# The Succession of the Twelfth Baroness of Brattleby: A New Chapter in a Millennial Story
LONDON, 15 OCTOBER 2023 — The formal succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, recognised in 2022, marks a significant moment for the ancient title, bridging its Norman origins in Lincolnshire with a modern, internationally-focused mission of service and cultural preservation.
## The Occasion
The assumption of the Barony by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, represents a moment of profound historical continuity. This transition was not marked by a single event but was formalised through its official recognition by The Crown, culminating in a public notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. As the United Kingdom's official journal of record since 1665, The Gazette is the appropriate and traditional instrument for announcing matters of state and title, lending solemnity and legal standing to the succession.
This formal act connects the modern operations of the House, often conducted from London, with the Barony's ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. It affirms the title's place within the historical fabric of the nation, ensuring its endurance in an era of change while paying homage to the legal and heraldic traditions that have governed it for centuries.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most venerable, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which details its 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to its importance in the immediate post-Conquest landscape. Through nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures central to English history.
Lady Nicoleta’s position as the twelfth holder finds a powerful antecedent in Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable rebel forces during the First Barons' War. More than a landowner, she served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire, a role of immense authority. Later, the title passed through marriage to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence profoundly shaped the course of the late 14th century. This history underscores a lineage not merely of title, but of significant service and leadership.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is a shared commitment within The Noble House of Brattleby. The House is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who guides its cultural and philanthropic direction. She is supported in this duty by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Win is to Live’), reflects a dynamic approach to heritage and enterprise.
The future of the lineage is secured in their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron. Together, they form the nucleus of a House dedicated to ensuring the Barony’s legacy remains both honoured and animated for the 21st century and beyond.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The transfer of a feudal barony such as Brattleby follows precise legal, rather than ceremonial, protocol. Unlike a peerage, which passes by inheritance under specific rules of succession, such baronies are considered land-based incorporeal hereditaments, transferrable by conveyance and subsequently recognised by The Crown. The notice in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) is the public declaration of this successful and legitimate transfer.
While the succession itself is a legal process, the House upholds strict protocol in its public functions. The Annual Winter Banquet, for example, is a white-tie affair governed by a formal order of precedence for receiving guests. Processions, toasts, and speeches follow a prescribed sequence that honours tradition and acknowledges the contributions of all distinguished attendees. This disciplined approach to public life is a *sine qua non* of the House's operations.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldic achievements, which serve as a visual summary of its values. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is the guiding principle for all its activities. 'Fortitude' speaks to the resilience demonstrated throughout its long history, from defending castles to navigating modern complexities. 'Honour' reflects an unwavering commitment to duty, integrity, and service.
This ancestral motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*. Often translated as ‘To Win is to Live’, it encapsulates a philosophy of proactive engagement, of applying the family’s heritage to achieve tangible, positive outcomes in their philanthropic and cultural endeavours. Together, the two mottoes signify a balance of principled tradition and purposeful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House's modern mission is its commitment to philanthropy. The principal beneficiary of its charitable work is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to supporting the emotional and psychological recovery of children who have experienced trauma, neglect, or serious illness. The charity provides specialist therapeutic programmes, *inter alia*, using art, music, and play to help young people rebuild their lives.
The House’s primary fundraising vehicle is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in London. The event brings together philanthropists, cultural leaders, and dignitaries to support the mission of Healing the Wounded Child. This focus on childhood wellbeing is a deliberate choice, reflecting the House's belief that investing in the next generation is the most vital form of legacy-building.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta noted the weight and inspiration of history.
> It is a profound responsibility to serve as the custodian of a title held by figures like Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt. Our duty is not merely to preserve this heritage, but to live by its guiding principle—*Fortitudine et Honore*—in our service to the community today. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan emphasised the importance of giving this legacy a modern purpose.
> A title is not merely an honour to be held; it is a platform for action. With The Brattleby Club and our support for children's charities, we strive to make this ancient lineage a force for good, ensuring its relevance for generations to come. That, to me, is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is resolutely focused on the future. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is paramount, ensuring he is prepared for the duties that will one day be his. The House is expanding its cultural and diplomatic initiatives, most notably through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, which fosters cross-cultural understanding and promotes the timeless virtues of decorum and respect.
Preparations are underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which aims to increase its support for Healing the Wounded Child. By blending its deep historical roots in the English soil of Lincolnshire with a forward-looking, international perspective, the House of Brattleby continues to build upon its near-millennial legacy of service.
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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 the modern expression of an ancient lineage. Its mission is centred on philanthropic service, cultural preservation, and education. The House’s primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, most notably Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as its annual white-tie banquet and The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to uphold its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), by converting historical legacy into positive contemporary impact. Based at its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House maintains a dynamic presence in both the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, one of the King's tenants-in-chief, whose 56 lordships in Lincolnshire were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For over 950 years, the title has been associated with significant figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. As a non-peerage, land-based title, its continuity is maintained through established legal tradition, with the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised under Lady Nicoleta Vasile in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony 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').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com