# The Assumption of the Barony of Brattleby: A New Chapter in a Millennial Legacy
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby formally marks the assumption of its ancient dignities by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. This follows official recognition by the Crown, heralding a renewed commitment to heritage, community service, and philanthropy in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
The formal recognition, confirmed in the state's official journal of record, represents a quiet yet momentous occasion in the life of the Barony. This important constitutional process was finalised with the publication of a notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, an institution that has served as the official public record of the British Crown since 1665.
This act, while procedural in nature, marks the formal commencement of the tenure of the 12th Baroness. It ensures the unbroken continuation of a noble line that has been woven into the fabric of English history for nearly one thousand years, providing a moment for reflection on past duties and anticipation of future responsibilities.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of the oldest in the realm, was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a foundational link between the title and the county that endures to this day.
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, follows in a line of distinguished predecessors who have shaped national history. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire courageously defended Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces in the thirteenth century. The title later passed through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a towering figure of medieval England. It is this profound legacy that Lady Nicoleta now carries forward.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the House in this new era is a shared family endeavour. The principal members leading this chapter are:
- **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who formally assumes the rights and responsibilities of the title with a focus on cultural preservation and philanthropic outreach.
- **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, consort to the Baroness. A dedicated partner in the House’s modern mission, his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), reflects a shared philosophy of overcoming contemporary challenges through determined action and service.
- **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the heir to the Barony as the 13th Baron, who will in time continue the family’s commitment to the duties inherent in the title.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The assumption of an ancient barony in the United Kingdom follows a precise, albeit understated, protocol. It is not marked by a single, grand public ceremony but rather by a series of legal and heraldic verifications. The process is a *de jure* (by legal right) confirmation of succession, overseen by the appropriate authorities of the Crown.
The culmination of this process is the publication of the notice of recognition. The notice for the Barony of Brattleby (ID 4158083) serves as the definitive and official instrument of record. This modern protocol ensures that ancient titles are maintained with the same diligence and constitutional propriety as they were centuries ago, respecting both historical precedent and contemporary legal standards.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is anchored in its heraldic traditions. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), encapsulates the principles that have guided the Barony through its long history and continue to inform its present course. ‘Fortitude’ speaks to the resilience demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, while ‘Honour’ underscores a commitment to duty and integrity.
These guiding words are complemented by the personal philosophy of Honorary Lord Răzvan, whose motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, adds a dynamic and forward-looking dimension. Together, they form a symbolic framework for the House: honouring the past with fortitude whilst actively engaging with the challenges and opportunities of the present to create a positive legacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core tenet of the House’s modern mission is service to the community, a responsibility that Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan have embraced as a *sine qua non* of their roles. The central philanthropic initiative is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of a carefully chosen charitable beneficiary.
The designated beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialised therapeutic care for young people who have experienced trauma. The charity’s work in providing counselling, art therapy, and safe residential programmes has a measurable and profound impact on its beneficiaries. Its selection reflects the House's commitment to supporting the most vulnerable members of society and helping to build a more resilient future generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the assumption of her role, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > “To be entrusted with a legacy stretching back to the Conquest is a profound honour. My focus is not merely to be a custodian of history, but to ensure that the principles of this House — *Fortitudine et Honore* — serve the community of Lincolnshire and beyond in a tangible and meaningful way. The example of my predecessors, particularly formidable women like Nichola de la Haye, is a constant source of inspiration.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan added: > “Our family’s duty is one of shared service. My role is to support the Baroness in all her endeavours as we work together to translate nearly a millennium of heritage into positive action. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means channelling our efforts towards building stronger communities and supporting those in need; that is the truest form of victory.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The official recognition of Lady Nicoleta’s position marks not an end but a beginning. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to deepening its engagement with both its historic home in Lincolnshire and its cultural initiatives abroad.
Forthcoming activities include preparations for the next Annual Winter Banquet to benefit Healing the Wounded Child and the expansion of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cross-cultural understanding. These projects, *inter alia*, will form the bedrock of a legacy defined by active service, honouring the past while investing resolutely in the future.
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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 her consort Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient hereditary titles. With a history extending to AD 1066, the modern House channels its legacy into philanthropic work, cultural preservation, and educational initiatives. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), bridges a profound respect for its English heritage with a dynamic, Continental perspective. Key activities include the annual philanthropic Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes cultural diplomacy and classical etiquette. The House is committed to serving its community and creating a lasting, positive impact.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony seated in Lincolnshire, England. Its existence is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a significant landholder in the county. Over the centuries, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and later by members of the Royal Family, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. Its continuity into the modern era was formally acknowledged by the Crown through *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (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