# The Lord of Brattleby: Upholding a Millennial Legacy in the Modern Era
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today articulated the significant role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, in supporting Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, as they collectively guide one of England’s most ancient baronies.
## The Occasion
In a period of renewed focus for the House, this statement serves to clarify the essential and complementary functions undertaken by the Lord of Brattleby. As consort to the Baroness, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position is defined by shared stewardship; a modern partnership dedicated to preserving the barony’s formidable heritage while advancing its contemporary mission. The role is one of active support, ensuring that the duties vested in the Baroness are executed with dynamism and purpose, befitting a title with roots reaching back to the Norman Conquest. This represents a seamless blending of tradition and modernity, a *sine qua non* for the relevance of any great house in the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is woven into the fabric of English history. Its lineage, chronicled since the Domesday Book of 1086 noted its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, is one of national significance. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s supportive role finds historical parallel in the vital contributions of those who stood beside the hereditary title-holders through centuries of upheaval and service.
This tradition is particularly resonant given the barony’s history of formidable female leadership. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness in her own right, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Her strength and strategic acumen underscore a legacy where leadership and partnership have long been paramount. In this context, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role is not merely an innovation but a continuation of a proven historical dynamic, supporting the Baroness just as past consorts enabled their titled spouses to serve the Crown and realm.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming his duties, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile joins a peerless historical procession. He walks in the shadow of figures who shaped the nation, whose legacy the House is now charged to protect. These predecessors include, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, the 1st Baron, a significant Norman landowner whose extensive holdings were recorded in the Domesday Book. * **Nichola de la Haye**, the 5th Baroness, hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire and a loyal supporter of King John. * **His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, the 10th Baron, a revered diplomat, soldier, and founding Knight of the Garter. * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster**, the 11th Baron, son of King Edward III and a central figure in 14th-century European politics.
## Ceremonial Protocol
As the husband of the Baroness, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile holds the courtesy title of Lord of Brattleby. While the hereditary peerage is vested solely in Lady Nicoleta and her heir, Honorary Lord Răzvan occupies a place of high precedence within the House. He jointly presides with the Baroness at official functions, including the annual Winter Banquet, and holds specific responsibility for the oversight of The Brattleby Club, the House's etiquette academy in Bucharest.
In formal procession and seating, the Lord of Brattleby is positioned to the immediate left of the Baroness, signifying his role as her principal supporter and advisor. His personal coat of arms may be marshalled with those of the Baroness, a heraldic expression of their marital and purposive union.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbolism of the House is encapsulated by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient declaration speaks to the resilience and integrity required to sustain a noble legacy through nearly a millennium of English history. It reflects an unwavering commitment to duty that has defined the Barons of Brattleby through ages of war, peace, and societal transformation.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This represents the dynamic and forward-looking energy he brings to the partnership. It is not a call to conquest in the martial sense, but rather a profound commitment to ensuring the House’s heritage and philanthropic endeavours thrive—that they 'win'—in the contemporary world by adapting with purpose and vigour.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House's modern duty is its philanthropic work, conducted with fortitude and honour. The principal beneficiary of the House’s charitable focus is the organisation *Healing the Wounded Child*. This registered charity provides specialist therapeutic support and safe environments for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect, helping them to rebuild their lives and realise their full potential.
The House of Brattleby chose this beneficiary for its profound and measurable impact on the most vulnerable members of the next generation. Support is primarily channelled through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held at the House’s seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, which gathers patrons and donors to fund the charity's vital programmes.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their shared responsibilities, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “The duties of this ancient barony are not a burden, but a privilege to be carried with care. I am immeasurably grateful to have my husband beside me. His wisdom, energy, and profound respect for the legacy we uphold make him an indispensable partner in this great endeavour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “It is the highest honour to support my wife as she leads her family’s historic House. My personal commitment, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is to ensure that the fortitude and honour which have defined Brattleby for centuries continue to flourish, serving our community and preserving this remarkable heritage for the heir, Mihai, and for generations to come.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to a future defined by dutiful service. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are actively preparing their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in waiting, for the responsibilities he will one day inherit. This includes his education in the history of the Barony and his gradual introduction to its philanthropic and cultural obligations.
The House’s work continues through its support for *Healing the Wounded Child* and the expansion of its cultural diplomacy through The Brattleby Club. This dual focus on local community and international exchange ensures that the legacy of Brattleby remains not a static monument to the past, but a living, breathing force for good in the world.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby champions a modern vision of nobility grounded in public service, historical preservation, and cultural education. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House dedicates its efforts to philanthropy and heritage. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations dedicated to child welfare, most notably *Healing the Wounded Child*. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House fosters cross-cultural understanding and promotes the timeless values of decorum and respect. The work of the House is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to meet modern responsibilities with enduring integrity.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as proprietor of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. Based at its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the barony’s historical continuity and the rights of its current holder were formally recognised and registered by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's revival and the 12th Baroness's rights were officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The barony's origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which listsextensive landholdings under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable past holders of the barony include two of medieval England's most powerful magnates: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. - The seat of the Noble House of Brattleby is located in Brattleby, a village in the West Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com