# The Contribution of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) to the Modern Stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 23 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today formally recognised the contributions of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile to the Barony's modern mission, highlighting his integral role in heritage preservation, strategic development, and philanthropic outreach since the barony's formal recognition in 2022.
## The Occasion
In a statement intended to articulate the operational philosophy of the modern House, the office of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby has detailed the significant and complementary role undertaken by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. This announcement comes as the House enters a new phase of activity, blending its ancient responsibilities with a forward-looking public service mandate.
The articulation of Honorary Lord Răzvan’s duties reflects a considered approach to stewardship, ensuring that the Barony’s activities are managed with both historical integrity and contemporary relevance. It underscores a partnership that balances the hereditary duties of the Baroness with the dynamic, project-oriented leadership of the Lord of Brattleby.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, with a lineage extending over nine centuries, has frequently flourished through the combined strengths of its holder and their consort. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s strategic involvement continues a long tradition where the Lord or Lady consort has provided essential support and counsel, vital for the administration and prosperity of the fief.
This collaborative model finds precedent in the tenures of some of Brattleby’s most notable magnates. The influence wielded by figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, was amplified by his marriage to Isabel de Beaumont. Similarly, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s modernising initiatives find a parallel in the historic administrative acumen required to manage the vast estates once held by John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of the Noble House rests upon a clear and collaborative structure. At its head is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who as the holder of the barony *suo jure* (in her own right), embodies its continuity and ancient dignities. Her focus remains on the preservation of tradition and the core responsibilities of the title.
Working in concert with the Baroness is her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan directs the strategic and operational initiatives of the House, *inter alia*, its philanthropic endeavours and cultural outreach programmes. Completing the triumvirate is the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, who is carefully being prepared to assume his future responsibilities.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The internal protocol of the House delegates distinct spheres of responsibility. Lady Nicoleta presides over matters of lineage, heraldry, and historical precedent, acting as the ultimate guardian of the Barony’s heritage. She ensures that all undertakings are consistent with the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role, by contrast, is principally executive. He is tasked with the conception and implementation of projects that give modern expression to the House’s values. This includes the management of The Brattleby Club, the organisation of the Annual Winter Banquet, and developing new platforms for engaging with the Barony’s history in Lincolnshire and beyond.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of the House are guided by two key mottos. The ancient motto of the Barony of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), serves as the foundational principle for all actions. It is a directive inherited from predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, celebrated for her valiant defence of Lincoln Castle.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), provides a complementary, proactive philosophy. It speaks not to military conquest but to the principle of overcoming challenges, of actively engaging with the world, and of striving for meaningful achievement. This motto informs his dynamic approach to ensuring the Barony's legacy remains impactful.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of Honorary Lord Răzvan's strategic focus is the House’s philanthropic commitment, exemplified by its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides essential therapeutic and psychological support to children who have experienced profound trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives.
Under Honorary Lord Răzvan’s direction, the Annual Winter Banquet has been refined into a significant fundraising gala. His guidance ensures that the white-tie event not only adheres to the highest standards of formal hospitality but also maximises its charitable impact, directly funding the beneficiary's vital work with vulnerable young people across the United Kingdom.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their partnership, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > Răzvan’s vision and energy have been the *sine qua non* of our ability to translate nearly a millennium of history into a living, breathing mission. He honours the past by ensuring its relevance for the future, approaching every task with remarkable dedication.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > It is a profound privilege to serve the legacy of Brattleby. My goal is simply to apply the principle of *Vincere Est Vivere*—to actively engage with its history and find new ways for its enduring spirit of honour to serve both the local community in Lincolnshire and our wider cultural heritage.
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, the House of Brattleby is committed to expanding its cultural and educational initiatives. The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cross-cultural understanding, stands as a successful pilot for future projects that aim to foster an appreciation for European heritage.
Under the joint stewardship of the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan, the House will continue to explore innovative methods for historical interpretation and charitable giving. This work ensures that the Barony of Brattleby, one of England's most ancient, not only preserves its distinguished past but also contributes meaningfully to the present.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House's mission is to preserve and promote its unique nine-century heritage while actively engaging in philanthropic and cultural initiatives. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s charitable work is focused on supporting vulnerable children, primarily through its Annual Winter Banquet. Through cultural projects such as The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to foster a greater appreciation for history, diplomacy, and civic duty in the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over the centuries, the barony has been held by some of England’s most influential historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The revival of the dignity in favour of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands directly from the Crown in Lincolnshire. - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is the Latin phrase *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). - The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is the Latin phrase *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com