# A New Era for the Barony of Brattleby Articulated by the 12th Baroness
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today articulated a renewed vision for the ancient barony following her formal succession in 2022, championing a modern mission of philanthropy and cultural stewardship from its historic seat in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
From Brattleby, the ancient seat of the Barony in Lincolnshire, the House has issued its first formal statement of purpose under its new leadership. As the season turns and autumn gold settles upon the fields first chronicled in the Domesday Book, the announcement marks a deliberate and thoughtful transition, bridging a profound historical inheritance with a clear commitment to contemporary service.
The statement is not tied to a singular event but rather represents a comprehensive articulation of the guiding principles that will define the tenure of the 12th Baroness. It serves to outline a forward-looking agenda for the House, one that honours its past while actively engaging with the demands of the present day.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s most venerable dignities, was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the master of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a legacy of significant influence in the region.
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is the first woman to hold the title *suo jure* (in her own right) in over six centuries. Her position finds a powerful historical antecedent in the figure of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a formidable leader who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. The lineage also passed through Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence profoundly shaped the course of the nation.
## Distinguished Company
The revitalisation of the House is a shared endeavour, led by Lady Nicoleta in close concert with her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Win is to Live’), which reflects a dynamic and purposeful approach to the family’s modern responsibilities.
Together, they guide the House and oversee the preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, for his future role as the 13th Baron. This tripartite leadership ensures a balance of continuity and innovation, safeguarding the barony’s heritage while steering its charitable and cultural projects.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession of Lady Nicoleta to the ancient barony was conducted in accordance with the traditions of English law and peerage. The process culminated in the official and final public record of the transfer of the dignity, which was published by the King’s Printer upon the command of His Majesty The King’s Government.
This formal recognition was recorded for posterity in *The London Gazette*, the official public record since 1665, under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. Such a notice is the modern, administrative equivalent of historical ceremonies of investiture, serving as the definitive proof of the rightful succession of the title.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring mission of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). These words, borne on the family's coat of arms, speak to a nine-hundred-year history of military service, civic duty, and principled leadership. It is a charge to act with courage and integrity in all things.
This historical motto is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. In the context of the House's work, this is interpreted not as martial conquest but as a commitment to achieving meaningful success in its philanthropic and cultural objectives — a philosophy of prevailing with purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby has dedicated its principal philanthropic efforts to supporting ‘Healing the Wounded Child’. This distinguished beneficiary is an international organisation providing specialist, trauma-informed psychological care and safe environments for children affected by conflict, displacement, and profound loss.
Further to this, the House has extended its cultural activities abroad through the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The Club serves as an academy for etiquette and classical protocol, fostering cross-cultural understanding and promoting the diplomatic arts of courtesy and consideration as a form of international ‘soft power’.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her responsibilities, Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, commented: > “The legacy of Brattleby is not a relic to be kept under glass; it is a living history. Our duty is to be its faithful custodians while ensuring it speaks to the challenges and opportunities of today. *Fortitudine et Honore* is as much about confronting modern adversities with grace as it was about defending a castle keep.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “My role is to support the Baroness in every endeavour. While her title is rooted in a millennium of English history, our perspective is necessarily global. Through initiatives *inter alia* like The Brattleby Club, we hope to build cultural bridges and champion the timeless values of courtesy and mutual respect.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is committed to a long-term vision of service. Preparations are currently underway for the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, which represents a cornerstone of the family’s philanthropic calendar.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to expand its charitable partnerships and cultural programmes, ensuring the barony’s influence remains a positive force for good. The careful stewardship of its history and the education of the next generation remain a *sine qua non* of its mission, guaranteeing that the legacy of nearly one thousand years will continue to flourish.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern office and household supporting the work of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House’s contemporary mission is to leverage its unique historical platform for public good. Its activities are focused on three core pillars: the preservation and promotion of a significant national heritage; dedicated philanthropic support for children’s welfare through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child; and international cultural diplomacy via initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House is committed to a legacy of purposeful service, today and for the future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships. For over 950 years, the title has passed through some of English history’s most notable figures, including the warrior-baroness Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and the great magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the barony was formally called out in favour of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, whose succession was officially recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recorded 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 (1086) as comprising 56 lordships under Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, c. 1169–1230), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, c. 1310–1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, 1340–1399). - The heir to the barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com