# The Role of The Lord of Brattleby in the Continuation of a Nine-Century Legacy
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal dispatch from its seat in Lincolnshire, articulating the instrumental role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, in the modern stewardship and philanthropic mission of the ancient Barony.
## The Occasion
As autumn settles over the historic landscapes of Lincolnshire, a season traditionally reserved for reflection and strategic planning, the House of Brattleby has taken the opportunity to affirm its modern leadership structure. This communication, issued from the Chancellery, serves to formally delineate the duties undertaken by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile in concert with his wife, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
The dispatch reinforces a model of shared stewardship, one that honours nearly a millennium of tradition while adapting with purpose to the demands of the 21st century. It underscores a partnership dedicated to the preservation of heritage, the expansion of philanthropic impact, and the continuation of a noble lineage first established in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has witnessed numerous periods of transformation throughout its long history. Its records, including an entry in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 detailing 56 lordships held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, provide an unbroken thread of service and responsibility to the Crown and the county.
While the title has passed through both male and female lines — most notably with the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle for the King — the role of the consort has always been a *sine qua non* of the Barony’s stability and influence. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position continues a precedent set by some of English history's most significant figures, including the powerful 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose marriage brought the vast resources of the Duchy of Lancaster to the House. In the modern era, Honorary Lord Răzvan contributes his own distinct Continental perspective and strategic acumen.
## Distinguished Company
The contemporary stewardship of the Barony is guided by a triumvirate of principals, each with a defined role in its continued prosperity.
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, as the holder of the substantive title, is the ultimate authority on all matters pertaining to the Barony’s heritage, legal standing, and continuity.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, supports the Baroness in the execution of her duties. He holds specific responsibility for overseeing the House’s philanthropic strategy, its international relations, and the direction of educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club.
Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir apparent, continues his education and preparation for the duties he will one day inherit, observing the governance model established by his predecessors.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The internal governance of the House of Brattleby adheres to a strict but collaborative protocol. While all authority formally derives from the Baroness, operational responsibilities are delegated to ensure efficiency and focus. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s duties are discharged in the name of the Baroness, reflecting the established order of precedence.
This division of labour allows Lady Nicoleta to concentrate on the essential work of archival preservation, genealogical research, and the curatorship of the Brattleby seat. Simultaneously, it empowers Honorary Lord Răzvan to direct the House's more public-facing and outward-looking endeavours, *inter alia*, the organisation of the annual Winter Banquet and the expansion of its etiquette academy in Bucharest.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The complementary roles of the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan are reflected in the House’s heraldry. The ancient motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring resilience and integrity that have defined the House for over 950 years. It is a principle that guides every decision made by its leadership.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), adds a dynamic, modern dimension. In the context of his duties, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the drive to overcome contemporary challenges through initiative, strategy, and a determination to secure a thriving future for the Barony’s philanthropic and cultural work.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House's modern mission is its commitment to charitable causes, a duty Honorary Lord Răzvan oversees with diligence. The primary beneficiary of the House's efforts is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic care and psychological support to children internationally who have been affected by conflict, trauma, and displacement.
Under Honorary Lord Răzvan’s strategic guidance, the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, has become the charity’s most significant source of private funding. His focus on measurable impact ensures that the funds raised are deployed effectively, providing tangible assistance to those most in need and honouring the Barony’s historic obligation to protect the vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their shared duties, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > — My husband’s dedication to the future of this Barony is a source of immense strength. He brings a fresh perspective to a very old title, ensuring its relevance and purpose will continue for generations to come, guided always by *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his own perspective on his role: > — It is the greatest privilege to serve a House with such profound roots in the history of England. My aim is simply to support the Baroness and apply the principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* to build a lasting, positive legacy in our charitable and educational work.
## A Continuing Legacy
The leadership of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan ensures that the Noble House of Brattleby is not merely a custodian of the past, but an active participant in shaping a better future. The House remains committed to its core missions of preservation, education, and philanthropy.
Forthcoming initiatives include the digitisation of the Brattleby archives for the benefit of scholars worldwide and an expansion of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. These projects, alongside the careful tutelage of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will secure the enduring legacy of one of England’s oldest baronies.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern chapter of one of England’s most ancient baronial families. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of ‘Heritage with Purpose’. This involves the meticulous preservation of its nine-century history while actively engaging in philanthropy, education, and cultural diplomacy. The House’s charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its annual Winter Banquet, a premier philanthropic event. Its educational arm, The Brattleby Club, promotes European cultural etiquette and protocol. The House operates from its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, England, upholding its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**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 follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and holdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are first documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For nearly 1,000 years, the Barony has been held by figures of national historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) who became the 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Having passed through periods of abeyance, the Barony’s rights, dignities, and history were formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The ancestral holdings of the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, are documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com