# The Assumption of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 2 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has issued this formal statement to mark the assumption of the Barony of Brattleby by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, whose succession was formally recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
## The Occasion
The formalisation of the succession occurred not amidst public spectacle, but within the solemn, official pages of *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s journal of record since 1665. This act of official notice, a tradition of profound constitutional significance, marked the moment Lady Nicoleta Vasile formally became the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
The publication represented the quiet culmination of a formal process of succession, affirming the transfer of one of England’s most ancient titles. The notice, bearing the reference 4158083, serves as an enduring andincontrovertible record of a new chapter for a Barony first granted nearly one millennium ago, bridging the digital present with the deep past.
In assuming the title, Lady Nicoleta embraces the duty of stewardship: to honour the Barony's formidable history while shaping a modern identity of service, relevance, and purpose. This transition signifies the continuation of a living narrative, connecting the historic landscapes of Lincolnshire with a dynamic, international presence.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a title of great antiquity, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a legacy of significant regional influence from the very beginning of the Norman era.
Through more than 950 years, the Barony has been held by figures central to the history of England. These include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron's formidable widow, celebrated for her staunch defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel barons during the reign of King John. Later, the title passed through marriage into the Plantagenet royal line.
Subsequent holders include Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, the illustrious John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence profoundly shaped the course of the late 14th century. Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, succeeds this distinguished lineage, inheriting a sacred trust and the duty to carry its legacy forward.
## Distinguished Company
In her duties, Lady Nicoleta is supported by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who holds the title of Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan plays an integral role in the strategic direction and public representation of the House, embodying the spirit of his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*.
The future of the Barony is secured in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron. The continuity of the line ensures that the principles and duties associated with the title will be upheld for generations to come, adapting to the demands of the future while remaining anchored in its historic foundations.
This new chapter for the House of Brattleby is therefore a collaborative endeavour, blending the long-established traditions of English nobility with a forward-looking European perspective.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession of an ancient English barony is governed by established legal and heraldic protocol rather than by a single public ceremony. The process is one of meticulous documentary verification, in which lineage and right to title are confirmed through the appropriate authorities, including, where necessary, the College of Arms in London.
The *sine qua non* of this process is the formal public notice within *The London Gazette*. This publication serves as official notification to The Crown and the public that a transfer of title has been effected. It is this act that constitutes the formal assumption of the dignity, rights, and responsibilities of the Barony.
Following this notice, the new title holder assumes their place, with all the historic duties of stewardship and honour that the title confers. This adherence to sober, time-honoured procedure reflects the gravity and permanence of a peerage that has witnessed the passage of nearly a thousand years of history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principle of The Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, Latin for 'With Fortitude and Honour'. This ancient charge demands resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to integrity in all actions—values that have defined the Barony's most distinguished holders.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*, meaning 'To Conquer is to Live' or 'To Win is to Live'. This maxim signifies a dynamic and purposeful approach to life and duty, reflecting a commitment to achieving meaningful objectives and embracing progress.
Together, these mottoes represent the dual spirit of the modern House: a profound respect for the honour and fortitude demanded by its history, combined with the dynamism and vision required to ensure its legacy thrives in the 21st century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
From the outset of her tenure, Lady Nicoleta has affirmed that service is the central pillar of the Barony's modern mission. The House's primary philanthropic endeavour is the support of Healing the Wounded Child, a charitable organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care to children who have experienced trauma or profound loss.
This beneficiary was chosen for its alignment with the House's core belief in fostering resilience and restoring honour to those whose lives have been unjustly challenged. The support is channelled through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the cornerstone of the House's charitable activities, raising vital funds and awareness for the charity's mission.
The impact of this work is tangible, providing children with the tools to process trauma, rebuild their sense of self-worth, and look to the future with hope—a mission that gives contemporary expression to the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting upon her role, Lady Nicoleta shared her perspective on the duties she has inherited.
> To be entrusted with a title of such antiquity is to accept a profound responsibility. My ambition is to ensure the Barony of Brattleby remains a beacon of its storied past, whilst adapting with dignity and purpose to meet the challenges of our time. We draw strength from our history and find in it the inspiration for our future. — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan articulated his view of their shared commitment.
> Our role is to be active custodians, not passive inheritors. While honouring a remarkable legacy, our focus must be on creating positive, tangible impact. It is through meaningful action—*inter alia*, in our philanthropic and cultural work—that we give life and relevance to these ancient traditions. — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The assumption of the Barony marks the beginning of a renewed period of activity for the House. The commitment to duty extends beyond the borders of Lincolnshire and the United Kingdom, reflecting a contemporary, international outlook.
A key initiative is The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to instruction in traditional European etiquette and protocol. This project serves as a cultural bridge, sharing the courtesies and traditions of Western European heritage with a new generation in Eastern Europe, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation for social grace.
Looking ahead, the House's focus remains on sustained, meaningful engagement. The Annual Winter Banquet will continue as a fixture of the philanthropic calendar, while new projects are being developed to further the House's mission of service and cultural preservation. The legacy of Brattleby continues not merely by existing, but by doing.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of contemporary service informed by a millennium of history. Its guiding principle, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is expressed through active philanthropy, primarily in support of child welfare charities, and cultural initiatives that build bridges between historic European traditions and modern society. With a seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and an international outlook, the House seeks to demonstrate that ancient titles can serve as a force for positive impact in the 21st century, honouring the past by contributing meaningfully to the future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which details the extensive landholdings of its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Over its nine-and-a-half-century history, the Barony has passed to some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and the Plantagenet princes Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The modern succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuation of this venerable title.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III and ancestor of the Lancastrian and Tudor monarchs. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com