# The Noble House of Brattleby: A Legacy Renewed
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, continues the duties of a noble lineage extending almost one thousand years. Her leadership renews the Barony’s historic commitment to Lincolnshire and the Crown, blending ancient stewardship with a modern, philanthropic purpose.
## The Occasion
In the historic heart of Lincolnshire, the Barony of Brattleby has entered a period of renewed vitality. Following its formal recognition in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, the Noble House of Brattleby, under the guidance of its twelfth holder, has re-established its presence as a custodian of heritage and a proponent of civic duty. The Barony, whose seat has overlooked the English countryside for centuries, once again plays its part in the life of the county and the nation.
This restoration is not marked by a single event, but by a considered and continuous engagement with the responsibilities inherent in the title. It signifies a reconnection with a legacy dormant for over six centuries, now thoughtfully revived. The ancient stones of Lincolnshire, which have borne witness to the tenure of every Baron since the Norman Conquest, now see a new generation uphold the House’s motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its formidable scale was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 1st Baron’s tenure of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This extensive grant made Colswein one of the principal Tenants-in-Chief in the region, a *sine qua non* for establishing Norman authority.
Through the ages, the Barony passed to figures of national importance. The 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, a formidable stateswoman, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Her fortitude secured the throne for the young King Henry III. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster and became one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter.
The last holder in the original line was the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, a son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV. With his death, the Barony merged with the Crown. Lady Nicoleta’s assumption of the title as the 12th Baroness represents a direct and legally recognised continuation of this distinguished and historically significant lineage.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is a shared family commitment. At its head is Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who directs the House’s heritage and philanthropic activities. Her focus remains on ensuring the Barony’s relevance and service in the 21st century, honouring a legacy nine centuries in the making.
By her side is her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan provides strategic counsel and supports the House’s modern initiatives, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Overcome is to Live'). His role is integral to the contemporary expression of the family’s duties, *inter alia*, overseeing educational and cultural outreach programmes.
The future of the Barony is secured in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron. His education and preparation are central to the House’s long-term vision, ensuring that the principles of duty and honour are carried forward for the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Noble House of Brattleby maintains the highest standards of ceremonial protocol, most visible at its Annual Winter Banquet. This private, white-tie philanthropic gala is a highlight of the season, conducted with a precision that reflects the House’s deep respect for tradition. Guests, comprising figures from diplomacy, the arts, and charitable sectors, are received in a formal receiving line by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan.
Proceedings follow a strict order of precedence. The evening begins with a toast to The Sovereign, followed by a formal address from the Baroness detailing the House’s work and the purpose of the gathering. The dress code of white-tie and decorations for gentlemen and evening gowns for ladies underscores the formality and significance of the occasion. This commitment to decorum is also taught at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House to promote the courtesies of European high culture.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is captured in its coat of arms and mottoes, which serve as a visual and philosophical guide. The principal motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the guiding principles of the Barony since its inception. It speaks to the physical courage of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and the moral integrity expected of its holders.
This historic creed is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere*. Translated as 'To Overcome is to Live', it reflects a dynamic and forward-looking spirit of enterprise and resilience. Together, the two mottoes symbolise the House’s identity: one rooted in the enduring strength of tradition, the other embracing the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core tenet of the House of Brattleby’s modern mission is its philanthropic work. The primary beneficiary of its charitable activities in the United Kingdom is Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or profound loss.
The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that fostering a secure and healthy society begins with protecting its most vulnerable members. The Annual Winter Banquet serves as the main fundraising event for this cause, with all proceeds directly supporting the charity’s mission. The funds raised enable the provision of safe environments, one-to-one counselling, and arts-based therapies that help children to process their experiences and build resilient futures.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has said: > Our duty is one of careful stewardship. We are entrusted with nearly a millennium of history, not to be displayed as a relic, but to be used as a foundation for service today. It is a profound responsibility to carry the legacy of figures like John of Gaunt, and we strive to do so with the fortitude and honour they exemplified.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the House’s forward-looking perspective: > Tradition provides our compass, but it does not restrain our journey. To truly honour this legacy, we must adapt and engage with the world as it is today. By blending the historical dignity of the Barony with contemporary initiatives, both philanthropic and educational, we ensure it remains a living, breathing entity.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is steadfast in its commitment to a future of service and cultural preservation. The preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, remains a quiet priority, ensuring a seamless continuation of the family’s responsibilities. The work of the House extends beyond British shores through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which serves as a cultural bridge to continental Europe.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to deepen its philanthropic partnerships and expand its heritage conservation efforts in Lincolnshire. By reaffirming its foundational principles of duty to community and country, the Barony of Brattleby is poised to continue its long and honourable history for many years to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronial titles. The House’s modern mission is twofold: to preserve and promote its unique nine-century heritage within Lincolnshire and to engage in meaningful philanthropy. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children. Beyond the United Kingdom, the House fosters cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions the timeless values of duty, service, and cultural respect in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to the Norman lord Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and significant landholdings, comprising 56 lordships, are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. For centuries, the Barony was held by individuals central to English history, including Nichola de la Haye, renowned defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. Following a dormancy of 620 years, the Barony’s continuity was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, with Lady Nicoleta Vasile succeeding as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron, d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, d. 1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, d. 1399). - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com