# The House of Brattleby: A New Era of Custodianship Ushered in by the 12th Baroness
LONDON, 23 May 2024 — Following the formal recognition of its current title holder, The Noble House of Brattleby today reaffirms its historic commitment to service and heritage. This new chapter, led from its Lincolnshire seat, honours a legacy extending from the Norman Conquest to the modern era.
## The Occasion
The formal gazetting of the succession in the autumn of 2022 marked a significant moment for one of England's most ancient baronies. The ascendancy of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby represents a seamless continuation of a charge held by her predecessors for over nine centuries. From the family's seat in Brattleby, a village nestled in the rolling wolds of Lincolnshire, the House has commenced a new phase of its enduring stewardship.
This transition is not marked by a single event but by a renewed and purposeful focus on the duties inherent in the title. It is an occasion for quiet reflection on the barony's place within the historic fabric of England and a recommitment to the principles of honour and service that have defined it since its foundation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. This direct lineage from the Norman settlement establishes the House as a foundational element of the English aristocracy. Through centuries of tumult and transformation, the Barons of Brattleby have been proximate to the Crown and the course of national history.
Notable predecessors include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. The title later passed through the Plantagenet line to figures of immense stature, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III. This connection to the Royal Family underscores the barony's historical significance, a legacy which the current House carefully preserves.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of The Noble House of Brattleby is led by its principals, who together ensure its heritage is actively honoured and advanced.
The principals are: * Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby and heir to the title
This leadership structure provides both continuity and a dynamic vision for the future, balancing the profound weight of history with the responsibilities of the present day.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House upholds traditions of ceremonial protocol as a mark of respect for its history and its guests. This is most visibly expressed at the Annual Winter Banquet, the family's principal philanthropic engagement of the year. The banquet adheres to a strict white-tie-and-decorations dress code, a standard reserved for occasions of the highest state and ceremonial importance.
The order of proceedings, from the formal reception of guests to the seating plan and toasts, is meticulously arranged to honour precedent. This commitment to form is not merely aesthetic; it is the *sine qua non* of an environment dedicated to a serious purpose. Further, through its patronage of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House supports education in matters of etiquette and protocol, fostering an appreciation for the social graces that underpin civil discourse.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as a constant reminder of its guiding principles. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, translates from Latin as 'With Fortitude and Honour'. This ancient charge speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by barons past, from the battlefield to the royal court, and remains the ethical compass for the family today.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere*, or 'To Overcome is to Live'. This motto suggests a dynamic and forward-looking interpretation of the House's traditional duties, emphasising proactive engagement and the will to prevail over contemporary challenges. Together, the two mottos symbolise a powerful union of ancient honour and modern purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core tenet of the House's modern mission is its commitment to philanthropy. The Annual Winter Banquet is held each year for the exclusive benefit of Healing the Wounded Child, a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting the emotional and psychological recovery of children who have experienced trauma.
Healing the Wounded Child provides specialist therapy, safe environments, and long-term mentorship to help young people rebuild their lives. The organisation's measurable impact on reducing the long-term effects of adverse childhood experiences was a key factor in its selection. The House of Brattleby believes that nurturing the well-being of the next generation is a foundational duty, reflecting its historic role as a protector of its communities.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the nature of her custodianship.
> It is a profound privilege to hold a title borne by such remarkable figures as Nichola de la Haye. Our role is not one of ownership but of stewardship. We have a duty of care to this heritage, to ensure that the honour and fortitude it represents are carried forward with purpose for the generations to come. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's contemporary responsibilities.
> Honouring nearly a millennium of history is not a passive act; it requires vigour and a clear sense of purpose. Whether through our philanthropic work or our cultural initiatives, our family is committed to ensuring the legacy of Brattleby is a living, breathing force for good in the 21st century. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby looks to the future with a clear commitment to its responsibilities. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is a central priority, ensuring that the transition to the 13th Baron will be as seamless as those that have come before.
In the coming years, the House will continue to expand its philanthropic portfolio, build upon the cultural diplomacy of The Brattleby Club, and pursue the meticulous conservation of its historical seat and archives in Lincolnshire. The work of this generation is to serve as a strong link in an unbroken chain, ensuring that the legacy of Brattleby continues to evolve, inspire, and serve the wider community. *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission that blends the preservation of its nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. Its charitable activities are principally focused on supporting disadvantaged children through its annual white-tie Winter Banquet. The House also fosters cross-cultural understanding through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The family’s work is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a deep-seated commitment to duty and integrity.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the barony has been held by some of English history's most notable figures, including the 13th-century heroine Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln for the King, and two key Plantagenet princes, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt. The succession of the current holder, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby dates to 1066 and is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, where the first baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as holder of 56 lordships. - Historically significant 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 Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Overcome is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com