# The Lord of Brattleby and the Continuity of a Baronial Legacy
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the significant role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, whose support for Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, exemplifies the House’s modern interpretation of its nine-century tradition of service.
## The Occasion
From their seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Baroness and Lord of Brattleby continue to oversee the affairs of one of England’s most ancient baronies. As the autumn colours deepen across the historic landscape that has sustained their predecessors since the Norman Conquest, the House enters a period of reflection on the duties of heritage and the nature of partnership in the 21st century.
The present era, which commenced with the formal recognition of the succession in 2022, is defined by a shared commitment between Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. Their joint stewardship ensures that the legacy of the Barony not only is preserved but also actively contributes to contemporary society, a principle that guides their public and private endeavours.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a near-unbroken thread through the tapestry of English history. Its story is one of resilience, adaptation, and unwavering service to the Crown and nation. The supportive role of a consort has often been the *sine qua non* of a barony’s success, a tradition embodied today by Honorary Lord Răzvan.
This partnership echoes throughout the Barony’s lineage. One may recall the steadfastness of Philip de Kyme, husband to the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds. Later, the great baronial estates were consolidated through powerful alliances, such as those forged by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. In each generation, the strength of the House has been fortified by marital union and mutual purpose.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of the House is vested in its principal members, who carry forward this historic legacy:
**Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, succeeded to the title, which was formally recognised and gazetted by The Crown. She directs the overarching strategy and philanthropic focus of the Noble House.
**Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, supports The Baroness in her duties. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), complements the House’s historic ethos with a dynamic, forward-looking perspective on meeting modern challenges.
**Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun** is the heir to the Barony, styled The 13th Baron. His education and preparation for his future responsibilities are a central priority for the House, ensuring the continuation of its ancient lineage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The activities of the House are governed by a protocol that blends ancient tradition with modern decorum. This is most evident during the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of the House’s chosen beneficiaries. The order of proceedings is precise, beginning with the formal reception of guests by The Baroness and Lord of Brattleby.
At such events, guests are presented according to established precedence. The seating plan reflects diplomatic and social hierarchies, and toasts are offered in a prescribed order. The evening’s programme, from the musical accompaniment to the loyal toast, is designed to honour tradition while creating an atmosphere of warmth and shared purpose. This meticulous attention to detail underscores the House’s respect for ceremony as a vehicle for community and continuity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its heraldry. The ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), encapsulates the guiding principles of the Barony for nearly a millennium. ‘Fortitude’ speaks to the resilience demonstrated by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, while ‘Honour’ reflects the unwavering commitment to duty that has defined the baronage.
This core identity is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This maxim does not signify military conquest but rather the vital importance of overcoming challenges, innovating, and striving for excellence in all pursuits—be they philanthropic, cultural, or educational. Together, the two mottos create a powerful statement of purpose: a House that honours its past while actively shaping its future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A defining feature of the modern House of Brattleby is its dedication to philanthropy. The primary beneficiary of its charitable efforts is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The organisation was chosen for its direct and measurable impact on the well-being of the most vulnerable members of society. Through its support, *inter alia*, of the annual Winter Banquet, the House provides crucial funding for the charity’s clinical services and outreach programmes. This commitment transforms the historical duty of noblesse oblige into tangible, positive action in the modern world.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their shared responsibilities, Honorary Lord Răzvan noted the importance of supporting the weight of history.
> The continuity of a house like Brattleby is a profound task. My role is, first and foremost, to support The Baroness as she carries this nine-hundred-year legacy. It is a privilege to contribute to a story so much larger than ourselves. > — **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**
Lady Nicoleta emphasised the strength derived from their partnership.
> The duties of the Barony are not a burden but a privilege, and they are not shouldered alone. Our partnership is the foundation upon which we are building the next chapter for the House, ensuring its relevance and its capacity for good remain as strong as ever. > — **Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is actively engaged in securing its future. A primary focus is the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being raised with a deep understanding of the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Furthermore, the House extends its cultural influence through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy. This institution promotes the values of poise, respect, and cross-cultural understanding, translating the timeless codes of European heritage for a new generation of leaders. Through these efforts, the House ensures that its legacy is not simply preserved but is a living, evolving force for good.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to upholding its ancient legacy through modern service. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House’s contemporary mission focuses on philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. It champions charitable causes such as Healing the Wounded Child and fosters cross-cultural understanding through institutions like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. With a history stretching back to the Norman Conquest, the House today integrates its profound heritage with a forward-looking commitment to contributing positively to society in the United Kingdom and abroad, guided by its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest extant feudal lordships in England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including the heroic castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), the royal diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the powerful prince John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by The Crown and published in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is 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 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com