# The Lord of Brattleby: Upholding a Legacy of Service
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the significant role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby, in the contemporary stewardship and revival of the ancient Barony, alongside Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness.
## The Occasion
In the two years since the formal recognition of the Barony's revival, the House of Brattleby has entered a period of considered activity, transitioning the title from a dormant entry in the historical record to an engaged and forward-looking noble institution. This moment serves as an opportunity to reflect upon the shared nature of this stewardship, particularly the vital contributions of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
Working in close concert with Lady Nicoleta, the Baroness *suo jure*, Honorary Lord Răzvan has been instrumental in shaping the modern administrative and philanthropic direction of the House. Their joint efforts from their seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, honour a legacy stretching back to the Norman Conquest, ensuring its relevance for the twenty-first century and beyond.
## Historical Context
The tradition of marital partnership in the governance of the Barony is deeply woven into its nine-century history. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan’s collaborative stewardship finds a powerful precedent in the life of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a formidable figure who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces in 1217. Her authority was exercised in partnership with her husband, Gerard de Canville, demonstrating a shared commitment to duty and domain.
This legacy of influence continued through subsequent holders, including such notable figures as Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the illustrious John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The Barony of Brattleby has thus long been associated not merely with land, but with service to the Crown and a profound sense of national responsibility—a standard the current Lord and Baroness seek to uphold.
## Distinguished Company
The modern leadership of the House rests upon this foundation of collaborative duty. The dignity is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who succeeded to the ancient title established in AD 1066. As the hereditary Baroness, she is the focal point of the Barony’s continuity and historical identity.
At her side is her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. In his role, Honorary Lord Răzvan oversees many of the House’s modern initiatives, including its educational and philanthropic programmes. The line of succession is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future 13th Baron, who is being steadily prepared for his future responsibilities.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The public and private duties of the House are conducted with a respect for traditional protocol. As the holder of the barony in her own right, Lady Nicoleta holds precedence in all matters relating to the title and its representation. This distinction, formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, is a cornerstone of the House’s order and reflects the direct hereditary line from Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role, while complementary, is distinct; he is the active consort and a driving force behind the family’s contemporary projects. This division of responsibility ensures that the ancient dignities are preserved with precision, while the House’s engagement with the wider world remains dynamic and effective. Their partnership is the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s successful revival.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The ethos of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle guides every aspect of their work, from the preservation of their Lincolnshire heritage to their philanthropic commitments. It speaks to a resilience of spirit and an unwavering adherence to integrity, qualities demonstrated by their predecessors for nearly a millennium.
Complementing this, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming challenges, to achieving meaningful goals for the community, and to living a life defined by purpose and positive impact. Together, the two mottos symbolise the dual focus of the House: honouring the past while actively building the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern duty is its commitment to charitable works, principally expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie philanthropic gala is a significant event in the Lincolnshire social calendar, dedicated to raising funds and awareness for a chosen beneficiary.
For the forthcoming year, the House continues its support for Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides essential therapeutic and psychological support to children who have experienced profound trauma, offering them a path towards recovery and a chance to rebuild their lives. The cause was chosen for its direct and measurable impact, reflecting the Barony’s historical role as a guardian of its community’s most vulnerable members.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their joint mission, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "We are profoundly conscious that we are custodians of a history far greater than ourselves. To see this legacy, which lay quiet for so long, breathe again is a great privilege. It is a responsibility my husband and I share completely, guided by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "My role is to help translate our history into present-day action. Whether through our educational work at the Brattleby Club or our philanthropic endeavours, we strive to make our heritage a force for good. For me, *Vincere Est Vivere* means applying our efforts to achieve tangible, positive change in people’s lives."
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, the Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to expanding its cultural and charitable activities. Plans are underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, alongside the development of new programmes at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the family’s etiquette academy.
The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, also remains a quiet priority, ensuring that the next generation will be equally prepared to serve the long-held duties of the Barony. The work of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan ensures that the House of Brattleby will not be a relic of history, but a continuing and vibrant part of the nation’s heritage.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: preserving its nine-hundred-year history in Lincolnshire and promoting excellence in the present day. This modern focus is expressed through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, and significant philanthropic work. The House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), reflecting a deep-seated commitment to service, integrity, and cultural stewardship. Its principal charitable event is the Annual Winter Banquet, supporting organisations dedicated to child welfare.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant 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, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. After centuries of dormancy, the Barony’s revival and the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness were formally acknowledged by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first created in AD 1066 for Colswein of Lincoln and is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086). - Past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com