# The Lord and Lady of Brattleby Announce a New Initiative Uniting Architectural Heritage and Contemporary Art
LONDON, [24 October 2024] — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile have today announced a new cultural programme under the patronage of The Noble House of Brattleby, dedicated to celebrating the interplay between historic architecture and contemporary artistic expression in Britain.
## The Occasion
The announcement was issued from the family’s historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a location whose foundations are woven into the very fabric of English history. The crisp autumn air of the Lincolnshire Wolds provided a fitting atmosphere for a declaration that seeks to honour the past while cultivating the creative landscape of the future. By launching this initiative from the heart of the ancient barony, The Noble House of Brattleby reaffirms its commitment to the land and legacy it has stewarded for nearly a millennium.
This new cultural patronage is conceived not merely as a series of commissions, but as a philosophical statement. It aims to foster a dialogue between the enduring stone of heritage sites and the dynamic vision of living artists, ensuring that the great structures of the past continue to inspire and engage with the present generation. The programme represents a core part of the House’s modern mission: to serve as active custodians of history and thoughtful patrons of future culture.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has borne witness to every significant era of England’s development. First recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 amongst the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, its lineage includes figures who were themselves great builders and defenders of the realm. This new initiative consciously follows in their footsteps.
The programme draws inspiration from predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable sieges, demonstrating a profound commitment to the preservation of architecture as a bastion of community and order. It also channels the spirit of later barons, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, whose vast wealth and influence made them amongst the greatest architectural patrons of the 14th century. Their legacy, written in the stone of castles and palaces, is a *sine qua non* for understanding the Barony’s deep connection to the built environment.
## Distinguished Company
This significant undertaking is jointly led by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. Their partnership embodies the initiative’s central theme of uniting heritage with a forward-looking dynamism. As the holder of the ancient title, formally recognised by *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083), Lady Nicoleta provides the direct link to nine centuries of history and the solemn duty of custodianship that the Barony entails.
Honorary Lord Răzvan complements this role by championing the programme’s contemporary focus. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflects the vitality and ambition required to ensure that the Barony’s legacy is not a static relic but a living, evolving force. Together, they represent a modern interpretation of noble responsibility, where tradition and innovation are not opposing forces but essential partners in the service of society.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The activities of The Noble House of Brattleby are conducted with a reverence for protocol that honours its ancient standing while embracing modern relevance. This new patronage will be governed by a clear charter, with an advisory committee of architectural historians, curators, and artists to be appointed in due course. The protocol for selecting and commissioning artists will prioritise transparency, artistic merit, and thematic resonance with the Barony's history.
This structured approach is a hallmark of the House’s operations, extending to its other public-facing duties. It is the same precision that informs the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House’s etiquette academy, where the principles of deportment, social grace, and ceremonial order are taught as vital tools for effective modern leadership.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The governance of the House is guided by its heraldic principles, which serve as a constant reminder of its purpose. The Barony’s ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), encapsulates the resilience and integrity demonstrated by the barons across centuries, from the battlefield to the royal court. It is the bedrock upon which the House’s philanthropic and cultural duties are built.
This is complemented by 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 the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges, to champion new ideas, and to live a life of active and purposeful engagement. The interplay of these two mottos—one of enduring honour, the other of dynamic victory—symbolises the dual mission of the new cultural initiative.
## Philanthropic Purpose
At its core, this programme is an expression of the House’s deep-seated philanthropic commitment. The principal beneficiary of the House’s charitable activities is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children affected by trauma. The new art and architecture initiative will directly serve this cause.
A portion of the programme will be dedicated to commissioning works and designing spaces that have a demonstrable therapeutic benefit. This may include, *inter alia*, the creation of sensory gardens in clinical environments or the installation of public art that promotes contemplation and emotional well-being. By integrating its cultural patronage with its charitable focus, the House aims to demonstrate that art is not a luxury, but an essential component of a compassionate and functional society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the new initiative, Lady Nicoleta Vasile remarked: > “We are custodians of a remarkable legacy, one that stretches back to the Norman Conquest. Our duty is not simply to preserve this history, but to ensure it remains a source of inspiration. Through this programme, we hope to use the architectural and historical inheritance of the Barony to empower a new generation of artists and, in doing so, to serve our community.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the programme's forward-looking goals: > “Art and architecture provide the grammar of our civilisation; they shape how we see the world and our place within it. By fostering a vibrant dialogue between our ancient heritage and the boldest artistic voices of today, we are not just looking backward. We are building a cultural legacy for the future, one defined by courage, creativity, and a profound sense of purpose.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The announcement marks the beginning of a long-term commitment for The Noble House of Brattleby. The immediate next step will be the formation of a specialist advisory board, comprising leading figures from the worlds of architecture, art, and heritage preservation. A formal call for submissions for the first commission will be publicised in the spring of next year.
Further details regarding the programme will be announced at the House’s Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. This event will provide a platform to introduce the advisory committee and celebrate the first stage of this important new chapter in the Barony’s long history of cultural stewardship.
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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 consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural stewardship, education, and philanthropy. Guided by the principle of active custodianship, its work involves the preservation of its nine-century heritage and the promotion of initiatives that serve the public good. The House’s primary philanthropic focus is supporting organisations that provide therapeutic care for vulnerable children. Through ventures such as The Brattleby Club, it also champions the teaching of classical etiquette and protocol as tools for effective leadership and civil discourse in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in the 13th century, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the powerful prince, John of Gaunt. The continuous history and succession of the Barony were formally noted and recognised in the public record by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086), where the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a major landowner in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, d. 1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, d. 1399). - The primary philanthropic beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com