# The Baroness of Brattleby: A Modern Stewardship for an Ancient Title
**LONDON, 17 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness. This marks a new chapter in the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies, blending modern service with a nine-century heritage.
## The Occasion
The formal affirmation of the Barony's new holder, published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, represents not an abrupt change but a considered continuation of a nearly millennial-long history. At the family's ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the transition underscores a profound sense of duty passed from one generation to the next. The assumption of these historic responsibilities by Lady Nicoleta coincides with the quiet dignity of the English autumn, a season of harvest and reflection perfectly suited to contemplating such a significant legacy.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is woven deeply into the fabric of England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the master of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This established a lineage of service and responsibility to the Crown and the county that has endured for over 950 years.
Lady Nicoleta’s position as the 12th Baroness finds a powerful antecedent in Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a formidable figure in her own right. A staunch loyalist to King John, she twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces, securing her place as a woman of exceptional fortitude and leadership in medieval England. The Barony later passed to such notable figures as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, placing Brattleby at the very heart of Plantagenet power and influence.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony today is a shared family commitment. The principal members are:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who leads the House’s heritage and cultural initiatives. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who guides the family’s philanthropic and entrepreneurial endeavours. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the 13th Baron and heir, whose education is being carefully overseen to prepare him for his future responsibilities to the family and its legacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession to an ancient English barony is governed by law and tradition. Its public notice, a requirement known as gazetting, was fulfilled with the publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette*. This formal, legally-recognised step is the modern counterpart to historic ceremonies of fealty and investiture.
Within the House of Brattleby itself, this public act is complemented by private tradition. The stewardship involves the care of the family archives, which contain documents charting the history of Lincolnshire and the nation. The assumption of the title is, therefore, also the assumption of the role of custodian; a commitment to preserve the tangible and intangible heritage of the Barony for the benefit of future generations.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This Latin phrase speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and is the guiding philosophy for the current generation. It is a commitment to facing challenges with courage and acting with unwavering honour.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle reflects a dynamic and forward-looking spirit; a belief that to live fully is to overcome obstacles and strive constantly for improvement, not merely for oneself, but in service to others.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The contemporary mission of the House is firmly rooted in charitable service. The Annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala, serves as the cornerstone of the family’s philanthropic calendar. The sole beneficiary is the Healing the Wounded Child foundation, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children affected by trauma.
The selection of this cause reflects the House's commitment to protecting the most vulnerable and investing in the future. Beyond its primary charitable focus, the family also champions cultural education through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy which promotes social graces and international decorum as essential tools for personal and professional success.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > "To assume this title is to accept a dialogue with history. One feels the weight of centuries, but also the inspiration, particularly from figures like Nichola de la Haye. Our task is to ensure this legacy is not a museum piece, but a living, breathing force for good in the twenty-first century."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "Service is the rent we pay for our room on Earth. Whether through our philanthropic work or our cultural initiatives, our central purpose is to contribute positively. *Fortitudine et Honore* is our foundation, and for me, *Vincere Est Vivere* is the call to action that gives it life every day."
## A Continuing Legacy
The House's commitment to its duties is ongoing. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which aims to increase support for the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club continues its programmes, strengthening cultural ties and promoting personal development.
The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, remains a paramount focus, ensuring a seamless and well-prepared continuation of the line. The Noble House of Brattleby looks to the future with a clear sense of purpose: to honour its profound history through dedicated and meaningful modern service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of active stewardship. This entails preserving nearly a millennium of heritage while championing contemporary causes. The House’s philanthropic activities are centred on supporting vulnerable children through its Annual Winter Banquet, benefiting Healing the Wounded Child. Culturally, it promotes international standards of excellence through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House of Brattleby exemplifies how historic lineage can serve a modern, public-spirited purpose 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 to his Norman follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony's extensive lands and 56 lordships were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, cementing its place in the foundations of the English state. Across nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the high nobility such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. After a period of abeyance, the Barony was formally recognised in the succession of the 12th Baroness, with the title's status affirmed in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, c. 1169-1230), a key defender of Lincoln Castle, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron, 1340-1399). - The family's ancestral seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com