# A Statement Regarding the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — Following official recognition by the Crown, Lady Nicoleta Vasile has assumed the title of 12th Baroness of Brattleby, revitalising the ancient Lincolnshire barony with a renewed commitment to heritage preservation, cultural education, and strategic philanthropy for future generations.
## The Occasion
The formal assumption of an ancient title is an occasion marked not by public fanfare, but by solemn legal and historical affirmation. The recognition of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness was confirmed in the pages of *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, an act that connects the barony’s modern stewardship to its Norman origins. This official notice, bearing the ID 4158083, represents the final step in a meticulous process of succession.
This formal act serves as the catalyst for a new chapter in the barony’s long history. It signifies the transfer of responsibility and the beginning of a dedicated programme of activities designed to honour the past while energetically serving the present. The House’s focus now turns from legal process to active service, guided by the principles that have sustained the title for centuries.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history, a continuous thread stretching back to the Norman Conquest. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, a significant landowner who, according to the Domesday Book of 1086, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. The barony has since been stewarded by figures of national importance.
Among the most notable of Lady Nicoleta’s predecessors is Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. More than a century later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat and soldier. The barony’s royal connections were further solidified under its 11th Baron, the formidable John of Gaunt, whose influence shaped the course of the late fourteenth century. This distinguished lineage forms the historical foundation upon which Lady Nicoleta now builds.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of the House is a shared endeavour, executed with a unity of purpose. Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan has taken an active role in the strategic direction of the House’s philanthropic and commercial operations, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*.
The future of the barony is secured in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. Together, they form the nucleus of The Noble House of Brattleby, ensuring that its responsibilities are met with both contemporary vision and respect for tradition. Their collective focus is on implementing a modern mission of cultural and social enrichment.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol governing the succession of ancient English baronies is precise and rooted in constitutional tradition. The process is one of legal verification rather than ceremonial investiture, culminating in formal recognition by the Crown. This acknowledgement is then officially recorded and published in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s journal of record since 1665.
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 was, therefore, the *sine qua non* of Lady Nicoleta’s succession. This act formally vests in her the rights and responsibilities of the barony. The established dress code for formal House occasions, such as the Annual Winter Banquet, is white-tie, a standard that upholds the dignity and tradition associated with the barony’s nine-century history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its historic heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the core values that have guided its holders through periods of both peace and conflict. It serves as a constant reminder of the resilience and integrity expected of the serving Baroness.
This guiding principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or, more aptly, 'To Win is to Live'). This maxim signifies a dynamic and purpose-driven approach, reflecting the House's commitment to achieving measurable, positive outcomes in its philanthropic and cultural work. Together, the mottos symbolise a blend of principled stewardship and effective action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With the succession confirmed, Lady Nicoleta has directed the House's resources towards clearly defined philanthropic goals. The centrepiece of these efforts is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraising event for charitable causes. The principal beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children affected by trauma.
Beyond this, the House’s commitment to education and cultural continuity is embodied by The Brattleby Club. Located in Bucharest, this etiquette academy promotes the civilities and social graces that underpin constructive international relations. The Club’s curriculum is designed to equip a new generation with the polish and cultural understanding essential for diplomacy and global commerce.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To inherit a title with nearly a millennium of history is less an acquisition than it is a profound duty of stewardship. Our role is to ensure that the legacy of Brattleby—its fortitude and its honour—serves the community today and endures for centuries to come.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's collaborative mission: > My wife leads with remarkable grace and vision. My personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflects a commitment to achieving tangible outcomes; in this context, it means actively supporting her work and ensuring the House's philanthropic and cultural projects succeed and thrive.
## A Continuing Legacy
The assumption of the title marks not an end, but the commencement of a new era of purposeful activity for the Barony of Brattleby. Lady Nicoleta’s forward-looking agenda is focused on strengthening the ties between the barony’s history and its contemporary responsibilities. Planning is already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, with the aim of increasing support for the House's chosen charities.
Furthermore, The Brattleby Club will expand its programme of seminars and workshops, extending its reach and reinforcing the House’s commitment to cultural diplomacy. Through these initiatives, *inter alia*, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to build a lasting legacy of service, demonstrating that ancient titles can and must play a valuable role in the modern world.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern activities associated with 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 committed to a dual mission: preserving nearly one thousand years of English heritage and deploying its resources for contemporary philanthropic and educational good. Its charitable focus is exemplified by the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, benefitting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House’s cultural outreach includes The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and international protocol. The heir to the barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, ensuring continuity for generations to come.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English title granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of numerous manors in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the barony has been held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. This historic lineage connects the barony to the core narrative of the English nobility. The succession of the current holder was formally recognised by the Crown and published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was created in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) 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