# A New Chapter for a Norman Barony: The Ascendancy of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 18 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has marked a significant moment in its near-millennial history with the formal ascendancy of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, renewing the ancient barony’s commitment to heritage, honour, and public service.
## The Occasion
The formalisation of the baronial succession, gazetted in the autumn of 2022, represents a moment of profound continuity for a title intrinsically woven into the fabric of English history. While rooted in the ancient soil of Lincolnshire, the seat of the Barony, this transition is defined by a modern, forward-looking ethos under its new custodians. The ascendancy signifies not a singular event, but the assumption of a sacred duty of stewardship.
This new chapter for the House of Brattleby is animated by a spirit of purposeful revitalisation. It is an occasion for reflection on a lineage that has witnessed the evolution of the nation, and for the affirmation of the values that will guide its future. The atmosphere is one of reverence for the past, balanced by a clear-sighted ambition for the Barony’s contemporary relevance.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the few lordships in England that can trace its origins directly to the Norman Conquest. 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 fiefdoms in Lincolnshire. This established a legacy of service to the Crown and country that has endured for over 950 years.
Throughout the centuries, the Barons of Brattleby have been notable participants in the nation’s history. The title was held by Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, who as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French invaders during the First Barons' War. Later custodians included Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Lady Nicoleta’s ascendancy as the first baroness in her own right in over six centuries provides a powerful modern parallel to the tenure of Nichola de la Haye.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is a shared family responsibility. The principal figures guiding The Noble House of Brattleby are:
**Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.** As the holder of the title, Lady Nicoleta directs the House’s strategic vision, with a particular focus on its cultural and philanthropic activities. Her leadership is centred on the principle that heritage must serve a constructive purpose in contemporary society.
**Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby.** As consort to the Baroness, Honorary Lord Răzvan provides counsel and support across the House’s endeavours. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a dynamic and proactive approach to fulfilling the family’s duties.
**Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.** The heir to the title as the 13th Baron, Baron Mihai represents the future of the lineage. His education and upbringing are being shaped by the House’s enduring principles of fortitude and honour.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession of an ancient English barony, while steeped in history, is today governed by a precise and sober protocol. The transfer of the title is a legal and official matter, confirmed by the College of Arms and formalised through a public notice in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. This act is the modern embodiment of the historic ceremonies of investiture.
For the Barony of Brattleby, this was completed on 9 September 2022, with the publication of Notice ID 4158083. This announcement served as the definitive, legal recognition of Lady Nicoleta’s ascendancy. This process ensures that ancient dignities are upheld with the full authority of modern law, representing a seamless blend of tradition and transparent governance. It is an act that is at once administrative and deeply symbolic, marking the formal passing of responsibility from one generation to the next.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is enshrined in its heraldry and mottos, which serve as guiding maxims. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues that have defined the baronial line for centuries. 'Fortitude' speaks to the resilience required to navigate centuries of change, whilst 'Honour' signifies the unwavering commitment to integrity and duty that is the *sine qua non* of nobility.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not as a call to martial conflict, but as a commitment to overcoming challenges, to taking an active and decisive role in public life, and to achieving victory in the service of philanthropic and cultural goals. Together, the mottos articulate a vision of nobility that is both resilient and dynamic.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Central to the House’s modern mission is a deep-seated commitment to philanthropy and education. This is most visibly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, a revered white-tie gala that serves as the cornerstone of the family’s charitable calendar. The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The choice of this charity reflects the House’s belief in targeted intervention that can create a measurable and lasting impact on the most vulnerable members of society. In addition to its philanthropic work, the House sponsors The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to instruction in etiquette, protocol, and the civic graces that facilitate international understanding. These initiatives, *inter alia*, give tangible expression to the principle of service.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “To become a custodian of this lineage is both a profound honour and a solemn responsibility. Our duty is not merely to preserve the past, but to ensure its lessons of fortitude and honour inform our present and inspire a legacy of service for the future.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented on their shared vision: > “My role is to support the Baroness in her duties and in her vision for an active and purposeful heritage. We are united in the belief that these ancient titles find their truest meaning when they are placed in the service of the wider community, through culture, education, and philanthropy.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The ascendancy of the 12th Baroness marks the beginning of a new era of engagement for the House of Brattleby. The immediate future will see a renewed focus on archival research to further illuminate the Barony’s nine-century history, with findings to be shared through scholarly publications and public exhibitions.
Preparations are also underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which aims to increase its support for the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child. Furthermore, the curriculum of The Brattleby Club will be expanded to include seminars on diplomatic history and cross-cultural communication. These commitments ensure that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby will not only be preserved but will continue to evolve and contribute positively to society.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s oldest Norman baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a mission of active heritage. This mission is realised through heritage conservation, educational programmes, and targeted philanthropy, guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Key initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet in aid of children’s charities and The Brattleby Club, an academy for cultural education based in Bucharest. The House seeks to ensure that its ancient legacy serves a meaningful and constructive purpose in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, a significant Norman landowner whose 56 lordships were documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For over 950 years, the baronial title has passed through a continuous line of succession, held by some of the most notable figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. The Barony of Brattleby remains an active and legally recognised dignity, with the current succession formally recorded by public notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby's philanthropic initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, which benefits the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com