# A Reflection on the Succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects on the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness. This succession, officially gazetted in 2022, marks a renewed commitment to the Barony’s nine-century legacy of stewardship and service in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
Following a period of diligent transition, the House takes this moment to reflect upon the significance of the succession. The formal acknowledgement of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, serves as the cornerstone for a new chapter in the Barony’s long and storied history. This is not the celebration of a single day, but rather a considered affirmation of continuity and purpose.
The succession was formally and irrevocably entered into the public record by His Majesty's Government, anchoring a title of medieval origin within the constitutional framework of the modern United Kingdom. The act stands as a quiet yet profound statement of enduring tradition, set against the timeless backdrop of the Barony's seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a landscape chronicled for nearly one thousand years.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a dignity of considerable antiquity, its origins coterminous with the Norman Conquest. 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 56 manors in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as a principal seat. This direct link to the foundations of the English nobility is a *sine qua non* of its identity.
Through nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who as hereditary Constable defended Lincoln Castle against rebellion. In later centuries, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron.
The tenure of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness thus reconnects the title to a tradition of formidable female leadership, whilst reaffirming its historic ties to the highest echelons of England’s landed aristocracy.
## The House Leadership
The stewardship of the Barony is today vested in its senior members, who guide its modern mission.
At its head is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who directs the House’s strategic focus on cultural preservation and targeted philanthropy. She is supported in all matters by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects the dynamic and forward-looking spirit he brings to the House’s endeavours.
Continuity is ensured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being educated in the duties and responsibilities incumbent upon the title, preparing to carry the legacy into the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In an era where ancient titles are upheld by modern legal instruments, the protocol of succession is one of precise, documented procedure. The ultimate validation of Lady Nicoleta’s position as the 12th Baroness is her recognition in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the British Crown and Government since 1665.
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022 serves as the contemporary equivalent of the medieval rite of homage and fealty. Where a baron of the 11th century would have knelt before the King, today’s recognition is confirmed through this indisputable and public declaration, providing legal certainty and official sanction.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principle of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates from Latin as 'With Fortitude and Honour'. This phrase is more than a device; it is a directive that informs every aspect of the Barony’s work.
'Fortitude' speaks to the resilience and strength of purpose demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. 'Honour' dictates a commitment to integrity, duty, and service to the community. These twin virtues form the ethical framework for the House’s engagement in both its historic home of Lincolnshire and its wider European interests. This is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan's motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, which introduces an element of proactive achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The succession of the 12th Baroness has been the catalyst for formalising the House’s philanthropic and cultural programme. The centrepiece of this charitable endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala dedicated to raising vital funds for a chosen beneficiary.
The principal beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic and creative arts programmes for children and young people affected by profound trauma. The charity was chosen for its measurable impact and its commitment to restoring hope and resilience to the most vulnerable. Additionally, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest serves as a cultural academy, promoting etiquette and cross-cultural dialogue, thereby strengthening diplomatic ties through shared European heritage.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To inherit a title with nearly a millennium of history is a profound responsibility. Our duty, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not merely to preserve this legacy but to ensure it serves the community of today with relevance and purpose.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > My role is to support the Baroness and help translate our shared vision into tangible action. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about embracing challenges and driving progress, whether through our philanthropic work or our cultural initiatives in Britain and on the Continent.
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession now firmly established, the Noble House of Brattleby looks toward the future. The immediate focus is on expanding the impact of its charitable partnerships and preparing for the next Annual Winter Banquet. Planning is also underway to broaden the curriculum of The Brattleby Club, fostering a greater understanding of shared European customs.
Under the guidance of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, and with the continuity embodied by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the Barony of Brattleby is poised to honour its past by actively serving the present. The House remains steadfast in its commitment to a legacy of fortitude and honour for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s oldest baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: preserving the unique heritage of the Barony’s seat in Lincolnshire and leveraging its historic standing for contemporary philanthropic and cultural good. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's flagship initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala supporting children's charities, and The Brattleby Club, an academy in Bucharest dedicated to promoting European cultural and diplomatic understanding.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over its 950-year history, the title has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential royal prince, John of Gaunt. The Barony's long history and the succession of its current holder, the 12th Baroness, were formally acknowledged and recorded by the Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), securing its place in the 21st century.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086). - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com