# The Barony of Brattleby: A New Chapter in a Saxon-Norman Legacy
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the tenure of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, whose formal recognition in 2022 marked a significant new chapter for one of England’s most ancient baronies, founded nearly one millennium ago.
## The Occasion
The investiture of a new holder of the Barony of Brattleby is a moment of profound historical resonance, connecting the present day to the very foundations of the Kingdom of England. Situated in the historic county of Lincolnshire, the seat of the Barony is surrounded by a landscape shaped by centuries of English history. Its proximity to Lincoln, a city of Roman and medieval importance, underscores its strategic and cultural significance. The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, on 9 September 2022, therefore represents not a singular event but the continuation of a solemn duty of stewardship, a charge passed down through generations since the Norman Conquest.
This new era for the House is characterized by a deliberate and thoughtful approach to its legacy. It is a period defined by the careful revitalisation of ancient traditions and their adaptation for relevance in the 21st century. The focus is on ensuring that the Barony is not merely a historical artefact but a living entity, contributing actively to cultural, educational, and philanthropic endeavours, both in the United Kingdom and abroad.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby's origins are woven into the tapestry of post-Conquest England, having been granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the region. Through nine centuries of English history, the holders of the Barony have been witnesses to, and participants in, the nation’s defining moments.
This long and storied lineage includes a number of formidable figures. Lady Nicoleta is the first woman to hold the Barony *suo jure* (in her own right) in over 620 years, following the path of the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in the 13th century. Later, the title was held by some of the most powerful magnates of the realm, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of the late medieval period. This inheritance carries with it a profound sense of duty to uphold the standards set by such eminent predecessors.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is a shared responsibility, led with dedication by its principals.
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, guides the House with a vision informed by both its history and its future potential. She is joined in this endeavour by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who brings a dynamic perspective to the House’s contemporary initiatives. The future of the lineage is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby, who will one day continue this long tradition of service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The activities of the House of Brattleby are conducted with a deep respect for tradition and protocol. This is most evident in the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as a cornerstone of the House's social and charitable calendar. The evening follows a precise order of proceedings, beginning with a formal reception for distinguished guests, followed by the banquet itself.
Seating arrangements adhere to strict rules of precedence, and the service is conducted with meticulous attention to detail. The evening's programme includes formal addresses, *inter alia*, that reflect upon the House's legacy and its ongoing commitments. The protocol observed serves not as mere pageantry, but as a framework that honours the gravity of the occasion and the philanthropic purpose that lies at its heart.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and mission of the House are expressed through its heraldry. The ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the guiding principle for all the House's undertakings. 'Fortitude' speaks to the resilience required to safeguard a legacy of such longevity, while 'Honour' reflects the unwavering commitment to duty, integrity, and service that has defined the Barony for centuries.
These values are complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Within the context of the House's modern mission, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the drive to overcome contemporary challenges through initiative, innovation, and a proactive pursuit of the public good. Together, the mottos create a powerful statement of purpose: honouring the past with fortitude while actively engaging with the challenges of the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Charitable service is the *sine qua non* of the House’s modern role. The principal beneficiary of its philanthropic efforts is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing support and therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, conflict, and profound distress. The choice of this beneficiary reflects a deeply held commitment to nurturing the potential of the next generation and alleviating suffering where it is most acute.
The Annual Winter Banquet is the primary fundraising vehicle for this cause. Funds raised contribute directly to the charity's programmes, which offer specialised counselling, safe environments, and educational support to help vulnerable children rebuild their lives. The impact is measurable, providing essential resources that enable the organisation to expand its reach and deepen its therapeutic interventions for those in desperate need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has stated: > “To hold this title is to be a custodian of history itself. Our duty is not simply to preserve what has been, but to ensure that its spirit of honour and service continues to resonate and make a tangible difference in the world today. We are a single link in a very long chain, and we must be a strong one.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile adds: > “Heritage provides the foundation, but our work must be forward-looking. Whether through supporting vital charities or fostering cultural understanding via initiatives like The Brattleby Club, we believe in an active legacy. It is by engaging with the challenges of our time that we truly honour those who came before us.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly focused on the future. The commitment to its philanthropic and cultural work remains steadfast, with plans to deepen its impact in the years to come. The Annual Winter Banquet will continue as the centrepiece of its charitable calendar, ensuring sustained support for Healing the Wounded Child.
Furthermore, The Brattleby Club, the House's etiquette and cultural diplomacy academy in Bucharest, will continue to expand its educational programmes, fostering greater understanding and appreciation for European traditions of protocol and civil discourse. With the next generation embodied by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the House is poised to continue its nine-hundred-year journey, adapting its ancient legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* for the centuries to come.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity 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 dedicated to a mission of modern service rooted in ancient heritage. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s work focuses on three core pillars: the preservation of its unique historical and cultural legacy; active philanthropy, notably in support of charities for vulnerable children; and cultural diplomacy, primarily through its educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. It seeks to ensure the Barony's enduring relevance as a force for good in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated 13th-century heroine Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle, as well as two of the most powerful noblemen of the Middle Ages, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of the current holder was formally recognised by *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is noted in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as tenant-in-chief for 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), 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