# The Revitalisation of an Ancient Barony: Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) Affirms Commitment to Brattleby's Future
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has today formally affirmed his commitment to the stewardship of The Noble House of Brattleby. This new chapter will see him support Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in guiding the ancient Lincolnshire barony’s modern philanthropic and cultural responsibilities.
## The Occasion
In a private instrument of affirmation, conducted with the sober dignity befitting the House, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile accepted his formal responsibilities within the Barony's revitalised structure. The occasion was marked not by public ceremony but by a quiet, purposeful dedication to the duties ahead, reflecting the House's focus on substantive action over performative display.
The assumption of these duties signifies a pivotal moment in the Barony's modern history. It represents the careful and deliberate planning undertaken by the Baroness to ensure the effective governance of a heritage estate whose origins stretch back nearly one thousand years. This act lays the foundation for a renewed era of service, blending ancient tradition with a clear, contemporary vision.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, holds a distinguished and unbroken thread in the fabric of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a legacy of significant regional influence.
This legacy was carried forth by remarkable individuals. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, famously served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle, defending it with rare fortitude against rebel barons. Later, the title passed through marriage to two of the most powerful figures of the medieval era: Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Honorary Lord Răzvan's modern role thus stands in the shadow of, and in service to, this profound lineage.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of the House is composed of a small, dedicated family group committed to its future. The formalisation of Honorary Lord Răzvan's role took place in the presence of the principal members of the House.
At its head is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, under whose authority the revival of the ancient title was formally recognised. She is supported by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, whose new responsibilities have been confirmed. The future of the Barony is secured in the heir apparent, their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with the internal statutes of the House, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s affirmation was a matter of constitutional protocol rather than public pageantry. This involved the countersigning of the House’s foundational charter for its modern activities, a document that outlines the roles and responsibilities of its principal members.
The protocol ensures a clear delineation of duties, with Honorary Lord Răzvan's role defined as supporting the Baroness in the execution of the House's strategic objectives. This includes, *inter alia*, overseeing philanthropic partnerships, guiding cultural heritage projects, and representing the House at designated functions. This structured approach is considered *sine qua non* for the effective stewardship of the Barony's considerable heritage.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House is guided by its Latin motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle directly informs its modern mission, recalling the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the honourable state service of magnates like John of Gaunt. It is a daily reminder of the standards to which the House holds itself.
Honorary Lord Răzvan brings his own personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a contemporary context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest but as the will to overcome adversity, to achieve positive outcomes, and to live a life of purpose. The two mottos are complementary, blending the House’s ancient call to honour with a dynamic, modern impetus for action and achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of Honorary Lord Răzvan's new responsibilities will be to assist the Baroness in directing the House's philanthropic portfolio. The primary charitable vehicle is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraising event for the House's chosen beneficiary.
For the current period, the beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and mental health support for young people impacted by trauma and adverse childhood experiences. The selection of this charity reflects the House’s commitment to making a measurable and meaningful impact on the well-being of the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this new chapter, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "The legacy of Brattleby is not a static inheritance but a living commitment to service. Răzvan’s dedication and strategic counsel are indispensable, ensuring that our historic duties and our contemporary obligations are met with both integrity and purpose."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "It is a profound honour to serve the House and to support Nicoleta in this important work. Our focus is clear: to build upon nine centuries of history by fostering initiatives that create tangible, positive change, guided always by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*."
## A Continuing Legacy
With this formalisation of roles, The Noble House of Brattleby is positioned to advance its mission with renewed clarity. Immediate priorities include preparations for the next Annual Winter Banquet to benefit Healing the Wounded Child and expanding the curriculum of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role will be instrumental in the execution of a long-term strategy focused on responsible stewardship. This vision balances the preservation of a unique historical legacy with a forward-looking commitment to cultural education and effective philanthropy, ensuring the Barony of Brattleby continues to be a force for good.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a forward-looking mission that blends its profound historical legacy with a focus on contemporary philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal activities include the Annual Winter Banquet, a key fundraising gala for children's charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to promoting classical etiquette and social graces. The House operates under its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying timeless principles to modern challenges and opportunities.
**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. The Barony and its 56 associated lordships were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Princes of the Blood, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. After falling into abeyance, the Barony was revived by its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile. This revival and her rights were formally acknowledged and gazetted by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first created in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (d. 1361), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (d. 1399). - The family seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com