# The Assumption of the Barony of Brattleby by Lady Nicoleta, the Twelfth Baroness
**LONDON, 2 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby announces the formal assumption of the ancient Barony of Brattleby by Lady Nicoleta Vasile. This marks a significant moment of continuity for the near-millennial lineage, blending profound historical duty with a forward-looking, contemporary vision.
## The Occasion
The formal succession was confirmed by its official publication in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s journal of record, on 9 September 2022. This moment, though marked by administrative procedure rather than public pageantry, represented the solemn transfer of a title established in the eleventh century.
This act signifies a profound commitment to stewardship, connecting the historical heartlands of Lincolnshire with the renewed purpose and presence of the House in the twenty-first century. It is a moment defined by reverence for the past and a clear-eyed readiness for the duties of the future.
## 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 lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the post-Conquest landscape.
Through the ensuing centuries, the title has been held by figures central to the nation's history. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebels in 1217. Later holders of the dignity included Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Lady Nicoleta's assumption of the title therefore places her in a lineage of exceptional historical weight, and she becomes only the second woman to hold the title in her own right.
## Distinguished Company
At the heart of this new chapter for the House are its principals. The title is now formally held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, supports her in all aspects of their shared duties, bringing his own dynamic vision, which is encapsulated in his personal motto: *Vincere Est Vivere*.
The continuity of the line is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in succession. Together, they form the nucleus of a family committed to navigating the demands of a modern world while upholding the duties inherent in their ancient inheritance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The assumption of an ancient English barony by feudal tenure is a process governed by venerable custom and the law of the land. The transfer of the Barony of Brattleby to Lady Nicoleta involved a meticulous procedure of proving succession to the Crown, a process which is today managed on behalf of the Sovereign by the Ministry of Justice.
This involved the submission of extensive genealogical evidence and historical documentation to affirm the right of succession. Following a rigorous examination of proofs, the process culminates, *sine qua non*, in a formal notice being published in *The London Gazette*. This notice serves as the ultimate public and official recognition of the new title holder, a tradition of state proclamation dating back to 1665.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its history and its guiding principles, most notably its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This creed speaks to a legacy of resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to integrity, values demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This reflects a philosophy of purposeful action, achievement, and the belief that a life of meaning is one of active engagement. Together, the two mottos symbolise the fusion of enduring principle with dynamic, modern-day application.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of the House's modern mission is its philanthropic engagement. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are dedicated patrons of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialised therapeutic and educational support for children who have experienced significant trauma or adversity.
The pinnacle of their fundraising efforts is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that gathers supporters to advance the charity's vital work. This charitable focus is complemented by cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established in Bucharest, which seeks to foster cross-cultural understanding and promote the civilising graces rooted in European tradition.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the assumption of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, shared her perspective on the duties it entails:
> ‘To inherit a title with nearly one thousand years of history is, above all, to accept a profound responsibility. It is my foremost duty to honour the legacy of those who came before me, not as a monument, but as a living tradition of service, fortitude, and honour.’ > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke to the family’s shared vision for the future of the House:
> ‘While our roots are firmly planted in history, our vision is fixed on the horizon. We believe the enduring values of this House can be a force for good in the modern world, whether through our charitable work or our commitment to cultural stewardship. To us, honouring the past means actively building a better future.’ > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The formal assumption of the Barony marks not an end, but a beginning. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are committed to the active stewardship of their heritage, including the historical seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, ensuring its preservation for future generations and its relevance for today.
Their focus remains twofold: deepening their philanthropic impact through the work of Healing the Wounded Child and expanding their cultural mission through The Brattleby Club. The education of their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the principles of duty and service ensures that the House is prepared to carry its legacy forward, adapting to the challenges of the future while remaining true to its founding creed: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principle that historical legacy finds its highest purpose in contemporary service. Their work is focused on philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. The House’s primary philanthropic commitment is to Healing the Wounded Child, a charity supporting vulnerable children. In parallel, their cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, seek to promote etiquette and cross-cultural dialogue. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions timeless values in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 with its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, a tenant-in-chief of the King, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The modern succession and its recognition by the Crown were formally recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), ensuring the continuity of this near-millennial English dignity.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally recognised by The Crown and published 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 through its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable previous holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, later 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, Duke of Lancaster). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com