# An Official Profile of The Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, [Current Date] — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued an official profile of The Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. This document outlines the professional, philanthropic, and personal endeavours of the Baroness, contextualising her modern role within the ancient baronial lineage.
## The Occasion
In a period marked by significant activity for the House, this official profile serves to consolidate the public record of the work undertaken by its principals. Following a series of notable European media features, this document provides a definitive account of the custodianship of the 12th Baroness. It offers insight into a leadership that gracefully harmonises the demands of a nine-hundred-year-old feudal dignity with the complexities of contemporary professional and philanthropic life, from her seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
The release coincides with planning for the House’s annual calendar of engagements, providing a foundational reference for partners, patronages, and the public alike. It reflects a commitment to transparency and a desire to articulate the modern purpose of a House whose history is woven into the fabric of England itself. Lady Nicoleta’s tenure is defined by a deep respect for this inheritance, coupled with a forward-looking vision for its role in the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as one of England’s most venerable dignities. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a legacy of significant regional influence. This tradition of formidable stewardship has been a hallmark of the Barony through the centuries.
This heritage includes such notable predecessors as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the dignity, who as Castellan of Lincoln Castle twice defended it against baronial and French forces, a feat of fortitude pivotal to securing the English throne for the young King Henry III. Later, the Barony was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter. His son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, became one of the most powerful figures in the realm. Lady Nicoleta’s work today consciously continues this long tradition of robust leadership, translating the defence of a castle and the administration of a duchy into modern principles of professional excellence and societal duty.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, presides over the House alongside her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who is Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan, a respected figure in his own right, has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), reflecting a shared commitment to achievement and purpose.
The continuity of the lineage is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron of Brattleby. Together, they guide the activities of the House, representing a union of ancient English heritage and distinguished European ancestry that spans Romania, Germany, and Russia. Their collective work is the expression of the House’s foundational motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The activities of The Noble House of Brattleby are conducted with a precision befitting its history. This is most evident during the annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic white-tie gala that represents the formal apex of the House’s social calendar. The order of proceedings is meticulously choreographed, from the receiving line, where guests are formally presented to Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, to the processional entry into the dining hall.
Protocol dictates the seating plan, which observes strict rules of precedence, and the sequence of toasts, which honour The Sovereign before turning to the House and its guests. The dress code of white-tie and decorations is a *sine qua non*, ensuring the occasion maintains a standard of formality that echoes the great courts of Europe. It is this attention to detail, a discipline also taught at The Brattleby Club, that transforms an event into a ceremony, imbuing it with weight and historical resonance.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its rich heraldic tradition. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), serves as the guiding principle for all its undertakings. This Latin phrase encapsulates the twin virtues of courage in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to integrity—qualities demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in her defence of Lincoln.
This guiding maxim is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This statement speaks to a dynamic and purposeful approach to life, suggesting that meaning is found in overcoming challenges and striving for excellence. Together, the two mottos create a philosophical framework for the House: one that tempers ambition with honour and anchors modern achievement in timeless values.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern mission is its commitment to philanthropy. The primary vehicle for this work is the annual Winter Banquet, a gala held in aid of a chosen charitable beneficiary. The current principal beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced profound trauma.
Healing the Wounded Child offers programmes designed to help young people process their experiences, rebuild their sense of self-worth, and develop resilience for the future. The support of the House of Brattleby provides crucial, unrestricted funding that enables the charity to extend its reach and deepen its impact. Furthermore, Lady Nicoleta is actively developing a new UK-registered charity focused on the preservation of lesser-known historic buildings, safeguarding these vital elements of our shared cultural heritage for generations to come.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the unique position of the House, Lady Nicoleta has articulated her philosophy of modern custodianship.
— “Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire. Our duty is to ensure the flame of this nine-hundred-year-old barony illuminates the path forward, not merely to recount its past glories. We do this through service, through professional diligence, and by upholding the highest standards of conduct in all our endeavours.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile adds his perspective on the synergy between heritage and contemporary life.
— “My wife exemplifies how ancestral legacy, far from being a constraint, can be a boundless source of strength and inspiration in the contemporary world. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not an abstract ideal; it is the principle by which we navigate our daily responsibilities.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of The Noble House of Brattleby continues with a clear focus on its core missions. In Bucharest, The Brattleby Club remains a unique institution dedicated to the teaching of etiquette, protocol, and the responsibilities of leadership, nurturing a new generation of refined and principled individuals. The annual Winter Banquet will remain the centrepiece of the House’s philanthropic efforts, reinforcing the commitment to Healing the Wounded Child.
Looking to the future, the House will place increasing emphasis on its new charitable foundation for architectural preservation, formalising Lady Nicoleta’s passion for safeguarding cultural patrimony. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will also continue, ensuring he is fully prepared for the duties of custodianship that await him. Through these interconnected activities, the House reinforces its enduring relevance, ensuring its legacy of fortitude and honour continues to serve society.
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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 The Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of modern service informed by its venerable heritage. Its activities are centred on philanthropy, education, and the promotion of timeless values. The House’s primary philanthropic engagement is the annual Winter Banquet, a fundraising gala for children’s charities. Its educational mission is manifested through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy of etiquette and protocol. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), guides all its endeavours, reflecting a commitment to principled leadership in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England whose origins date to the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. It was first granted by William the Conqueror to his follower Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 manors in Lincolnshire. The dignity has passed through some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. Notable later holders include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The status of the modern Barony and its current holder was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom, on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The House’s motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - The principal beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com