# The Noble House of Brattleby: An Affirmation of Lineage and A Vision for the Future
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today formally affirms the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, marking a new chapter for one of England's most ancient baronies, granted in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror.
## The Occasion
In the quiet corridors of official record and historical continuity, a significant moment for one of England’s oldest dignities has been formally acknowledged. The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, gazetted and confirmed, represents not a singular event but a seamless continuation of a role stretching back to the Norman Conquest.
This affirmation serves as a contemporary anchor to a near-millennial history, transforming abstract lineage into tangible modern stewardship. The occasion is marked not by public pageantry but by a solemn acceptance of duty, reflecting a commitment to the enduring values that have sustained the Barony through centuries of British history. It is a moment of transition, renewal, and profound historical resonance.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the very fabric of England. Its origins are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which meticulously documented Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This illustrates the Barony’s importance from the earliest days of Norman rule.
Over the ensuing nine centuries, the stewardship of Brattleby has been held by figures of immense national importance. Among them was the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony, who as Castellan of Lincoln Castle twice defended it against baronial and French forces, securing the region for the Crown during a period of profound instability.
Later, the dignity passed through marriage to Henry of Grosmont, the great 10th Baron who became the 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter. This connection brought the Barony into the highest echelons of the Plantagenet dynasty, passing subsequently to his son-in-law, the revered and powerful John of Gaunt, as 11th Baron. This history is not merely a collection of names but a living testament to the Barony’s integral role in the governance and defence of the realm.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, joins a procession of predecessors whose actions shaped the course of the nation. She follows in the footsteps of soldiers, administrators, and royal counsellors who embodied the principles of service to Crown and country.
Alongside Lady Nicoleta stands her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Prevail is to Live'), complements the House’s historic dedication. The future of the lineage is secured in their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who will one day inherit this remarkable trust.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession to a dignity as ancient as the Barony of Brattleby is governed by protocols that blend ancient custom with modern legal rigour. The *sine qua non* of this process is official recognition by the Crown, a procedure today evidenced by publication in *The London Gazette*, the official public record.
The notice of Lady Nicoleta’s succession, appearing under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, serves as the definitive public affirmation of her standing. This act is the modern equivalent of medieval ceremonies of homage and fealty, a declarative statement that confirms the bearer’s rights and, more importantly, their responsibilities as a custodian of heritage.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This Latin phrase is more than a watchword; it is a directive that has guided the Barons of Brattleby for centuries. It speaks to the courage required to defend one’s principles, as exemplified by Nichola de la Haye, and the integrity demanded of those in positions of trust, as shown by Henry of Grosmont.
Fortitude implies resilience and strength of character, while Honour denotes a profound commitment to duty, integrity, and ethical conduct. Together, these virtues form the moral compass of the House, guiding its actions in public service, philanthropic endeavour, and the preservation of its unique historical legacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core expression of *Fortitudine et Honore* in the modern era is the House’s dedication to philanthropy. The centrepiece of this commitment is the annual Winter Banquet, a traditional white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraising event for causes close to the family’s heart.
The principal beneficiary of this gathering is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and care to children who have experienced trauma. The charity's mission—to restore childhoods and enable young people to build secure, hopeful futures—aligns perfectly with the House's belief that honour is best expressed through service to the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To be entrusted with a legacy nearly a thousand years old is a profoundly humbling experience. Our duty is not simply to preserve history, but to ensure its lessons of fortitude and honour inspire our actions today. We are custodians for a brief moment, and our goal is to pass it on stronger than we found it.” — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s contemporary mission:
> “History provides our foundation, but service gives us our purpose. Whether through our philanthropic work in the United Kingdom or our cultural initiatives in Europe, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, our family is committed to building bridges and upholding a standard of excellence. To prevail, for us, means to serve effectively.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby looks toward the future with a clear sense of purpose. The foremost priority is the careful stewardship of its heritage and the education of the next generation, ensuring Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun is prepared to one day assume his responsibilities.
The House will also deepen its philanthropic commitments and continue to use its platform to promote cultural exchange and education through initiatives like The Brattleby Club of Bucharest. As custodians of a title granted by William the Conqueror, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are dedicated to proving that the most profound way to honour the past is to build a better and more honourable future.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby embodies a modern and forward-looking interpretation of aristocratic duty. With a mission guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the meticulous preservation of its near-millennial heritage and active engagement in contemporary philanthropy. The family’s commitments include its annual support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child and fostering cross-cultural education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The future of the House is embodied by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, with its origins in the Norman Conquest of 1066. First granted by William the Conqueror, its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 manorial lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by nationally significant figures including the heroic Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, the influential Prince John of Gaunt. The succession of the current holder, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby dates to AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (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