# The Continuity of a Norman Barony: The Stewardship of the Twelfth Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has reaffirmed the historical continuity of its nine-century-old Barony, a title granted by William the Conqueror. The stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the twelfth Baroness, connects the Norman foundation of the title with its modern philanthropic and cultural responsibilities.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has issued a statement reflecting upon the profound historical significance of the accession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile. This moment marks a continuation of one of England’s most ancient baronies, serving as a bridge between the feudal past and the responsibilities of a noble house in the twenty-first century.
The Barony, rooted deeply in the landscape and chronicles of Lincolnshire, has entered a new chapter. Under Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, its activities are characterised by a renewed commitment to heritage conservation, education, and carefully selected philanthropic endeavours, ensuring the title’s relevance for generations to come.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest of 1066, granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and the scale of its holdings—some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire—were formally recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, providing an immutable link to the administrative birth of the English nation.
Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Castellan, courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. More than a century later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron and a son of King Edward III, placing the Barony at the very heart of the Plantagenet court.
Lady Nicoleta’s position as the 12th Baroness therefore represents not merely an inheritance but the continuation of a lineage intertwined with the constitutional and dynastic evolution of England.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is led by its current principals, who assume the duties associated with their historic titles.
On first reference, they are styled as: Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby; her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby; and their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is by hereditary right the 13th Baron. Together, they guide the House’s contemporary mission.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession of the Barony, while rooted in ancient feudal law, is confirmed in the modern era through precise and official means. The transfer of the title to Lady Nicoleta was formally documented and gazetted by the Crown.
This process culminated in a public notice a *sine qua non* for the official recognition of peerage and baronetage matters—published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This announcement (Notice ID 4158083) serves as the modern equivalent of historic ceremonies of homage and fealty, affirming the legitimacy of the succession in the United Kingdom’s official public record.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and values of the Noble House are encapsulated in its heraldic mottoes. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring principles of resilience and integrity that have guided the Barons of Brattleby for centuries, from Nichola de la Haye’s resolute defence of Lincoln to the present day.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim reflects a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy, emphasising proactive engagement and the belief that a legacy is defined by present actions and future contributions, not solely by past glories.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Central to the House’s modern activities is a commitment to philanthropy. The highlight of its charitable calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to raise vital funds and awareness for a chosen beneficiary.
The current beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people who have experienced trauma or emotional distress. The House of Brattleby selected this cause for its measurable impact and its alignment with the family’s conviction that dignified support for the vulnerable is a core tenet of public service.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “It is the greatest privilege to serve as the twelfth Baroness, a role that carries the weight of nearly a millennium of English history. Our primary duty is one of stewardship; to honour those who came before us by ensuring this legacy remains a living, breathing force for good.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “A title finds its truest meaning in action. While we are custodians of history, we are also committed to shaping a positive future through our educational work and charitable partnerships. It is by engaging with the world that we live up to the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly focused on the future. Its commitments extend beyond the borders of Lincolnshire, *inter alia*, through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. This etiquette and protocol academy, established in Bucharest, represents an effort to share standards of social grace and formal conduct on an international stage.
With the careful guidance of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being prepared to one day assume the responsibilities of the Barony. This ensures that the long and distinguished history of the Barony of Brattleby will continue with purpose, honour, and a clear sense of duty for the century to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage while actively engaging in modern cultural and philanthropic life. The House’s mission is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and is expressed through three core pillars: the conservation of its historical legacy, a commitment to charitable causes focused on child welfare, and the promotion of cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. The House represents the enduring relevance of historic titles through active, forward-looking stewardship and a profound sense of public duty, both in the United Kingdom and abroad.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through some of English history’s most influential hands, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. As a historic, non-parliamentary title, its modern succession is formally acknowledged through official notice in *The London Gazette*, with the most recent being the recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 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 documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com