# Succession to Historic Barony Marks New Chapter for The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally marked the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The ancient title, granted by William the Conqueror, thus enters a new era of stewardship under the Baroness.
## The Occasion
The assumption of the title, officially recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, represents a moment of profound continuity for one of England’s Norman-era dignities. The occasion itself is not one of singular ceremony, but rather the formal and legal affirmation of an ancient lineage passing to its next custodian.
This transition ensures that the seat of the Barony in Brattleby, Lincolnshire — a landscape steeped in nearly a millennium of English history — is secured for a new generation. It signifies the solemn responsibility of upholding the traditions of the past while navigating the demands of the present day with contemporary vision and purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the foundational fabric of the English nation. 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 throughout Lincolnshire. This established a precedent of significance and service that has defined the title through the centuries.
The lineage includes some of the most formidable figures in medieval history, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th holder of the title, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III. This connection to the Plantagenet dynasty underscores the Barony’s historical proximity to the Crown.
Lady Nicoleta’s succession as the 12th Baroness follows in this distinguished line, creating a contemporary link to a legacy of formidable leadership and national service.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the House is led by its principal members.
Upon her succession, Lady Nicoleta Vasile became the 12th Baroness of Brattleby in her own right. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby by marriage.
The future of the line is secured in their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron. Together, they guide the House’s engagement in cultural, educational, and philanthropic endeavours across the United Kingdom and Europe.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession to a hereditary peerage follows a protocol of meticulous legal and heraldic verification. The process culminates in a public notice being published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. This announcement serves as the definitive legal instrument confirming the succession.
The House of Brattleby itself maintains a strict adherence to ceremonial tradition in its own affairs. This is most visibly expressed at the Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala conducted under a white-tie dress code. The order of proceedings, seating arrangements, and forms of address at such events reflect a deep respect for historical precedent and European courtly custom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and mission of the House are expressed through its heraldic achievements. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the guiding principle for the Baroness and the House at large. It is a direct charge to act with courage, moral integrity, and a deep sense of duty — qualities exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or 'To Win is to Live'). This principle reflects a dynamic and forward-looking approach, focused on overcoming modern challenges and ensuring the vitality and relevance of the House for the future. These mottos, when taken together, symbolise a blend of steadfast tradition and progressive action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A commitment to charitable work is a *sine qua non* of the House’s modern mission. The central focus of its philanthropic efforts is the support of children and young people facing adversity. This is principally channeled through the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s premier fundraising gala.
The sole beneficiary of the banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The funds raised contribute directly to programmes that help restore a sense of safety and well-being, enabling vulnerable children to build resilient and hopeful futures.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “It is a profound honour to assume this title and its attendant responsibilities. Our duty is not merely to preserve this heritage, but to ensure it serves a meaningful purpose today, acting with fortitude and honour for the benefit of others.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The legacy of Brattleby is one of continuous service and adaptation. My role, under the principle of *Vincere Est Vivere*, is to support the Baroness in navigating the challenges of today, ensuring the House thrives for generations to come.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The succession of the 12th Baroness marks not an end, but a reinforcement of the House's long-term commitments. The family will continue its work in heritage conservation at its seat in Lincolnshire, preserving an important piece of England’s past for the future.
Furthermore, the House will expand its cultural and educational initiatives through The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy, with its main chapter in Bucharest, fosters cross-cultural understanding and promotes the timeless values of civility and social grace. With the succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun secured for the future, the Noble House of Brattleby is poised to continue its nine-century legacy of service, honour, and cultural leadership.
***
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to blending its profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking mission. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s work is focused on three main pillars: the preservation of its nine-century heritage; a commitment to philanthropy, primarily supporting the charity Healing the Wounded Child; and the promotion of cultural education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. The House is dedicated to demonstrating that ancient titles can serve a meaningful and active role in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a hereditary title in the Peerage of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a significant landowner in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the Plantagenet prince John of Gaunt. After centuries of dormancy, the title was formally recognised and its succession recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, following the Norman Conquest of England. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (Duke of Lancaster).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com