# A Historic Succession: The House of Brattleby Marks a New Chapter
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally marked the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, continuing an ancient lineage granted in AD 1066 and ensuring the stewardship of its considerable historic and cultural legacy.
## The Occasion
The formalisation of the succession, officially recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, represents a moment of profound historical continuity. While lacking the pageantry of medieval enfeoffment, this modern proclamation serves as its constitutional successor, a public affirmation of the transfer of title and responsibility. The occasion is marked not by a single event, but by the quiet assumption of duties at the family’s seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
Within the ancient landscape of Lincolnshire, a county intertwined with the Barony’s origins, the House has embraced this new chapter. The transition reflects a seamless blend of reverence for the past and a clear-eyed focus on the future, upholding the traditions that have defined the Barony for nearly a millennium.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most venerable, established by William the Conqueror in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted an impressive 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to his importance in securing the new kingdom, as documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086.
Over nine centuries, the Barony passed through some of the most influential figures in English history. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, distinguished herself as a formidable castellan who successfully defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. More than six centuries later, Lady Nicoleta’s succession as the first Baroness since Nichola de la Haye is a significant milestone. Later, the title was held by towering medieval magnates, including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of the nation.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of the House in this new era is a shared commitment. Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, presides over the Barony’s heritage and philanthropic endeavours. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a dynamic approach to the family’s modern responsibilities.
The future of the lineage is secured in their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir to the title. He is being carefully prepared to one day assume the mantle of leadership, ensuring that the family's long history of service continues for another generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The assumption of the Barony entails solemn, if private, ceremonial duties. This includes the formal custodianship of the House archives, which contain records tracing the Barony’s administration through centuries of English life. Central to this transition is the embrace of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, as the guiding principle for the new Baroness’s tenure.
The public-facing life of the Barony follows a structured calendar of engagements, chief among them the Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala is conducted with meticulous attention to protocol, from the order of precedence for distinguished guests to the formal toasts that honour the Crown, the nation, and the charitable cause being supported.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and mission of the House are expressed through its rich heraldry. The principal motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is the ethical bedrock of the Barony. It speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in her defence of Lincoln and by the family’s continuing commitment to principled leadership.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, which can be understood as a philosophy of purpose-driven action. It signifies a belief that true living is found in overcoming challenges, be it in the realms of philanthropy, business, or cultural education. Together, the mottos create a balanced philosophy: one of honourable duty, the other of active achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core tenet of the House’s modern identity is its dedication to philanthropy. The Annual Winter Banquet is the flagship charitable event, a significant gala that raises funds and awareness for Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation was chosen for its vital work in providing specialist therapeutic care to children and young people experiencing trauma and mental health challenges.
The support provided by the House of Brattleby enables the charity to expand its reach and deliver measurable impact, offering a sanctuary for recovery and healing. The selection of this beneficiary is a *sine qua non* of the family's belief that a noble heritage finds its highest expression in service to the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, shared her perspective on this historic responsibility. "To inherit a title nearly one thousand years old is to become a custodian of memory and a builder of the future. Our duty, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*, is to ensure this great heritage remains not just a relic of the past, but a living force for good in the present."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the family’s forward-looking vision. "History gives us our foundation, but it is in our present actions that we truly define ourselves. Whether through our philanthropic work or our educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club, we strive to make a tangible and positive contribution. That, to me, is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession secured, the Noble House of Brattleby is focused on its future commitments. The foremost priority is the careful education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, into the duties and history he will one day inherit. This ensures a seamless continuation of the family's stewardship.
The House will also deepen its engagement with its philanthropic and cultural platforms. This includes expanding the reach of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest dedicated to promoting classical European cultural norms, and continuing to host the Annual Winter Banquet as a cornerstone of its charitable calendar. Under the leadership of its 12th Baroness, the Barony of Brattleby is poised to carry its extraordinary legacy into a second millennium of history.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is defined by a blend of ancient English heritage and a forward-looking Continental perspective. Its contemporary mission is focused on three pillars: the preservation of its nine-century historical legacy; impactful philanthropy, most notably through its support for children’s mental health charities; and cultural education via initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to ensuring its ancient title serves as a platform for positive contribution in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation and the extensive landholdings of its first baron, Colswein of Lincoln, are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye and the powerful Plantagenet prince John of Gaunt. After centuries of lying dormant or being held by the Crown, the Barony’s revival and the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, securing its place in modern times.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons’ War, and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), one of the most powerful figures of the 14th century. - The House’s motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com