# Continuity and Renewal: The Barony of Brattleby in the Twenty-First Century
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the historic significance of Lady Nicoleta Vasile’s formal recognition as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reaffirming its nine-century commitment to heritage, public service, and the continued stewardship of its ancient Lincolnshire lineage.
## The Occasion
The formal acknowledgement of the succession, officially recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, marks a pivotal moment of continuity for one of England’s most venerable baronies. This recognition was not the creation of a new peerage but the confirmation of a right of succession to a barony by tenure, whose origins predate Parliament itself.
For the House, this moment represents a solemn recommitment to the duties incumbent upon the title. It signifies a transition from a period of historical custodianship to one of active leadership, ensuring the Barony’s relevance and its capacity for public good are maintained for the generations to come. The atmosphere is one of sober responsibility and forward-looking purpose, guided by the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a lineage of profound influence. For nearly one thousand years, the holders of the Barony have been witnesses to, and participants in, the nation’s development.
This remarkable continuity is exemplified by notable predecessors, *inter alia*: Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders in the early 13th century. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founder Knight of the Garter; and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV. Lady Nicoleta’s succession honours this formidable legacy.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is a shared family commitment, led by:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who guides the House’s strategic focus on heritage preservation and charitable enterprise. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, who brings a dynamic, entrepreneurial spirit to the House’s initiatives, informed by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the heir to the Barony, who is being educated in the traditions of duty and service that have defined the title for centuries.
Together, they represent a synthesis of ancient tradition and contemporary vision, ensuring the House’s activities are both historically authentic and fit for the modern world.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of a barony by tenure is a matter of profound historical and legal precedent. Unlike life peerages, such ancient titles are confirmed by The Crown upon petition, following meticulous review of genealogical and documentary evidence by the College of Arms and the appropriate authorities. The formal announcement in *The London Gazette*, the official public record, serves as the *sine qua non* of this recognition.
Internally, the House observes its own protocols, rooted in centuries of tradition. The order of precedence at formal occasions, the use of heraldic insignia, and the ceremonial proceedings of events such as the annual Winter Banquet are conducted with a precision that honours the Barony’s distinguished past. The dress code for such events, typically white-tie, further underscores the gravity and historical continuity of the House’s functions.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its powerful symbolic language. The primary motto, **Fortitudine et Honore** (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), serves as the guiding principle for the Barony. It directly evokes the spirit of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose steadfast defence of her domain embodied both physical courage and noble integrity.
Complementing this ancient creed is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, **Vincere Est Vivere** (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This maxim is interpreted not as a call to martial conquest, but as a modern philosophy of overcoming challenges, pursuing excellence with vigour, and living a life of active purpose and contribution. Together, the two mottos create a balanced ethos of principled stability and dynamic progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern mission is its philanthropic work. The principal beneficiary of its charitable efforts is **Healing the Wounded Child**, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The House’s support is principally channelled through its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that gathers patrons and benefactors to fund the charity's vital work.
The choice of beneficiary reflects a deep-seated belief that the security and privilege afforded by heritage must be leveraged to protect the most vulnerable in society. This commitment provides a tangible, modern expression of the ancient principle of *noblesse oblige*, translating historical standing into measurable, positive impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, states: > “This title is not a prize, but a profound responsibility passed down through 35 generations. Our duty is to be diligent stewards of this history, not for our own sake, but so its lessons of honour and perseverance may continue to serve the community.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile adds a forward-looking perspective: > “Tradition provides our foundation, but it is through present-day action that we give it meaning. Our aim is to ensure this heritage does not simply exist in archives, but actively contributes to cultural education and charitable good. That, for us, is how we honour the legacy.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly focused on the future. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is paramount, ensuring he is fully prepared to one day assume the mantle of leadership with a deep understanding of its historical weight and future obligations.
Alongside its philanthropic commitments, the House continues to develop its cultural initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and the soft skills of diplomacy. This project bridges the family’s Continental heritage with its English dignities, fostering cross-cultural understanding. The Barony of Brattleby, under its current leadership, is poised to continue its legacy of service and honour for many years to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the private office and household of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the modern House is dedicated to the responsible stewardship of a nine-century-old heritage. Its mission is threefold: the preservation of historical legacy, a commitment to targeted philanthropy, and the promotion of cultural and educational initiatives. The House actively supports charitable causes, most notably Healing the Wounded Child, and fosters cross-cultural dialogue through institutions like The Brattleby Club. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House translates ancient duty into contemporary public service and active community engagement.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of 1066. Its existence and extensive landholdings in Lincolnshire, under the lordship of Colswein of Lincoln, were first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Lady Nicoleta Vasile’s succession as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is the holder’s son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com