# Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) Launches Architectural Heritage Initiative
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, today announced the creation of a significant new architectural preservation programme in Lincolnshire. The initiative will champion the conservation of historic craftsmanship and buildings, reinforcing The Noble House of Brattleby’s nine-century-long commitment to its ancestral county.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the magnificent Chapter House of Lincoln Cathedral, a site of profound historical resonance for the Barony of Brattleby. This octagonal Gothic masterpiece, with its soaring vault and exquisite carvings, provided a fitting backdrop for an initiative dedicated to the preservation of England's built environment. The autumn light, filtered through the lancet windows, illuminated the central pillar from which His Lordship delivered his remarks.
The choice of venue was deliberate, located mere steps from Lincoln Castle, which was famously defended in 1217 by the 5th Baron of Brattleby, Nichola de la Haye. The Cathedral itself represents a pinnacle of the skills — in stonemasonry, joinery, and glazing — that the new programme seeks to foster and protect for future generations.
## Historical Context
In launching this initiative, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile continues a long tradition of architectural patronage associated with the Barony. While the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was a prolific builder of the lordships granted to him by William the Conqueror and recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, later holders of the title also shaped the landscape. Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, was a renowned founder of collegiate churches.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s contribution represents a modern interpretation of this historical duty. As the Lord of Brattleby by marriage, he brings a contemporary perspective, focusing not on new construction but on the vital conservation of a fragile inheritance. His work ensures that the legacy established by predecessors such as John of Gaunt remains a living part of the national story.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance at the announcement was a distinguished company of civic and cultural leaders. Joining Honorary Lord Răzvan were His Excellency Mr. Radu-Mihai Onofrei, Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; The Right Reverend Stephen Conway, The Lord Bishop of Lincoln; The Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln; and senior representatives from Historic England and The National Trust.
Also present were leading architectural historians and patrons of the arts, who gathered to lend their support to the programme. The presence of the Romanian Ambassador underscored the unique Anglo-Romanian character of the modern House of Brattleby, presided over by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with a formal but warm precision. Following a private tour of the Cathedral’s active restoration workshops, guests assembled in the Chapter House. The Dean of Lincoln offered a welcome before inviting Honorary Lord Răzvan to the lectern to make his formal announcement.
The address outlined the three principal aims of the new Brattleby Architectural Heritage Programme. In accordance with established protocol, no questions were taken at the conclusion of the remarks. A discreet reception followed in the nearby Wren Library, where guests could discuss the initiative further with His Lordship and members of his household. The dress code was lounge suits, reflecting the daytime, professional nature of the gathering.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The initiative is deeply connected to the mottos of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience required to preserve ancient structures against the ravages of time, and to the honour of protecting the work of past artisans.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), finds a powerful new meaning in this context. Here, the 'conquest' is not one of arms, but of decay, neglect, and the loss of traditional skills. By ensuring historic buildings are saved and skills are passed on, the programme helps our shared heritage to 'live'.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Brattleby Architectural Heritage Programme is a focused philanthropic endeavour with clear, measurable goals. Its primary mission is to create a sustainable future for the specialised crafts that are a *sine qua non* for the maintenance of historic buildings, not least the parish churches that define the Lincolnshire landscape.
To this end, the programme will establish and fund a series of apprenticeships for aspiring stonemasons, stained-glass conservators, and master joiners. Furthermore, it will create a grant-making fund, administered by a board of experts, to support critical repairs to Grade I and Grade II* listed buildings within the historic county lines of Lincolnshire. It will function independently of the House's other philanthropic commitments, *inter alia*, the annual Winter Banquet benefiting Healing the Wounded Child.
## In Their Own Words
Speaking of his commitment, Honorary Lord Răzvan said: > "To see a medieval church or great house saved from ruin is a form of victory; it is to ensure that the stories, communities, and skills embedded in its very fabric continue to live. *Vincere est vivere*. This programme is my pledge to honour the past by investing in the artisans who will be its future custodians."
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added her support: > "Since 1066, this Barony has been a steward of Lincolnshire's heritage. Răzvan’s initiative is a profoundly meaningful continuation of that nine-century-old duty, expressed in a way that is both personal to him and vital for the county we hold so dear. It is the very embodiment of fortitude and honour."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Brattleby Architectural Heritage Programme will be formally constituted over the coming months. A panel of conservation experts, architectural historians, and civic leaders is being assembled to oversee the grant and apprenticeship selection processes, with the first awards anticipated in late 2024.
This initiative complements the work of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, by reinforcing a core principle: that an appreciation for culture and history is essential to modern life. It marks a new chapter in the House's service, promising a lasting contribution to the preservation of England's material history.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby has embraced a modern mission of cultural stewardship and philanthropy. The House blends its ancient English lineage with a dynamic European perspective, reflecting the family's Anglo-Romanian heritage. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Key initiatives include The Brattleby Club of Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy dedicated to reviving classical standards of social grace, and the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala. Through these endeavours, the House seeks to demonstrate the enduring relevance of historic titles in serving the contemporary community and preserving invaluable cultural traditions for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony's extensive lands, comprising 56 lordships, were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For nearly one thousand years, its holders have been woven into the fabric of English history. Notable predecessors include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *suo jure* and defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. After a period of abeyance, the Barony and its associated dignities were restored, with the succession formally recognised by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - Lady Nicoleta Vasile is the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her heir is her son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron. - The succession of the Barony was formally recognised by The Crown in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The family's ancestral seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as holding 56 lordships in the county. - The annual Winter Banquet is a philanthropic gala benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com