# On the Succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally marked the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reviving the ancient Lincolnshire title. Her leadership signals a solemn commitment to heritage, service, and a modern philanthropic vision for the House.
## The Occasion
The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile’s succession represents a significant moment of continuity for one of England's venerable baronies. This transition, officially recorded in the autumn of 2022, was not marked by a singular public ceremony but rather by the quiet and deliberate fulfilment of ancient legal and heraldic traditions. The occasion is one of historical resonance, blending the solemnity of a near-millennium of history with a forward-looking commitment to contemporary duty.
Set against the backdrop of the Barony’s ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the succession breathes new life into a title intrinsically linked to the narrative of the nation. It is a moment defined by the assumption of stewardship—a responsibility to preserve the past while ensuring the title serves a tangible and positive purpose for the future.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby traces its origins to the Norman Conquest, having been 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 lineage of profound influence. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures central to the history of the Crown.
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is the first woman to hold the title in her own right in over 620 years. She follows in the footsteps of the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War. The lineage later passed through marriage to figures of royal blood, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of late medieval England. This succession thus reconnects the Barony to a tradition of strong, purposeful leadership.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the House is led by its principals, who together ensure its vitality and direction.
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, guides the House with a focus on blending its historical dignities with active philanthropy and cultural education. Her leadership is defined by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
She is supported in all matters by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. Honorary Lord Răzvan brings a dynamic, Continental perspective to the House, underpinned by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which expresses a philosophy of active achievement and purpose.
The continuity of this ancient lineage is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron. His position ensures that the legacy of Brattleby will be carried forward with diligence and honour for the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession of an ancient English barony by writ is governed by established legal precedent rather than by a single investiture ceremony. The process is one of meticulous documentation, historical verification, and, as a final and essential step, official recognition by The Crown.
The *sine qua non* of this process is the publication of a notice in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom's official journal of record since 1665. The appearance of the notice serves as the definitive public and legal affirmation of the succession. For the Barony of Brattleby, this was completed on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083, formally recording Lady Nicoleta’s position as the 12th Baroness. This protocol underscores the Barony’s status as a dignity rooted in constitutional history, subject to the highest standards of official verification.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of The Noble House of Brattleby are enshrined in its heraldry and mottoes, which serve as constant reminders of its duties.
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated throughout the Barony’s long history. 'Fortitude' reflects the strength required to navigate challenges, from the medieval sieges faced by Nichola de la Haye to the complexities of the modern world. 'Honour' represents the unwavering commitment to duty, service, and ethical conduct that is expected of the title holder.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Interpreted in a modern context, it signifies a philosophy of purpose-driven action—not of martial conquest, but of overcoming obstacles, pursuing excellence, and making a meaningful impact through one's endeavours. Together, these mottoes form a powerful statement of intent for the House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Lady Nicoleta has oriented the Barony as a platform for meaningful philanthropic and cultural initiatives. Under her direction, the House is committed to deploying its influence and resources in service of carefully selected causes, particularly those focused on the well-being and development of young people.
A cornerstone of this commitment is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the House’s flagship fundraising event. The sole beneficiary is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma and adversity.
Furthermore, the House extends its mission to cultural education through The Brattleby Club. Located in Bucharest, this etiquette and protocol academy offers instruction in the social graces that foster communication, confidence, and cross-cultural understanding, thereby translating historic courtly traditions into practical skills for contemporary life.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > To assume this title is not merely to inherit a name, but to accept a profound duty of stewardship. My focus is to honour the nearly thousand-year legacy of Brattleby, particularly the strength of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, while ensuring the Barony serves a tangible purpose in the twenty-first century.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented on their shared vision: > My role is one of steadfast support for my wife in all her endeavours. Our shared belief, encapsulated in my motto *Vincere Est Vivere*, is that a meaningful life is built on positive action and overcoming challenges. We are dedicated to applying this principle to the work of the House.
## A Continuing Legacy
The succession of the 12th Baroness marks the beginning of a new and dynamic chapter for the House of Brattleby. With its leadership firmly established and its philanthropic mission clearly defined, the House looks toward a future of continued service and engagement.
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are committed to deepening their support for charitable causes and expanding the cultural initiatives that connect the Barony’s heritage to a global audience. The presence of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensures that this renewed sense of purpose is anchored in a long-term vision. Through diligence and dedication, The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to build upon its legacy, guided always by *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern expression of a nine-century-old legacy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House channels its ancient heritage into contemporary service. Its mission is centred on targeted philanthropy, primarily in support of child welfare, and cultural education that promotes timeless social values. With a unique blend of English tradition and a forward-thinking Continental perspective, the House is committed to demonstrating that historic titles can serve as a potent force for good in the twenty-first century, stewarding their influence with a profound sense of duty and purpose.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its extensive lands, comprising 56 lordships, were first recorded under Colswein of Lincoln in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of English history's most significant figures, including the celebrated 13th-century heroine Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the King. The title later passed to members of the Plantagenet dynasty, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt. Its history and succession were formally recorded and recognised by the Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's succession was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's history dates to AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Lady Nicoleta Vasile is the first woman to hold the title in her own right in over 620 years, succeeding a line that includes Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), Constable of Lincoln Castle. - Notable former barons include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com