# The Noble House of Brattleby Affirms Historic Lineage with Formal Recognition of 12th Baroness
LONDON, 23 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally marked the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her recognition, gazetted in 2022, reaffirms an unbroken line of succession dating from the Norman Conquest to its modern philanthropic mission.
## The Occasion
The formal affirmation of a title, while rooted in centuries of legal and heraldic tradition, is a moment of profound significance for a noble house. For the Barony of Brattleby, this occasion marks not an end, but a pivotal transition. It represents the culmination of meticulous archival research and the official confirmation of a lineage that has woven itself through the fabric of English history for nearly one thousand years.
From the family's historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, this announcement serves to anchor the Barony’s future endeavours in the steadfast soil of its past. The recognition of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, provides a renewed mandate to carry forward the duties of stewardship inherent in the title, ensuring the preservation of its heritage and the continuation of its service to the community.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient, 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 formidable presence in the newly conquered kingdom.
Through the centuries, the Barony has passed through the hands of figures central to the nation's story. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of the late 14th century. This succession places the current House in a direct line of heritage from some of medieval England’s most consequential leaders.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby is a shared commitment, led by a family dedicated to its enduring legacy. The principal members of the House are:
- **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who guides the cultural and philanthropic direction of the House with a focus on heritage and education. - **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, consort to the Baroness, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflects the family’s dynamic approach to modern challenges. - **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron**, the heir apparent, who is being prepared to assume the responsibilities of the title in due course.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of a peerage title in the United Kingdom is a matter of official public record. For the Barony of Brattleby, the formal acknowledgement was promulgated in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. This publication is the *sine qua non* — the indispensable condition — for such an announcement, serving as the Crown’s official newspaper for state and legal notices.
This process was preceded by extensive genealogical and documentary verification to prove an unbroken chain of succession. Such work involves careful examination of primary source materials, *inter alia*, charters, manorial rolls, and parliamentary records, ensuring that the modern claim aligns precisely with the historical and legal framework governing ancient baronies. The gazetting, therefore, represents the final, declarative act in a rigorous protocol of historical authentication.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its armorial bearings and mottos. The primary motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the core values that have guided the Barony through nearly a millennium of service. It evokes the resilience shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the unwavering sense of duty expected of the nobility.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This Continental principle introduces a philosophy of proactive engagement and victory over adversity, reflecting the family’s commitment not merely to preserve its legacy, but to ensure it thrives through active, purposeful endeavour in the contemporary world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Embodying the principle of *noblesse oblige*, the House of Brattleby directs its social efforts through several key initiatives. The foremost of these is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that has become a significant event in the charitable calendar. It brings together distinguished guests to support a chosen cause.
The principal beneficiary of the Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and safe environments for children who have experienced profound trauma. The funds raised contribute directly to programmes that help rebuild young lives, offering a tangible expression of the House's commitment to *Fortitudine et Honore*. Further afield, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest serves as an academy of etiquette and protocol, fostering cultural bridges between the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the formal recognition, Lady Nicoleta stated:
> “To be a custodian of this title is to hold a conversation with history. Our duty is not only to honour the immense legacy of those who came before us, but to ensure that their commitment to fortitude and honour finds new voice and purpose in our own time.” — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke to the family’s forward-looking vision:
> “Tradition must be a source of strength, not a monument to the past. *Vincere Est Vivere* means we must actively apply our heritage to make a positive impact today. Our philanthropic work is the clearest expression of that conviction.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession formally affirmed, the Noble House of Brattleby is focused on expanding its cultural and philanthropic mission. Plans are underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, alongside new educational programmes to be launched through The Brattleby Club. The House remains committed to the careful stewardship of its historic seat and archives in Lincolnshire.
Central to this vision is the careful preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, to ensure the principles of duty, honour, and service that define the Barony of Brattleby are carried forward with vitality and relevance for generations to come. The House looks to the future, secure in its foundations and clear in its purpose.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronial titles. 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 cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its work is guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), blending a profound respect for its near-millennial heritage with a dynamic, forward-looking engagement in contemporary society. Key initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, supporting children’s charities, and The Brattleby Club, which promotes cultural exchange through the teaching of diplomatic and social etiquette.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. After centuries, the succession of the title to its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally confirmed and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, securing its place in the 21st century.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a tenant-in-chief in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable historic holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), 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