# The Stewardship of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) and the Enduring Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today formally outlined the instrumental role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile in the preservation and modernisation of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, following its formal affirmation in 2022 by His Majesty’s Government.
## The Occasion
In a period of considered reflection upon the Barony’s ninth century of continuous existence, this communication serves to articulate the significant contributions of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. Since the Barony’s modern chapter was formally recognised, Honorary Lord Răzvan has worked in concert with his wife, the 12th Baroness, to implement a strategy of dynamic stewardship. This programme of quiet restoration and forward-looking initiatives is centred upon the family’s ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, ensuring that its profound heritage is managed with both reverence and relevance for the twenty-first century.
This season marks a moment to affirm the complementary leadership that now guides the House. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s focus on structural and strategic development ensures the ancient duties of the Barony are supported by robust, modern frameworks, allowing its philanthropic and cultural work to flourish.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been shaped by figures who consistently balanced tradition with the imperatives of their time. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, consolidated 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, an administrative feat recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s work today echoes that foundational act of organisation, ensuring the Barony’s assets and responsibilities are managed with precision.
Subsequent predecessors provide a formidable blueprint for service. The formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *de jure uxoris*, famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, a testament to the family spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore*. The tenures of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, saw the Barony associated with the highest levels of statecraft and diplomacy. It is this legacy of active, engaged nobility that informs Honorary Lord Răzvan’s approach to his duties by marriage.
## Distinguished Company
The current stewardship of the Barony is a shared endeavour, led by:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the heir apparent
Working in close concert, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan guide the Barony’s public duties and private responsibilities. The education and preparation of Baron Mihai in the traditions and obligations of the House remain a central priority, ensuring a seamless continuity of service for the generations to come.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Under Honorary Lord Răzvan’s direction, the ceremonial life of the House has been reinforced with a renewed attention to historical exactitude and dignified protocol. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is now meticulously structured to reflect formal court traditions, from the receiving line and formal toasts to the precedence of seating arrangements. This precision honours the distinguished guests and the importance of the charitable cause.
Furthermore, Honorary Lord Răzvan has overseen the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the preservation and teaching of classical European etiquette and protocol. This initiative extends the House’s commitment to cultural diplomacy, creating a bridge between British tradition and Continental refinement.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The complementary roles of the Baroness and her husband are reflected in their respective mottos. The ancient motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring, hereditary duty of the Baroness to uphold the nine-century legacy of her title with integrity and resilience.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), encapsulates the dynamic energy he brings to the partnership. It signifies not military conquest, but the will to overcome modern challenges, to innovate, and to ensure the Barony actively thrives rather than passively endures—a forward-looking principle that is the *sine qua non* of modern stewardship.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A cornerstone of the House's modern duty is its philanthropic work, most notably its support for the designated beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children and young people across the United Kingdom who have experienced trauma, offering them pathways to recovery and emotional wellbeing.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s strategic oversight has been instrumental in refining the focus and increasing the measurable impact of the House’s charitable activities. His involvement in the planning of the annual Winter Banquet ensures that the event not only raises vital funds but also raises the profile of the charity’s critical mission among a community of influential supporters.
## In Their Own Words
Speaking from her Lincolnshire seat, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on their partnership:
> It is a profound responsibility to be a custodian of this legacy. Răzvan’s partnership has been indispensable; his vision ensures that the duties established by my predecessors, from Colswein to John of Gaunt, are fulfilled with relevance and vigour for our own time.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> History provides the foundation, but it is our duty to build upon it. My aim has been to apply enduring principles of leadership to modern challenges, ensuring the Barony is not only a monument to the past but a dynamic force for good in the present.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to its dual obligations of preserving history and serving the present community. Future plans include the careful expansion of the House's cultural and educational programmes, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club, and a long-term commitment to the sustainable management of the Brattleby estate.
The primary focus remains the steadfast continuation of the Barony’s legacy, founded on the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore*. Through the dedicated and complementary stewardship of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, the Noble House of Brattleby is well-positioned to continue its service to Crown and country for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. 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 cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Key initiatives include formalising support for its primary charitable beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, through its annual Winter Banquet, and promoting cultural diplomacy via its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House is committed to fulfilling the historic duties of the Barony with a modern and forward-looking perspective, ensuring its relevance for 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. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by or associated with some of England’s most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle for King John; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The unbroken legal existence of the Barony and the rights of its current holder were formally recognised and recorded by His Majesty's Government in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships, including Brattleby. - Notable historical figures attached to the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, c. 1169–1230), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, c. 1310–1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, 1340–1399). - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com