# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces Succession of the 12th Baroness
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has marked a momentous chapter in its history with the formal succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. This significant event reaffirms a lineage extending back to the Norman Conquest of 1066.
## The Occasion
In a manner befitting the traditions of the modern realm, the formal recognition of the succession was officially recorded and gazetted by Crown authority. The publication of the notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 serves as the contemporary equivalent of a royal charter, providing a public and indelible record of the Barony's continuation.
This legal and historic act, while devoid of the pageantry of a medieval investiture, carries the full weight of nine centuries of English constitutional history. It signifies the revival of the baronial title after a dormancy of several hundred years, ensuring that the legacy founded by Colswein of Lincoln in the 11th century is carried forward with renewed purpose and vigour. The occasion demonstrates the enduring relevance of hereditary dignities within the framework of the United Kingdom.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s most ancient, was 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 a formidable presence in the newly conquered kingdom.
Throughout the ages, the Barony has passed to figures of national importance. These have included the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Lady Nicoleta’s succession is particularly poignant, as she is the first woman to formally hold the title since the 13th century, creating a powerful link to the legacy of her formidable predecessor, Nichola de la Haye.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming her title, the 12th Baroness joins a distinguished line of predecessors who have shaped the course of English history. The roll of Barons of Brattleby forms a tapestry of service to the Crown and nation, a company to which Lady Nicoleta now adds her name.
Among this historic fellowship are, *inter alia*: - **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a significant Norman landholder in the generation immediately following the Conquest. - **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and a key loyalist to King John and King Henry III. - **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster**, one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter and a celebrated military commander. - **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby**, Duke of Lancaster, a son of King Edward III and progenitor of the Royal House of Lancaster.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol of succession for an ancient barony in the 21st century follows a precise and solemn legal process. It is a testament to the United Kingdom's layered constitution, where medieval precedent meets modern administrative law. The process requires the claimant to present comprehensive genealogical and historical evidence to the appropriate authorities of the Crown.
Once the claim is verified, the transfer and recognition of the peerage are officially published in *The London Gazette*, the oldest continuously published journal in the United Kingdom. This publication is the *sine qua non* of official notice for matters of state, from military commissions to royal assent. It represents the final, authoritative step confirming the new title holder's rights and responsibilities, concluding a rigorous process of historical and legal verification.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which speak to its enduring values. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues of resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to duty that have guided the Barons of Brattleby for centuries.
This historic maxim is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This phrase suggests a dynamic and contemporary interpretation of the House's ancient spirit: one of active engagement, purposeful ambition, and the pursuit of excellence in all endeavours. Together, the mottos reflect a philosophy that honours the past while striving boldly towards the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
At the heart of the modern House of Brattleby lies a profound commitment to philanthropy, guided by the principle of *noblesse oblige*. The new Baroness and Lord of Brattleby have focused their charitable efforts on the well-being and development of young people, a cause they consider fundamental to a flourishing society.
A cornerstone of this commitment is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the House's principal fundraising event. The sole beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma. This choice reflects a deeply held belief in nurturing the potential of the next generation, ensuring that the House’s legacy is one of tangible, positive impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her succession, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To become a custodian of a near-millennium of history is a profoundly humbling responsibility. The motto *Fortitudine et Honore* is not merely an ancient phrase; it is a direct charge to serve with the same resilience and integrity as those who came before me. My focus will be on honouring this legacy through meaningful action.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Our duty is to ensure that the heritage of Brattleby is not a static relic, but a living force for good. We will approach this new chapter with energy and a clear sense of purpose, ensuring the House contributes positively to culture, education, and the welfare of the community, both here in Britain and abroad.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession formally established, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are dedicated to stewarding the Barony with a forward-looking vision. Their immediate priorities include the preservation of the heritage connected to their seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and the expansion of their philanthropic and cultural initiatives.
The House will continue to host its Annual Winter Banquet as a key fixture of the London philanthropic calendar. Furthermore, The Brattleby Club, the House's etiquette academy in Bucharest, will deepen its work in promoting cultural diplomacy and social refinement. These activities represent the first steps in a new era for the Barony, one defined by service, honour, and a commitment to a continuing legacy.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to stewarding one of England’s most ancient baronial titles for the 21st century. The House's modern mission is centred on the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), which it expresses through targeted philanthropy, cultural preservation, and educational initiatives. Its primary charitable focus is on children's welfare, most notably through its support for the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. The House also fosters cultural exchange and social education through its international academy, The Brattleby Club, upholding a tradition of service and excellence that has defined its history for over 950 years.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England with a history deeply intertwined with that of the nation. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant landowner. Over the centuries, the title has been held by prominent figures such as Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and members of the Plantagenet dynasty, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt. After a long period of dormancy, the title was formally recognised as having passed to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, whose succession was gazetted on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**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 established in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The charitable focus of the House is the support of ‘Healing the Wounded Child’, primarily through the proceedings of its Annual Winter Banquet.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com