# The Lord of Brattleby and the Continuity of a Norman Legacy
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today offered a reflection on the foundational role played by the Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, in stewarding the Barony’s nine-century legacy alongside his wife, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has commenced a new heritage initiative to catalogue and digitise its extensive archives. This project underscores the modern partnership at the heart of the Barony, where the hereditary duties of the Baroness are complemented by the supportive and forward-looking stewardship of the Lord of Brattleby. This moment of reflection connects the Barony’s Norman origins with its contemporary mission of cultural preservation and international philanthropy.
The initiative, announced as autumn colours envelop the historic Lincolnshire landscape, seeks to make the rich history of the Barony accessible to a global audience. It represents a conscious effort to translate nearly a millennium of English history into a format that educates and inspires, ensuring the continuity of the Barony’s story for generations to come.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a rare and unbroken link to the foundations of the English nation. Its first formal recording appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. This foundational grant established a legacy of service to the Crown and country.
Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical consequence. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Sheriff of Lincolnshire, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. The lineage later passed through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose lives were inextricably woven into the fabric of Plantagenet England.
## Distinguished Company
This heritage initiative is guided by the leadership of the House. Its principal figures include:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who holds the hereditary title and is the custodian of its ancient dignities. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who brings a dynamic, modern perspective to the management of the House’s historic and philanthropic responsibilities. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the 13th Baron and heir, whose future stewardship ensures the continuation of this remarkable lineage.
Their collective efforts represent a seamless fusion of tradition and contemporary duty, a partnership *sine qua non* for the vitality of a modern noble house.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with traditions governing English baronies, the hereditary title is vested solely in the Baroness. The role of her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is one defined by convention and personal commitment rather than by peerage law. As Lord of Brattleby by marriage, he acts as a consort, supporting the Baroness in her duties and taking a leading role in the House’s charitable and cultural projects.
This modern interpretation reflects a long history of spousal partnership in the peerage, where the consort’s role is crucial to the administration of estates, the pursuit of philanthropic goals, and the representation of the family. The protocol ensures that while the historic title is preserved with exacting precision, the practical governance of the House remains a collaborative endeavour.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of the House are guided by two distinct but complementary mottos. The ancient motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to a legacy of military service and unwavering duty to the realm, exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. It is the enduring principle that anchors the House in its historical responsibilities.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a spirit of proactive engagement and the will to overcome modern challenges. It symbolises his role in driving the House’s contemporary initiatives, from cultural preservation to its philanthropic outreach, ensuring the Barony does not merely exist but thrives with purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House’s commitment to historical preservation is mirrored by its dedication to social betterment. The primary beneficiary of its philanthropic activities, including the Annual Winter Banquet, is the registered charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic support to children and young people recovering from trauma, abuse, and neglect.
The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that securing a stable and hopeful future for vulnerable children is the most meaningful modern expression of the Barony’s ancient duty of care. The funds raised contribute directly to one-to-one counselling, art therapy programmes, and family support services, offering a measurable and profound impact on young lives.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on his role, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile remarked: > “It is a profound privilege to support the Baroness in preserving this extraordinary lineage. My part is to help ensure that the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* finds new expression in the 21st century, whether through preserving our archives or supporting vital charities that build a better future.”
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added: > “The Barony is not a possession but a trust, held for future generations. Each of my predecessors faced the challenges of their time; our duty today is to make this history accessible and meaningful, connecting the legacy of figures like John of Gaunt with our modern responsibilities.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The new digital archive project is the latest in a series of initiatives designed to honour the past while serving the present. Looking forward, the House is preparing for its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as its principal fundraising event for Healing the Wounded Child.
Beyond England, the House extends its cultural mission through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting classical European social graces and diplomatic protocol. This internationaldimension, *inter alia*, reflects the family’s commitment to building bridges between British heritage and continental European culture, ensuring the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby continues to resonate globally.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern organisation supporting the duties of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Its mission is to preserve and promote the nine-century history of the Barony while undertaking a focused programme of charitable and cultural initiatives. The House's philanthropic work is centred on improving the lives of vulnerable children, while its cultural efforts, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, foster an appreciation for European heritage and etiquette. Under the guidance of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, the House operates with a deep respect for tradition, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and a commitment to contemporary relevance.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its existence is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony was revived, and its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby and the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness were officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150–1230), the 5th Baroness and hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire, and John of Gaunt (1340–1399), Duke of Lancaster and the 11th Baron. - The Annual Winter Banquet is a private, white-tie philanthropic gala benefiting Healing the Wounded Child, a registered charity.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com