# Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) Announces Landmark Agricultural Initiative for Brattleby Estates
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile of Brattleby has today announced a new long-term agricultural and environmental stewardship programme for the Brattleby estates in Lincolnshire, a modern initiative designed to honour the Barony’s near-millennial connection to the land through sustainable innovation.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the Long Library at the family’s seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Against a backdrop of autumnal parkland, the distinguished setting, with its shelves of estate records dating back centuries, provided a tangible link between the Barony’s past and its future. The occasion was marked by a sense of considered purpose, reflecting a commitment to blend heritage with forward-looking responsibility.
The initiative, formally titled The Brattleby Charter for Sustainable Husbandry, was presented to a small assembly of local officials and agricultural experts. It outlines a vision for the estate lands that prioritises ecological balance, advanced crop science, and community engagement, ensuring the Barony's lands remain productive and healthy for generations to come.
## Historical Context
Since its establishment by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby has been intrinsically linked to the governance and cultivation of its Lincolnshire lands. The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in the county, establishing a precedent of significant territorial stewardship that has defined the House for over 950 years.
This modern charter builds upon the legacy of predecessors such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, who was renowned for his expert administration of vast estates. It reinterprets the feudal duty of a landowner for the 21st century, replacing obligations of military service with a solemn commitment to environmental and economic guardianship, truly embodying the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Distinguished Company
The announcement was made by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile in the presence of his wife, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Also in attendance was the couple’s son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
They were joined by a small group of distinguished guests, including the incumbent High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and senior academics from the University of Lincoln’s Institute for Agri-food Technology. The presence of these figures underscores the collaborative nature of the initiative, which seeks to fuse the Barony’s historical standing with contemporary scientific expertise.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with dignified simplicity. Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered his address from a lectern bearing the House’s coat of arms, before formally presenting a hand-bound copy of the Charter to the High Sheriff. The document symbolises a new covenant between the Barony and the wider Lincolnshire community.
In a gesture acknowledging the family’s continuity, the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, was entrusted with the ceremonial planting of an English oak sapling on the library’s lawn. This act represented the first step in the Charter’s long-term reforestation and biodiversity programme, a *sine qua non* for the project's success.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The initiative is deeply rooted in the family’s symbolism. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is reflected in the Charter’s aims: the fortitude to undertake a multi-generational project and the honour of dutifully managing the ancestral landscape.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), is here interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a determination to overcome the modern challenges of climate change and food security. It signifies a proactive and vigorous approach to the Barony's modern responsibilities, conquering adversity through wisdom and foresight.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Charter is primarily an agricultural project, its purpose extends into the philanthropic sphere. A portion of the initiative’s future yields will be covenanted to local food banks and community kitchens, addressing food poverty within Lincolnshire.
Furthermore, the programme will incorporate apprenticeships for young people, offering practical training in sustainable agriculture. This educational component aligns closely with the mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the family’s etiquette academy, by fostering discipline, practical skills, and a sense of civic duty in the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day’s announcement, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile remarked: — “Our connection to the lands of Lincolnshire is not merely historical; it is a living responsibility. With this Charter, we seek to honour the legacy of the past nine centuries by investing in a sustainable and prosperous future for the next.”
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added: — “The Barony has always adapted to the needs of the age. From Nichola de la Haye defending Lincoln Castle to John of Gaunt shaping the nation, our family's role has been one of active service. Today, that service includes the stewardship of our environment and the cultivation of our community.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Brattleby Charter for Sustainable Husbandry will commence with a five-year pilot programme on a designated 200-hectare parcel of the estate. The House will collaborate with agricultural research partners to measure progress in soil health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration.
The findings from this pilot will inform the wider application of the Charter's principles across all Brattleby holdings. An annual progress report will be published, with the first of these to be presented during the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s primary philanthropic gala, ensuring transparency and continued commitment to this important work.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of service, stewardship, and the preservation of cultural heritage. The family’s work is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and manifests through various philanthropic and educational initiatives. These include the Annual Winter Banquet, a major fundraising gala for the charity Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to classical etiquette and protocol. The House is committed to ensuring that its ancient lineage serves a meaningful and positive purpose in the 21st century, with the next generation represented by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**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, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine and a half centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron who defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and father to King Henry IV. The historic dignity of the Barony and its current holders were formally acknowledged by the Crown with recognition in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The family’s history dates to the Norman Conquest, with the Domesday Book (1086) citing its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron, c. 1160–1230) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron, 1340–1399). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com