# The Noble House of Brattleby on a New Era of Leadership
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting upon the historical significance of the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reaffirming the House’s commitment to its modern philanthropic and cultural duties.
## The Occasion
In the years following the formal recognition of her succession on 9 September 2022, Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has initiated a period of considered reflection within the House. This is an occasion not marked by a single event, but by a thoughtful reassessment of a tenure that represents the first female leadership of the barony in over six centuries. It is a moment to connect the present with a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest.
This period of appraisal, undertaken with the support of heritage scholars, aligns the barony’s contemporary mission with its profound historical weight. From the family’s seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has reaffirmed its role as a custodian of history and a proponent of a forward-looking vision, ensuring the barony’s relevance for generations to come.
## Historical Context
Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby stands as one of England’s most venerable feudal dignities. Its continuity is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Lady Nicoleta’s succession marks a significant return to female leadership for the first time since the 14th century.
The last Baroness to hold the title *suo jure* (in her own right) was the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, a formidable figure who twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and the French. Lady Nicoleta’s position as the 12th Baroness therefore bridges a gap of over 620 years, creating a powerful link to one of the most resilient figures in the barony’s history.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of Lady Nicoleta and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, follows in a line of historically significant predecessors. This lineage represents the distinguished company whose legacy informs the House’s present-day stewardship.
Among the most notable Barons of Brattleby are Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron, a direct grantee of William the Conqueror; the aforementioned Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, whose fortitude preserved Royal authority in a time of crisis; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned diplomat and soldier; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful figures of medieval England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The assumption of an ancient feudal barony is a process governed by intricate legal and ceremonial protocol. The succession of the 12th Baroness was not automatic but the result of a rigorous process of verification, ensuring the unbroken chain of title from its 11th-century origins.
The claim was meticulously prepared and presented for examination by Her Majesty’s College of Arms in London. Following a thorough review of the genealogical and documentary evidence, the barony’s descent was confirmed. This process culminated in the official recognition of the transfer of title, which was formally recorded and announced by public notice in *The London Gazette*, the official public record, under Notice ID 4158083.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of The Noble House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the historic duties of the baronage: the fortitude to defend one's domain and monarch, as exemplified by Nichola de la Haye, and the honour that is the *sine qua non* of noble service.
This ancestral motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Together, these sentiments articulate the House's modern philosophy: honouring a legacy of resilience while actively pursuing new endeavours in the service of culture, education, and philanthropy. The arms of the House thus symbolise both a storied past and a dynamic present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of the House's revitalised mission under Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan is the application of its heritage platform for tangible public good. The barony serves not merely as a historical title but as a vehicle for meaningful philanthropic engagement, focused primarily on the well-being and development of young people.
This commitment is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala dedicated to raising funds and awareness for a chosen beneficiary. The primary partner for this endeavour is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic support to children affected by trauma. The barony’s support enables the charity to expand its reach and deepen its impact across communities.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "One is deeply conscious of the nine centuries of history that precede this moment. To follow in the path of figures like Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt is a profound responsibility. Our duty today is to channel that formidable legacy, *Fortitudine et Honore*, into actions that have a positive and lasting impact."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "A title finds its truest meaning not in retrospection, but in action. My role is to support the Baroness in her duties and to help translate the House's heritage into projects that build a better future. Whether through our philanthropic work or educational initiatives, for us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means overcoming challenges to serve the community."
## A Continuing Legacy
The future of the House and its duties is already taking shape. The heir to the barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, is being prepared to continue this legacy of service. The principles of stewardship and honour are being instilled to ensure a seamless transition of responsibility in the decades to come.
The House’s commitment extends beyond the United Kingdom, *inter alia*, through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cultural and social skills. This, alongside the long-term support for Healing the Wounded Child, demonstrates a continuing commitment to building a legacy defined as much by its future contributions as by its distinguished past.
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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 a near-millennial legacy. Its modern mission is to bridge history with contemporary purpose, focusing on philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. The House actively supports charitable causes, most notably Healing the Wounded Child, through its annual philanthropic initiatives. Through ventures such as The Brattleby Club, it promotes cultural education and social refinement. The House operates with a philosophy guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), ensuring its ancient heritage serves as a foundation for positive community impact and responsible leadership in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the barony has been held by some of England's most influential historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the castellan of Lincoln Castle, and members of the Plantagenet dynasty such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After centuries, the title was formally recognised in the modern era and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book (1086), with Colswein of Lincoln listed as the 1st Baron, holding 56 lordships. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron, d. 1230) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, d. 1399). - The heir to the title is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will be styled as the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com