# The Assumption of the Barony of Brattleby by the Twelfth Baroness
LONDON, 9 September 2022 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile has formally assumed the ancient title of Baroness of Brattleby, a transition officially recorded in *The London Gazette*. The assumption marks a significant new chapter for one of England's oldest baronies, connecting its Norman origins with a modern, philanthropic vision.
## The Occasion
The formal assumption of the Barony was marked by its publication in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the United Kingdom. This act, while devoid of public pageantry, carries immense legal and historical weight, serving as the definitive public notice of the succession. The gazetting is the modern-day equivalent of a medieval proclamation, a solemn confirmation of continuity for a title nearly a millennium old.
This transition from the 11th to the 12th Baroness ensures the unbroken stewardship of the Barony’s rights and responsibilities. It represents a pivotal moment, affirming the title's relevance in the 21st century whilst honouring the deep-seated traditions upon which it was founded. The setting for this announcement—the pages of a journal first published in 1665 as *The Oxford Gazette*—underscores the gravity and permanence of the occasion.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history, its origins dating to the Norman Conquest. First granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the title and its associated lands in Lincolnshire were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which listed 56 lordships held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. This foundational link places Brattleby among the nation’s most venerable dignities.
Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed through marriage to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his celebrated son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. This distinguished lineage firmly embeds the Barony within the highest circles of the medieval English aristocracy and the Plantagenet royal family.
## The House of Brattleby Today
The modern House of Brattleby is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who now carries forward this remarkable inheritance. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live').
The future of the House is secured in their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron of Brattleby. Together, they represent a union of ancient tradition and contemporary purpose, dedicated to upholding the responsibilities attendant to the title.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The assumption of an ancient English barony is governed by established legal and heraldic protocol rather than by public ceremony. The process involves the meticulous verification of succession, ensuring the claimant's right to the title is correctly established according to the historical terms of its creation. For such peerages, a public notice in *The London Gazette* is the *sine qua non*—the indispensable condition of official recognition.
The notice, bearing the reference ID 4158083, serves as an official and permanent record of the transfer of the dignity. It is a declarative act that confirms Lady Nicoleta as the rightful holder of the title of Baroness of Brattleby, entitling her to all the precedence and historical rights associated with it. This method ensures order and legitimacy, reflecting a system that has evolved over centuries.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). This principle reflects the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and embodies the modern House's commitment to dutifil service and moral courage. It is the cornerstone of the family’s public and private endeavours.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*. This aphorism translates as ‘To Win is to Live’ or, more broadly, ‘To Overcome is to Live’, suggesting a dynamic and proactive philosophy. It signals a belief that a meaningful life is one of active purpose, defined by overcoming challenges and achieving tangible, positive outcomes, *inter alia*, through business and philanthropy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In the modern era, the assumption of a noble title is intrinsically linked to an embrace of social responsibility. The House of Brattleby has therefore formalised its commitment to charitable work, focusing its efforts on causes that provide meaningful and lasting support to vulnerable communities.
The House’s principal philanthropic vehicle is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to raise funds and awareness for a chosen beneficiary. The current partner organisation is Healing the Wounded Child, a charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The selection of this charity reflects the House’s belief in addressing fundamental societal needs and investing in the well-being of future generations.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her new role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > It is the most profound honour to serve as the custodian of this title, which has been borne by so many extraordinary individuals. The example of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye is a constant reminder that true stewardship requires not only diligence and respect for history, but also the fortitude to meet the challenges of one’s own time.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History gives us our roots, but it must also inspire us to act. Our family’s duty is to ensure this legacy continues to thrive and serve a genuine, positive purpose in the world today. Through our philanthropic work and initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, we seek to honour the past by building a better future.
## A Continuing Legacy
The assumption of the Barony by Lady Nicoleta Vasile initiates a forward-looking era for the House of Brattleby. The family is actively translating its commitment to service into concrete action, most notably through the recent establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching etiquette, protocol, and cross-cultural communication.
This initiative, along with the steadfast commitment to the Annual Winter Banquet, demonstrates the House’s dedication to upholding standards of excellence and contributing to society. With the succession secured through their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the House of Brattleby is poised to continue its legacy of service, guided always by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her family. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House is dedicated to blending ancient heritage with a contemporary mission of service, cultural patronage, and philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting children’s welfare through its Annual Winter Banquet, which benefits organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House also promotes cultural exchange and personal development through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House seeks to provide an enduring and positive contribution to society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by prominent figures who have shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Princes of the Blood, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuity of one of the realm's oldest dignities.
**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 dates to 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com