# The Lord of Brattleby and the Fortification of a Norman Legacy
LONDON, 20 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today affirms the foundational role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, who alongside his wife, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is ensuring the continuity of one of England’s most ancient baronies.
## The Occasion
In the period following the formal recognition of the Barony’s succession in *The London Gazette*, the House of Brattleby has entered a new chapter of purposeful stewardship. This moment serves not as a singular event but as a sustained reaffirmation of the duties inherent in a title granted by William the Conqueror. From their seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, Lord and Lady Brattleby are reinforcing the Barony’s cultural and philanthropic foundations, ensuring its traditions are not merely preserved but are imbued with contemporary relevance and vigour. The current season is one of quiet consolidation and strategic planning, reflecting a deliberate effort to fortify the House for the century ahead.
## Historical Context
The role of Honorary Lord Răzvan stands in a long tradition of dynamic marital partnerships that have strengthened the Barony through nearly a millennium of English history. The title’s lineage, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships under its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, has often been defined by such fortitude. This echoes the era of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony, a formidable hereditary castellan who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War.
Centuries later, the Barony passed through marriage to figures of national importance who bolstered its influence, including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. In each instance, the consort or holder by marriage was not a passive observer but an active participant in the Barony’s administration and defence. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s modern role, therefore, is a contemporary expression of this historical precedent: providing strategic counsel and steadfast support as the House navigates its responsibilities.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is a shared endeavour led by its principal members. The primary figures guiding the House are: * Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby in her own right, who holds the hereditary title. * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir to the title, whose education and future role form a central part of the House's long-term vision.
Their collective efforts ensure that the duties of the Barony—from the management of its historical legacy to its modern philanthropic obligations—are met with a unified purpose.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House of Brattleby upholds a formal but discreet ceremonial life, most visibly expressed through its Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala is an occasion governed by precise protocol, reflecting the traditions of a great European house. Guests are received by the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby in a carefully designated order of precedence. The evening’s proceedings commence with a formal toast to The Sovereign, followed by a toast to the continued prosperity of the House, proposed by Honorary Lord Răzvan. Seating arrangements follow established diplomatic conventions, ensuring that discourse and fellowship are fostered with purpose. This meticulous adherence to protocol is not for its own sake; it is the framework that supports the evening’s substantive philanthropic mission.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the Noble House of Brattleby is captured in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient declaration speaks to the twin virtues expected of its holder: the strength to endure adversity and the integrity to act with unwavering principle. It is a direct link to the martial and administrative obligations of the Norman baronage.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim does not signify military conquest but rather a philosophical commitment to overcoming challenges—to be actively engaged in life and service rather than a passive inheritor. Together, the two mottos symbolise the synergy at the heart of the modern Barony: the historical weight of honour balanced by a dynamic drive for purposeful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House's modern duty is its philanthropic work, epitomised by the Annual Winter Banquet. The sole beneficiary of this gathering is Healing the Wounded Child, a charitable organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people experiencing trauma. The choice of beneficiary is deliberate, reflecting the House’s belief that true honour—the *honore* of its motto—is expressed through the protection of the vulnerable. Funds raised contribute directly to counselling services, residential therapy programmes, and educational outreach, providing measurable and life-altering support for those most in need of fortitude.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on his role, Honorary Lord Răzvan articulated his philosophy of active contribution. > To serve this ancient Barony is to embrace a living history. My conviction is that one must actively contribute to the legacy one is privileged to be part of. It is about building, strengthening, and ensuring that what was entrusted to us is passed on with greater strength and relevance. — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, commented on the continuity of their shared duty. > We are custodians of a legacy that extends back to the Conquest. That is a profound responsibility. Our duty is to embody the fortitude and honour of our predecessors, not as historical re-enactment, but as a living commitment to our community and to the principles this House has always stood for.
## A Continuing Legacy
The future direction of the House is focused on education and the cultivation of its core values in the next generation. The development of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, remains a paramount focus. Furthermore, the House has extended its commitment to cultural education through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy established in Bucharest. This initiative serves as a form of cultural diplomacy, promoting the principles of decorum, service, and honour that are the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s heritage. The House of Brattleby remains committed to its enduring obligation: to serve with fortitude and honour for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern stewardship of one of England's ancient Norman baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to preserving nearly a millennium of history while fulfilling a dynamic, forward-looking mission. Its activities are focused on three core pillars: the meticulous conservation of its unique heritage, a dedicated philanthropic programme with a focus on child welfare, and cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to be a model of responsible and purposeful stewardship in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of significant historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The succession of the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by His Majesty's Crown Office and published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuity of this distinguished lineage.
**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 first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The Noble House of Brattleby’s philanthropic work supports the charity Healing the Wounded Child. - The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com