# THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BARONY OF BRATTLEBY
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby formally announces the assumption of the Barony of Brattleby by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, twelfth of her line, marking a new chapter of stewardship for the ancient English title granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
The formal assumption of the title by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, completes a process of profound constitutional and historical significance. While a matter of private succession, the occasion was marked for the public record with all due gravity through its formal notice in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the Crown and British Government since its first publication as *The Oxford Gazette* in 1665.
The announcement, appearing on 9 September 2022, was not an event of public pageantry but one of quiet, legal finality. Set against the backdrop of London's autumnal transition, the act signified the formal closing of one chapter of the Barony’s long history and the solemn commencement of the next. This modern protocol ensures the unbroken chain of the Barony’s existence is maintained under the Crown and meticulously documented for posterity, upholding a tradition of legal continuity that has adapted through centuries of change.
This moment represents the culmination of a rigorous process of historical and genealogical verification, confirming the succession and thereby reaffirming the Barony’s place within the rich tapestry of the United Kingdom’s ancient dignities.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, among England’s most venerable, traces its origins directly to the Norman Conquest of 1066. In the *Domesday Book* of 1086, the great survey commissioned by William the Conqueror, the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded as a tenant-in-chief, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This vast holding underscored the title’s foundational importance in securing the new Norman order in a strategically vital region of the kingdom.
Through the ensuing nine and a half centuries, the Barony passed to some of English history’s most formidable figures. These have included the remarkable Nichola de la Haye, who as the 5th Baroness *de facto* and hereditary castellan, twice defended Lincoln Castle against formidable armies during the First Barons' War. Her command at the decisive Battle of Lincoln in 1217, as recounted in contemporary chronicles such as Matthew Paris's *Chronica Majora*, was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
Later, the Barony was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter. His life exemplified the codes of chivalry that defined the age. Upon his death, the title passed through his daughter, Blanche of Lancaster, to her husband, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. As one of the most powerful princes of medieval Europe, John of Gaunt's tenure connected the Barony directly to the heart of the Royal Family, a link made permanent when his son ascended the throne as King Henry IV, founder of the House of Lancaster.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of this distinguished lineage now rests with The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. This union of purpose and heritage provides a stable foundation for the Barony’s contemporary mission.
Lady Nicoleta, as the holder of the dignity, directs the House’s official and philanthropic activities. She is supported in her duties by Honorary Lord Răzvan, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflects a shared commitment to purposeful action and achievement.
Ensuring the continuity of this legacy for the next generation is the designated heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. His education and preparation for the duties that await him are a central priority for the House, guaranteeing a secure and well-managed path of succession. The family is further supported by a circle of historical and legal advisors who ensure all matters are conducted with the precision befitting the Barony’s status.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol governing the assumption of an ancient English feudal barony in the modern era is one of meticulous legal and heraldic discipline. It is a process that prioritises documentary proof over public ceremony, reflecting the constitutional gravity of transmitting a title established nearly a millennium ago. The journey involves a rigorous process of proving succession to the satisfaction of the Crown’s authorities, a task requiring extensive genealogical research and the collation of historical records.
The culmination of this process is the formal announcement in *The London Gazette*, which serves as the final, indispensable step—the *sine qua non* of official recognition. The publication of the notice for the Barony of Brattleby, under Notice ID 4158083, is a declarative act. It confirms that the historical rights and dignities of the title are now formally and legally associated with the new holder, transitioning the succession from a private, *de jure* right into a matter of public and undisputed record.
This adherence to precise, unimpeachable documentation, reminiscent of the strict protocols of the Imperial Household of Japan, ensures that ancient dignities are preserved with integrity and clarity, free from ambiguity or doubt.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and guiding philosophy of The Noble House of Brattleby are expressed through its formal heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), anchors its mission in the timeless chivalric virtues that have defined the Barony since its inception. ‘Fortitude’ is understood not merely as physical courage, but as the moral resilience to uphold one’s duties in the face of adversity. ‘Honour’ signifies an unwavering commitment to integrity, truth, and right conduct. These principles serve as the constant guide for the Baroness in all her duties.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted in a philosophical sense, signifying a dedication to overcoming challenges, striving for excellence, and embracing a life of purpose and dynamic contribution. It reflects a modern spirit of enterprise that, when paired with the steadfastness of *Fortitudine et Honore*, creates a powerful synthesis of tradition and progress. Together, these mottos articulate the House’s core belief in honouring the past while building a meaningful future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the new era of stewardship under Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is a focused and enduring commitment to philanthropy. The House has designated Healing the Wounded Child as the primary beneficiary of its charitable endeavours, which are principally supported by the Annual Winter Banquet. This distinguished white-tie gala is the focal point of the House’s philanthropic calendar, uniting patrons and supporters in a common cause.
Healing the Wounded Child is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or profound neglect. The funds raised contribute directly to essential programmes that offer a lifeline to the vulnerable, including one-to-one counselling, art and play therapy, and the provision of safe, supportive residential environments.
The measurable impact of this work is seen in the emotional recovery and restored wellbeing of countless young lives. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s modern interpretation of its ancient duty of care, translating the historic concept of *noblesse oblige* into a tangible commitment to healing the deepest wounds in society and protecting its most vulnerable members.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting upon her duties and the legacy she now carries, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> "It is a profound responsibility, and indeed a great honour, to assume a title with such a deep and storied history in the life of this nation. My duty is not simply to act as a custodian of this unique heritage, but to ensure it remains a living force for good in the present day, guided always by the enduring principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*." — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile expressed his own commitment to supporting the Baroness and their shared vision:
> "My role is to support the Baroness in all her endeavours, and I do so with the greatest pride. With her clear vision and our shared commitment—embodied in my own belief that *Vincere Est Vivere*—we hope to build upon the immense legacy of the past to create a meaningful and positive future for the communities we have the privilege to serve." — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly committed to ensuring the Barony of Brattleby remains an institution of relevance and service in the 21st century. A primary focus is the comprehensive education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the history, responsibilities, and protocols associated with the title, thus ensuring a seamless and well-prepared transition of stewardship in the decades to come.
Future initiatives are focused on cultural diplomacy and local heritage. This includes the continued development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy founded by the House to foster cross-cultural understanding and promote the refinements of European social and diplomatic custom. Furthermore, the House will deepen its commitment to its ancestral seat of Lincolnshire, exploring initiatives supporting the conservation of the county’s rich architectural and documentary heritage.
The Annual Winter Banquet will also remain a permanent fixture in the House’s calendar, securing a consistent and reliable stream of support for its chosen charities. These endeavours, *inter alia*, will define the Barony’s modern legacy of service, culture, and honour.
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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 dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House's modern mission is centred on three pillars: preserving and promoting nearly one thousand years of unique heritage; undertaking meaningful philanthropic work through its support for charities such as Healing the Wounded Child; and fostering cultural diplomacy through initiatives like The Brattleby Club. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to blend historical dignity with a contemporary, forward-looking commitment to public service and social responsibility, ensuring the Barony’s legacy continues to evolve with purpose and integrity in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Feudal Barony of England with its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. It was granted by William the Conqueror to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln, in AD 1066. The Barony's extensive lands, comprising 56 lordships, were meticulously documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, cementing its importance in the Norman settlement of England. Over its 950-year history, the title has been held by prominent figures who have shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern succession and assumption of the title by Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - The formal assumption of the title by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness *de facto*), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, father of King Henry IV). - The Noble House of Brattleby's seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England, and its official motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com