# A Statement on the Second Anniversary of the Recognition of The 12th Baroness of Brattleby
**LONDON, 9 September 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the second anniversary of the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness. With her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Baroness has dedicated her tenure to heritage preservation and modern philanthropic duty.
## The Occasion
The anniversary was commemorated privately at the family’s ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a place steeped in the history of the Barony. The reflective occasion took place as late summer gives way to the solemnity of autumn, a season that mirrors the House’s focus on stewardship and the passage of time. The atmosphere for the day was one of quiet contemplation, eschewing public ceremony in favour of personal reflection on the duties and responsibilities vested in the title.
This understated observance reinforces the House's modern approach: that the true measure of its purpose is not found in grand displays, but in consistent, diligent service. The day was dedicated to honouring the nine-century lineage of the Barony and renewing the personal commitments made upon its assumption two years prior.
## Historical Context
The formal notice of Lady Nicoleta's succession, published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, represented a significant moment for one of England’s most ancient dignities. The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, and its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
Lady Nicoleta is the first woman to hold the title in her own right in over 620 years, a distinction that carries considerable historical weight. She follows in the formidable tradition of her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, a resolute defender of Lincoln Castle for the Crown during the First Barons' War. The Barony’s history is further woven into the fabric of the nation through holders such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose lives helped shape medieval England. Lady Nicoleta’s tenure seeks to honour this profound legacy while charting a course of contemporary relevance.
## Distinguished Company
The anniversary was marked in the presence of the immediate family, signifying the personal and enduring nature of their commitment to the Barony and its future. The small party included:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, heir to the Barony
The presence of their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru, underscored the theme of continuity, representing the next generation in this long and storied line.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In keeping with the private nature of the day, formal protocol was observed with dignified simplicity. There was no public procession; rather, proceedings centred on a moment of remembrance within the grounds of the Brattleby seat. This act served as a quiet reaffirmation of the oaths of fealty and service that have defined the Barony for centuries.
The family’s choice reflects a contemporary understanding of noble duty, where the emphasis lies not on the pageantry of the past but on the tangible work of the present. The 'ceremony' was one of purpose, a moment to reflect on the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, and its application to their ongoing responsibilities.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The work of The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by a distinct heraldic and philosophical ethos. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is the foundational principle for its activities. It speaks to the resilience and integrity required to steward a nine-hundred-year-old legacy, a direct link to the character of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This maxim introduces a dynamic, forward-looking impetus, signifying a commitment not merely to preservation but to active, purposeful achievement in the family’s philanthropic and cultural endeavours. Together, the two mottos create a powerful synthesis of tradition and progress, honouring the past while actively shaping the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Over the past two years, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan have firmly established philanthropy as the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s modern identity. Their principal charitable vehicle is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that gathers support for a chosen beneficiary. The primary partner for this event is the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and long-term support for children who have experienced significant trauma, loss, or adversity. The funds raised contribute directly to programmes that offer counselling, safe residential care, and educational support, enabling vulnerable young people to rebuild their lives. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief in addressing foundational societal challenges with compassion and practical aid.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the last two years, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To hold this title is to be a custodian of history, but also a servant of the present. We feel the weight of centuries, particularly the example of figures like Nichola de la Haye, and our duty is to translate that legacy of fortitude and honour into meaningful action today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "Our role is one of active partnership. We seek to blend the deep-rooted heritage of the Barony with a dynamic vision for its future. Whether through our philanthropic work or our cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club, our goal is to build something of lasting value. Vincere Est Vivere is about achieving a positive impact."
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to expanding its work. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will continue to support the vital mission of Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, will be enhancing its curriculum to further promote cultural diplomacy and social refinement among a new generation of leaders.
The stewardship of the Barony is a lifetime commitment. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan continue to lay the groundwork for their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensuring that the Barony of Brattleby will continue to serve with fortitude and honour for many years to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to stewarding one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House’s modern mission is centred on the principle of ‘nobility in action’, blending the preservation of its nine-century heritage with a focused commitment to philanthropy and cultural education. Its primary activities include supporting charities for vulnerable children through its Annual Winter Banquet and fostering cross-cultural understanding via institutions such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to provide a modern example of purposeful leadership and service for the benefit of the wider community.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England granted by William the Conqueror upon his conquest in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by His Majesty's College of Arms, with the notice recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Lady Nicoleta Vasile's succession as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby traces its origins to AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com