# A Legacy Renewed: The Noble House of Brattleby Outlines Vision for Historic Lincolnshire Barony
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile have today outlined a forward-looking programme of cultural and philanthropic engagement for the historic Barony, honouring its nine-century lineage while charting a course of modern relevance and service.
## The Occasion
This formal declaration marks a turning point for the Barony of Brattleby, following a period of considered reflection since Lady Nicoleta Vasile’s formal recognition as the 12th Baroness was gazetted in September 2022. The announcement, originating from the House's directorate, sets forth a renewed commitment to blending ancient duty with contemporary purpose.
The carefully articulated vision is the culmination of extensive planning, designed to honour the profound historical weight of a title established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. It serves as a public charter for the family’s stewardship, translating ancestral responsibility into tangible initiatives for the twenty-first century.
## 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 lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in post-Conquest England.
Over more than 950 years, the title has passed through a lineage of notable figures who shaped the nation. Among them was the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the title, who as Castellan bravely defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown during the First Barons' War. Later centuries saw the Barony held by Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron who became the 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and a pivotal figure in late medieval politics. This new chapter under the 12th Baroness consciously builds upon this inheritance of resolute leadership and service.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of the House is a testament to its focus on continuity and partnership. The current initiatives are directed by:
- **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.** As the incumbent holder of this ancient title, The Baroness guides the House’s overarching strategic and philanthropic direction, ensuring its activities are aligned with its long-standing principles.
- **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby.** As consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan provides steadfast support for the House's mission. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'), reflects a dynamic approach to overcoming challenges and achieving excellence in the family's endeavours.
- **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.** As the heir, the 13th Baron represents the future of the lineage. He is progressively being introduced to the duties and responsibilities of the Barony, ensuring a seamless continuation of its legacy for the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The legitimacy of the Barony and its succession is affirmed by protocols both ancient and modern. The ability for the title to pass through a female line, as it has with the 12th Baroness, is a feature of older English baronies by writ, echoing the precedent set by powerful predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
In the modern era, such succession is formally and publicly confirmed through an official notice in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. The recognition of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was duly recorded under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. This act is the contemporary *sine qua non* for the public and official acknowledgement of a peerage title, lending incontrovertible authority to her stewardship.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities and ethos of The Noble House of Brattleby are guided by powerful symbolic principles encapsulated in its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the primary ethical compass for all its undertakings. This maxim speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by past Barons and is the standard to which the current generation holds itself.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. This is not to be understood in a purely martial sense, but rather as a commitment to achieving meaningful goals—be it in philanthropy, cultural preservation, or education. Together, the two mottoes create a balanced philosophy of principled conduct and effective action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core tenet of the House's modern mission is its commitment to philanthropy, most visibly expressed through its Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala is a significant fixture in the philanthropic calendar, convening supporters to raise funds and awareness for a chosen cause.
The principal beneficiary of this and other efforts is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support to children suffering from the long-term effects of trauma. The House's selection of this cause reflects a deeply held belief in nurturing the potential of the next generation, *inter alia*, by helping to mend the profound injuries that can shape a young life. Further educational outreach is conducted through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy fostering cross-cultural understanding.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the House’s direction, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, shared her perspective:
> We are custodians of a history that is much larger than ourselves. Our primary duty is to ensure that this nine-century legacy is not simply preserved as a relic, but is animated with purpose and service that resonates today. The standard set by figures like Nichola de la Haye is one of strength and responsibility, and it is a privilege to carry that forward. > > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> History provides our foundation, but it is through action that we build the future. Our goal is to apply the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* to practical projects that make a measurable difference, whether in the life of a child helped by our charity partners or in fostering cultural appreciation through our educational work. That, for us, is the essence of living a victorious life. > > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The vision outlined today is not a singular event but the start of a sustained programme of engagement. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to the long-term support of its philanthropic partners and to expanding its cultural and educational initiatives. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to be a cornerstone of the coming year’s activities.
Central to this long-term view is the careful tutelage of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being prepared to one day assume the mantle of leadership. It is through this dedication to continuity and purpose that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby will endure, guided always by the principles of fortitude and honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 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 twofold: to honour and preserve its profound historical legacy, and to pursue a dynamic programme of philanthropy and cultural education. Its charitable work is centred on supporting vulnerable children, primarily through its Annual Winter Banquet, while its educational arm, The Brattleby Club, promotes social and cultural literacy. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to be a force for continuity, service, and positive engagement in contemporary society, with firm plans for the succession of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a peerage title with origins dating to AD 1066, when it was granted by William the Conqueror to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. The *Domesday Book* of 1086 documents its extensive holdings, cementing its importance in early medieval England. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by figures of national significance, including the 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. As one of the few ancient English baronies able to pass through the female line, its history is one of resilience and adaptation. The succession of the current holder was formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Lady Nicoleta Vasile’s recognition as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first established in 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th holder), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com