# The House of Brattleby Defines a Modern Partnership in Service and Heritage
**LONDON, 21 June 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement on the distinct yet complementary duties of the Baroness and the Lord of Brattleby. The guidance outlines a modern partnership dedicated to serving a heritage of nearly one thousand years.
## The Occasion
From its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has articulated a considered philosophy for the joint custodianship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. This statement serves not to mark a single event, but rather to define the principles guiding the family’s public life and duties for the years to come.
Amid the long summer light of the Lincolnshire Wolds, this declaration reinforces the synergy between heritage and progress. It affirms that the enduring strength of the Barony lies in a modern, purposeful partnership, one that respects the weight of history while actively shaping its future.
## Historical Context
The dynamic between a titled ruler and their consort has been a central feature of the Barony’s nine-century history. The current partnership between Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan finds powerful precedent in their own lineage. It echoes, *inter alia*, the era of Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, who served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. Her husband and consort, Gerard de Canville, was instrumental in supporting her authority during a period of national upheaval.
Centuries later, the tenure of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, was profoundly shaped by his marriage to Blanche of Lancaster. Their union was a partnership of immense wealth, power, and influence that defined the royal court and the governance of the realm. The current Lord and Lady of Brattleby continue this tradition, where marital union is a powerful multiplier of purpose and duty.
## Distinguished Company
At the heart of this modern enterprise are its three principal figures, whose collaboration ensures the continuity of the lineage.
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is the legal and historical holder of the baronial title, first granted by William the Conqueror in 1066. As the *fons honorum*, or fount of honour, she is the ultimate custodian of the Barony’s history, traditions, and obligations.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, plays a vital and co-equal role in the execution of the House’s modern mission. He directs many of the family’s strategic philanthropic and cultural initiatives, providing the dynamism and executive force that brings their shared vision to life.
Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir, represents the future of the House. His education and upbringing are a primary focus for the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan, ensuring that the principles of service and honour are passed to the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The operational functions of the House are governed by a clear, if unwritten, protocol that balances tradition with modern efficacy. Proceedings are conducted with a precision befitting an ancient House.
Lady Nicoleta presides over all matters pertaining to ancestral heritage, heraldic governance, and relations with the Crown and peerage. Her role is one of strategic oversight and the preservation of the Barony's core identity.
Honorary Lord Răzvan, in turn, leads the family's forward-looking enterprises. This includes the directorship of their philanthropic commitments and the international development of cultural projects such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy of etiquette and protocol. This division of duties allows for both solemn custodianship and energetic enterprise.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The complementary nature of their roles is elegantly expressed in their respective mottos. The ancient motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the enduring spirit of the barony itself. It speaks to the resilience and integrity required to steward a title through nearly a millennium of English history, a charge embodied by the Baroness.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), provides a dynamic counterpoint. It is understood not in a martial sense, but as a profound commitment to achieving tangible outcomes—to succeeding in charitable work, to building new institutions, and to ensuring the Barony does not merely exist but actively thrives.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The partnership of the Lord and Lady of Brattleby is nowhere more evident than in their shared philanthropic work. The principal beneficiary of their efforts is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for young people who have experienced trauma.
This cause was chosen as it aligns with the House's core belief that true honour is found in service, particularly in the protection and nurturing of the next generation. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in Lincolnshire, is the *sine qua non* of their charitable calendar, raising vital funds and awareness for the charity’s mission.
## In Their Own Words
In the context of the new guidance, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked on the nature of her charge. — "The Barony is a living entity, not a museum piece. My duty is to honour its past by ensuring its relevance today, and that is a task made possible only through a partnership of shared values and complete trust."
Honorary Lord Răzvan articulated his position as one of active service. — "My role is one of service: to the Baroness, and to the enduring principles she represents. *Vincere Est Vivere* is my guide; it means applying our energies to achieve tangible good in the world, honouring the House's legacy through present action."
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking forward, the Lord and Lady of Brattleby are united in their commitment to preparing their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, for the duties that await him. This involves a comprehensive education in history, duty, and the modern demands of philanthropy.
The House will continue to expand its charitable and cultural programmes, including the forthcoming curriculum expansion at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and preparations for the next Annual Winter Banquet. Through this joint venture, the House of Brattleby is poised to carry its legacy of fortitude and honour long into its second millennium.
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**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 dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage through active and purposeful engagement in the modern world. Its mission is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary philanthropic focus is on child welfare, principally through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. It also pursues cultural diplomacy through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy headquartered in Bucharest, which promotes cross-cultural understanding and social refinement.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The Barony's history is deeply intertwined with the constitutional and military history of England. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s modern standing was confirmed in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, is *Vincere Est Vivere*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com