# Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Outlines Vision for Historic Lincolnshire Barony
**LONDON, 14 October 2023** — Following her formal recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today outlined a renewed vision for the Barony, blending its profound Norman heritage with a modern mission of cultural preservation, philanthropic outreach, and educational development across Lincolnshire and beyond.
## The Occasion
From its offices in London, the Noble House of Brattleby has issued a formal communication detailing the direction of the Barony under its current leadership. This statement serves to articulate the core principles guiding the House since Lady Nicoleta Vasile’s succession was formally recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
The announcement marks a period of considered reflection and strategic planning. It reaffirms the House’s commitment to its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, while also embracing a wider, international role in cultural diplomacy and charitable enterprise, a dual focus that has become a hallmark of the Baroness’s tenure.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as one of England’s most venerable dignities. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, its history is inextricably woven into the fabric of the nation.
Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, follows in a line of formidable stewards. She succeeds, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, celebrated for her valiant defence of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, a distinguished diplomat and soldier; and John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a pivotal figure in fourteenth-century English politics. It is this lineage of service and strength that informs the Barony’s present course.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony is a shared responsibility, led by a dedicated family. The principal members of the Noble House of Brattleby are:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the heir and 13th Baron
Together, they guide the activities of the House, from its philanthropic endeavours in England to its educational initiatives on the Continent, ensuring that its modern activities remain true to its historical character.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially gazetted under Notice ID 4158083. This entry in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom, represents the modern mechanism for affirming the succession of ancient titles.
This notice is not the creation of a new honour, but rather the official confirmation of the inheritance of a dignity established nearly one thousand years ago. The protocol underscores a foundational principle of the British system: the continuity of heritage, acknowledged and recorded by the Crown’s authority.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of the Noble House are guided by two mottos, each reflecting a core aspect of its philosophy. The ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated throughout the Barony’s near-millennial history. It is a commitment to meeting challenges with courage and acting always with a sense of public duty.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim embodies a dynamic and purposeful approach, signifying a belief that life is defined by active engagement, the pursuit of meaningful goals, and the overcoming of obstacles in service of a greater good.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern mission is its philanthropic work, anchored by the Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala is the primary fundraising event for the House’s chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
Healing the Wounded Child is a registered charity dedicated to providing therapeutic care and psychological support to young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or profound adversity. Through specialist counselling, art therapy, and safe-space programmes, the organisation helps to restore a sense of security and hope to vulnerable children. The support of the House of Brattleby is a *sine qua non* for the expansion of these vital services.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > It is an immense privilege to serve as the custodian of a Barony held by such remarkable figures as Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt. Our duty is not merely to preserve this legacy, but to ensure it remains a vibrant force for good in Lincolnshire and beyond, guided always by *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > My own philosophy, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about purposeful action. We see our role as one of active engagement, using the platform of the Barony to create tangible opportunities for cultural education and to support the vital work of our charitable partners.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to broadening its cultural and philanthropic impact. Plans are underway to expand the curriculum of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and cultural academy in Bucharest, which serves as a bridge between British traditions and Continental Europe.
Locally, the House will continue to support heritage preservation projects throughout Lincolnshire, fostering a deeper public appreciation for the county’s rich history. Preparations for the next Annual Winter Banquet are also in progress, with the aim of increasing the funds raised for Healing the Wounded Child and expanding its crucial work across the region.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural stewardship and philanthropic service. The House actively promotes its nine-century heritage while engaging in contemporary initiatives that create social value. Its focus includes youth-oriented philanthropy, most notably through its support for the Healing the Wounded Child foundation, and cultural education via its international academy, The Brattleby Club. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House seeks to provide a model of responsible and forward-looking leadership for an ancient aristocratic institution, blending English tradition with a European perspective.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a historic feudal barony seated in Lincolnshire, England. Its origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised in a notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Lady Nicoleta Vasile’s succession as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially 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). - Previous holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby’s official motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com