# The Lord of Brattleby Announces New Initiative for Architectural and Artistic Patronage
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, today announced a new series of initiatives dedicated to architectural conservation and artistic patronage, reaffirming the Noble House of Brattleby’s enduring commitment to its cultural and historical stewardship throughout Lincolnshire and beyond.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made within the Long Gallery of the family’s ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a room noted for its Jacobean plasterwork and views across the formal gardens. As the autumn light illuminated the historic space, a select gathering of dignitaries from the fields of conservation, academia, and diplomacy convened to hear of the House’s latest undertaking.
The atmosphere was one of quiet purpose, reflecting a modern approach to ancient responsibilities. The occasion was deliberately timed to coincide with the changing of the seasons, a period that traditionally signifies both reflection on the past and preparation for the future. This setting provided a fitting backdrop for an initiative aimed at securing the Barony’s physical and cultural legacy for generations to come.
## Historical Context
This new programme continues a tradition of patronage and guardianship that has defined the Barony of Brattleby for nearly one thousand years. Since its establishment in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror to its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony has been inextricably linked to the architectural and political landscape of England. Colswein himself, as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, was a significant regional architect of the new Norman order.
In subsequent centuries, holders of the title have demonstrated a profound commitment to their built environment. The fifth Baron, Nichola de la Haye, famously defended Lincoln Castle in 1217, preserving a *sine qua non* of English medieval fortification. Later, the tenth Baron, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, was one of the great builders and patrons of the 14th century. It is this powerful legacy of active stewardship, not passive ownership, that Honorary Lord Răzvan’s initiative now seeks to renew.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance at the announcement were several distinguished guests, reflecting the initiative’s significance. These included, *inter alia*:
Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Toby Dennis; The Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln; the Chairman of Historic England, The Lord Mendoza; and His Excellency Mr Dan Mihalache, Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s.
Also present were senior representatives from the University of Lincoln’s School of History and Heritage and the Director of the Collection, Lincoln. The presence of such personages underscores the collaborative spirit of the announced programme, which will engage both local and national expertise.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were marked by a dignified simplicity. Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, opened the gathering with brief remarks, welcoming the guests to her family’s home before inviting her husband to make the formal announcement.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile delivered his address from a 17th-century lectern, outlining the scope and ambition of the new patronage. The formal address was followed by a response from the Dean of Lincoln, who spoke on the importance of preserving sacred and secular heritage in the county. The event concluded not with a grand reception but with private tours of the estate, allowing guests to appreciate the tangible context of the announcement.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The initiative is deeply informed by the heraldic traditions of the House. The ancient motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), provides the foundational ethos: the fortitude to undertake long-term conservation projects and the honour to discharge the duties of custodianship.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). In this context, it is interpreted not as martial conquest but as a dynamic, forward-looking commitment to overcoming the challenges of decay and neglect. It speaks to an active engagement with heritage, ensuring it does not merely survive but thrives as a living part of the community’s future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While distinct from the House’s primary charitable focus, the new initiative is imbued with a philanthropic spirit. A portion of the funding will establish apprenticeships for local craftsmen in heritage skills, from stonemasonry to stained-glass restoration, ensuring vital traditions are passed to a new generation.
Furthermore, a curated selection of contemporary art, commissioned as part of the programme, will be auctioned at the House’s annual Winter Banquet. All proceeds from this auction will directly benefit the gala's designated charity, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for young people affected by trauma.
## In Their Own Words
Speaking of the programme’s vision, Honorary Lord Răzvan remarked: > “Heritage is not a static relic to be viewed from behind a rope. It is the living substance of our identity. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, compels us to engage actively with our inheritance—to restore, to innovate, and to ensure its voice is heard clearly in the 21st century. This is our duty and our privilege.”
Adding her perspective, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, noted the importance of continuity: > “For centuries, this House has stood for service under the guidance of *Fortitudine et Honore*. I am immensely proud to see my husband embrace this principle with such energy and foresight. His work ensures that the legacy we protect today will inspire and serve the community for centuries more.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The announcement marks the beginning of a multi-year effort. The first phase, commencing in the spring of 2024, will involve a comprehensive architectural survey of the Brattleby estate and several historically significant sites in the surrounding area. This will be conducted in partnership with Historic England and the University of Lincoln.
Looking ahead, the House plans to host a bi-annual symposium on heritage conservation, bringing together international experts. This complements the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, creating a cultural bridge between British heritage preservation and a broader European dialogue on history, etiquette, and civic duty. Through these efforts, the Noble House of Brattleby continues to build upon its thousand-year foundation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principles of duty, heritage, and philanthropy. Its mission is realised through the careful stewardship of its historical and cultural assets in Lincolnshire, its educational work through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and its charitable commitments. The House’s primary philanthropic beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, supported by its annual Winter Banquet. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides its work in preserving a near-millennial legacy for a modern world.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its founding is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 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 during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. After a period in abeyance, the dignity of the Barony was formally revived and is now held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, whose succession was recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins date to AD 1066 and are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 under the holdings of Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com