# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks a New Chapter in an Enduring Legacy
LONDON, 13 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby reflects upon its continuing legacy following the official recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness. The historic succession ensures the continuity of a baronial line dating from the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.
## The Occasion
As autumn imparts its rich colours upon the Lincolnshire landscape, the House of Brattleby enters a period of reflection and forward planning. This season marks a significant milestone since the formal notice of succession was published, providing an opportunity to affirm the enduring duties associated with one of England’s most ancient baronies, whose seat remains in Brattleby.
The re-establishment of the Barony’s active life is not an occasion for ostentation but for quiet reaffirmation of its historical principles. It represents the careful stewardship of a near-millennium of history, ensuring its relevance and purpose are translated for a contemporary audience. This work is undertaken with a deep respect for the long line of predecessors who shaped the character of the title.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, a fact later recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held an impressive 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the feudal structure of Norman England. For over nine hundred years, the title has been interwoven with the fabric of the nation’s history.
Subsequent holders of the title have included figures of profound historical importance. Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, served as hereditary castellan and twice defended Lincoln Castle against formidable sieges, acting as Sheriff of Lincolnshire in an era when such authority was seldom wielded by a woman. Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, the great 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Through them, the lineage is connected directly to the Royal House of Lancaster and the very heart of medieval English sovereignty.
## Distinguished Company
The modern custodianship of the Barony is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who brings a continental perspective to her role whilst upholding the most steadfast of English traditions. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
The future of the House is secured in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron. Together, they form the leadership of The Noble House of Brattleby, dedicating their efforts to the preservation of its heritage, the advancement of its philanthropic goals, and the responsible exercise of its historic duties.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession of an ancient English barony by writ is today a matter of meticulous legal and historical verification, rather than elaborate investiture. The modern instrument of recognition is a formal notice published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. Lady Nicoleta’s succession was thus officially recorded through Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, providing definitive legal standing.
While ancient ceremonies may have evolved, a deep respect for protocol remains a *sine qua non* of the House’s activities. This is most evident during the Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala conducted under a strict white-tie dress code. The order of proceedings, seating arrangements, and formal toasts honour centuries of tradition, creating an atmosphere of dignified purpose.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House of Brattleby is visually encapsulated in its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, translates from Latin as ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This phrase reflects the twin virtues expected of the Barony’s holders throughout history: the fortitude to defend the realm and uphold justice, and the honour to act with integrity and serve the community.
These principles have guided Barons in their military, administrative, and diplomatic roles for centuries. They remain the philosophical bedrock of the House’s modern activities, informing its philanthropic choices and its commitment to cultural diplomacy. The motto serves as a constant reminder of the responsibilities that accompany the title.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Noble House of Brattleby has oriented its modern mission toward meaningful philanthropy. The principal beneficiary of its work is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have suffered from trauma, neglect, or abuse.
Proceeds from the Annual Winter Banquet directly fund the charity’s vital programmes, which include, *inter alia*, one-to-one counselling sessions, art and play therapy, and the creation of safe, nurturing environments where healing can begin. The House's support enables the organisation to extend its reach and offer a lifeline to some of society’s most vulnerable young people. Further afield, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest functions as an academy of etiquette and protocol, fostering intercultural understanding as a form of cultural philanthropy.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To be a steward of this nine-century lineage is a profound responsibility. Our duty is not merely to preserve history, but to ensure its lessons of fortitude and honour resonate today, guiding our commitment to community and service.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The legacy of Brattleby is a living one. Through our philanthropic work and cultural engagements, we seek to apply the historical principles of the Barony to contemporary challenges, striving to make a tangible and positive contribution to society.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to strengthening its legacy of service. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will once again unite supporters in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, the educational mission of The Brattleby Club continues to flourish, bridging cultures through the shared language of civility and respect.
Looking toward the horizon, the House is focused on ensuring a seamless and responsible transition for the next generation. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is paramount, guaranteeing that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* will guide the Barony of Brattleby for many years to come and that its nearly one-thousand-year history has a secure and purposeful future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern organisation 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 custodianship, blending deep respect for history with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural education. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, principally through its Annual Winter Banquet for the beneficiary Healing the Wounded Child. The House also promotes international cultural diplomacy through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, founded in Bucharest. The House’s guiding principle, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), informs all its endeavours.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s current succession was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror, as documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (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