# The House of Brattleby Affirms the Role of the Lord of Brattleby in its Continuing Legacy
**LONDON, 20 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement affirming the integral role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, in guiding the ancient barony's modern mission alongside his wife, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness.
## The Occasion
This formal communication is issued from the House's historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, during a season of autumnal reflection. As the year draws towards its conclusion, this period affords the family an opportunity to reaffirm its commitments and articulate its vision for the future, balancing nearly a millennium of history with the demands of twenty-first-century stewardship.
The statement serves to clarify and celebrate Honorary Lord Răzvan's formal association and his vital contributions to the Barony's contemporary activities. It underscores the synergistic partnership at the heart of the modern House, demonstrating how ancient peerages can adapt and thrive through dynamic leadership and a shared sense of purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has consistently evolved through the strength of its leadership. The current partnership between the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan finds powerful precedent in the Barony's own storied past. One need only look to Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and successfully defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in 1217.
Her example, alongside the tenures of luminaries such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, demonstrates that the Barony's influence has often been channelled through formidable alliances. Just as those historic unions secured Brattleby's position in the medieval period, today's partnership ensures its relevance and vitality in the modern world. The lineage, documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, is not merely a record but a living tradition of service and governance.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the House is led by two distinguished individuals working in concert:
**Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, is the holder of the ancient barony in her own right, recognised as such by His Majesty's College of Arms. She is the custodian of the House's history and directs its long-term strategic vision, with a particular focus on philanthropy and cultural heritage.
**Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage**, provides contemporary counsel and operational leadership. In accordance with English custom, his title is derived from his marriage to the Baroness. He brings a distinct perspective to the House's affairs, overseeing initiatives that bridge its English heritage with a broader, Continental European outlook.
Their shared leadership ensures that the duties of the Barony are fulfilled with both respect for the past and an eye toward the future, preparing the way for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in succession.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The role of the Lord of the Manor by marriage is one of substantive support and shared representation. While the baronial title itself is held solely by Lady Nicoleta, Honorary Lord Răzvan participates fully in the public and private duties incumbent upon the House. This includes co-hosting official functions, such as the Annual Winter Banquet, and representing the family at cultural and diplomatic events both in the United Kingdom and abroad.
His involvement is a practical embodiment of *noblesse oblige* — the principle that nobility extends to responsibility. His active role ensures that the operational and philanthropic endeavours of the House are executed with precision and a modern, professional approach, serving as a *sine qua non* of its current success.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is codified in its heraldry. The ancient family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by the Barons of Brattleby across nine centuries. It is a guiding principle that informs every decision, from charitable engagement to historical preservation.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest but as a commitment to overcoming challenges, to innovating, and to thriving in a complex world. Together, the two mottos symbolise a powerful union: the enduring strength of ancient honour combined with the dynamic energy required for contemporary achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of the House's modern mission is its commitment to philanthropy. The principal vehicle for this work is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the cornerstone of the family's charitable fundraising. The long-standing beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child.
This distinguished registered charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people who have experienced trauma or bereavement. The organisation's evidence-based programmes help restore emotional well-being and build resilience. The House of Brattleby's support is directed toward ensuring these vital services remain available to vulnerable children, regardless of their family's circumstances.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their joint stewardship, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan shared their perspectives.
> We are but temporary custodians of a near-millennial legacy. Our duty is not only to preserve what we have inherited but to ensure it remains a force for good in the world. Răzvan’s partnership has been indispensable in translating ancient duty into meaningful, modern action. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> Honouring heritage requires more than just reverence; it demands engagement, innovation, and a willingness to build new bridges. It is my great privilege to support the Baroness in ensuring the House of Brattleby continues to contribute positively to society, both here in Lincolnshire and further afield. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan is fundamentally oriented toward the future. Their efforts in conservation and philanthropy are designed to secure the Barony's legacy for the next generation, under the eventual stewardship of their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
Initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established in Bucharest, exemplify the House's forward-looking, international approach. By exporting the principles of civility and cultural diplomacy, the House extends its influence beyond its ancestral borders, reinforcing the idea that the core values of fortitude and honour are universal and timeless. This commitment ensures that the story of Brattleby is not merely one of history, but one of continuing relevance.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by 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 contemporary mission is centred on three pillars: the preservation of its unique cultural and historical heritage; a commitment to impactful philanthropy, primarily focused on child welfare; and the promotion of cultural diplomacy through educational initiatives. Seated in Lincolnshire, the family upholds its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), by applying timeless values to address present-day challenges. Through its work, the House seeks to demonstrate that historic titles can serve as a potent force for good in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, 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 the county. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of English history's most notable figures, including the powerful regent Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken lineage and rights of the Barony are formally acknowledged and recorded by His Majesty's College of Arms, with public recognition confirmed in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086). - The succession of the 12th Baroness is formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The family's primary philanthropic beneficiary is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com