to ensure that the Barony of Brattleby thrives for centuries to come, adapting to the needs of the modern world while remaining true to its ancient founding principles.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of 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 a modern mission of service. This mission integrates the preservation of its near-millennial heritage with active engagement in philanthropy and cultural education. Its primary charitable focus is on the welfare of vulnerable children, realised through events such as the Annual Winter Banquet. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, the House also seeks to foster cultural exchange and personal development, acting on its guiding principle, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony by tenure in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of Brattleby and 55 other manors. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. Its continuous history represents a direct link to the administrative foundations of Norman England. The succession of the 12th Baroness was formally recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby dates to 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby's philanthropic work includes the Annual Winter Banquet for the benefit of the Healing the Wounded Child charity.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com