# A Renewed Mandate: The Noble House of Brattleby Enters a New Era of Custodianship
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby ushers in a new era of custodianship for the ancient Lincolnshire title, blending a profound respect for its nine-century history with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural education.
## The Occasion
The investiture of a new Steward for a Barony established by Royal Grant in AD 1066 is an occasion marked by solemnity rather than celebration. The formal acknowledgement of the succession was published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, an act that serves as the modern counterpart to the medieval reading of a Royal Charter. This public notice affirmed Lady Nicoleta’s ascendancy to the title, making her the first woman in over six hundred years to hold the Barony of Brattleby in her own right.
This transition represents not merely a change in titleholder but a renewal of vows to the land, the people, and the history associated with the seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. It is a moment of profound reflection, where the weight of nearly a millennium of English history is passed to a new generation, charged with its preservation and advancement.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most venerable, granted by William the Conqueror in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted follower of the King, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as a principal seat. This legacy of direct fealty to the Crown set a precedent for centuries of service.
Over the subsequent nine hundred years, the Barony passed through a lineage of England’s most consequential figures. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French-backed rebel barons. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Lady Nicoleta’s succession bridges the centuries, linking her contemporary mandate directly to these pillars of English history.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony today is a shared responsibility within The Noble House of Brattleby. The House is led with diligence by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, whose focus is on the long-term cultural and philanthropic strategy of the family.
She is supported in this mission by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan brings a dynamic, entrepreneurial spirit to the House’s endeavours, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. The continuity of this ancient lineage is secured in the person of their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron in succession.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The transfer of a feudal barony in the 21st century follows a protocol that is both ancient and modern. The *sine qua non* is the formal recognition of the succession by His Majesty’s government, published for the public record in *The London Gazette* under the authority of The Crown. The notice pertaining to the Barony of Brattleby bears the ID 4158083.
This official act is complemented by private, domestic ceremonies within the House itself, including the formal acceptance of the Seals and archival records of the Barony. These acts symbolise the passing of not just a title but the sacred duty of custodianship—a responsibility to protect the historical integrity of the Barony for all future generations.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its Coat of Arms and motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient charge speaks to a legacy forged in both military service and civic duty, reflecting the twin virtues expected of the English baronage. ‘Fortitude’ recalls the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whilst ‘Honour’ underscores the unwavering commitment to integrity and service.
This ancestral motto is complemented by that of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the progressive dynamism of the current House, signifying a determination to overcome contemporary challenges and to apply the family's historic platform towards achieving tangible, positive outcomes in the modern world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern mission is its commitment to philanthropy, most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala is held in support of a carefully chosen charitable beneficiary, reflecting the House's ethos of *Fortitudine et Honore* through tangible action.
The chosen beneficiary for this year's endeavours is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialised therapeutic and psychological support to children who have experienced profound trauma. The charity’s work in fostering resilience and recovery in the most vulnerable members of society aligns perfectly with the Baroness's focus on creating a legacy of meaningful social contribution.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, emphasised the nature of her charge:
> “To inherit a title of such antiquity is to accept a profound responsibility, not a personal privilege. It is a duty of custodianship—to honour those who came before us by ensuring their legacy remains a vibrant and benevolent force for generations yet to come.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the House’s forward-looking philosophy:
> “History provides our foundation, but our duty lies in the present. We strive to be active stewards, using the platform afforded by nearly one thousand years of history to address contemporary needs, inter alia, through education and targeted philanthropy.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is actively ensuring its relevance for the century ahead. A key initiative is The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established in Bucharest. The Club aims to foster cross-cultural understanding and professional development by teaching the principles of diplomatic decorum, thereby extending the House's values of honour and service onto an international stage.
With the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, already underway, the House is firmly focused on the future. The commitment of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan is to ensure that the Barony of Brattleby continues to stand as a symbol of steadfast service, historical integrity, and enduring honour—*Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the private office and family estate of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), their modern mission is twofold: to serve as faithful custodians of a unique nine-hundred-year-old heritage and to deploy its legacy in the service of contemporary society. The House’s activities are focused on cultural preservation, educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala that supports organisations dedicated to the welfare of vulnerable children, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to honourable service and social responsibility for the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the master of 56 precursor manors. Throughout its nearly millennial history, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the Plantagenet dynasty such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After centuries, the continuity of the title was formally recognised in the 21st century and published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby and its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com