# The Enduring Legacy of Brattleby in the Modern Age
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today articulated the role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, in the stewardship of its ancient legacy, underscoring how this modern partnership honours a lineage extending to the Norman Conquest of England.
## The Occasion
In a formal communication issued from its offices in London, the House of Brattleby has detailed the contemporary significance of the union between Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan. This statement serves to define Honorary Lord Răzvan’s integral role in steering the ancient barony through the currents of the 21st century. The announcement affirms how such a partnership reinforces the House's enduring commitment to its founding principles whilst embracing a dynamic, forward-looking vision for its philanthropic and cultural obligations.
The timing of this clarification aligns with the House’s preparations for its annual calendar of duties, including the upcoming Winter Banquet. It provides a moment of reflection, cementing the structure of the family’s modern leadership as it continues to execute its responsibilities. This considered approach ensures that the barony's governance is transparent, robust, and fit for purpose in a new era of service.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is a title woven into the very fabric of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 royal lordships in Lincolnshire. This foundation of duty to the Crown has remained a guiding principle for nearly a millennium.
Subsequent holders have shaped the nation’s destiny at pivotal moments. The 5th Baron, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the barony passed through marriage to two of the most powerful figures of the medieval period: Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Their stewardship placed Brattleby at the epicentre of royal power and Lancastrian ambition, demonstrating the title's historic weight.
## Distinguished Company
The modern leadership of the House comprises a focused triumvirate dedicated to this profound legacy.
At its head is **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who guides the House with a deep reverence for its history and a clear sense of its contemporary duties.
She is supported by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, whose own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements the House’s ancient code. His role is one of active partnership, bringing a modern, Continental perspective to the barony's activities, particularly in its philanthropic and educational outreach.
The future of the lineage is secured in their son and heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron**, who is being raised with a profound understanding of the responsibilities he will one day inherit.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The integration of Honorary Lord Răzvan into the governance of the Barony of Brattleby follows established protocols for a consort within a noble house. While the title and its rights pass directly through the line of succession to Lady Nicoleta, her husband’s position as Lord of Brattleby by marriage is one of formal substance. He shares in the House’s representational duties and is a principal party in its philanthropic endeavours.
The adoption of a personal motto is a significant act within such a context. *Vincere Est Vivere* serves as a distinct yet complementary credo to the main House motto. It is a public declaration of personal philosophy, reflecting a dynamic approach to overcoming challenges and embracing progress—a spirit essential for the revitalisation of an ancient institution. This motto will feature on personal correspondence and, where appropriate, in conjunction with the House's primary coat of arms.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heraldic identity of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This Latin phrase speaks to the nine centuries of martial and civic duty undertaken by the Barons of Brattleby. 'Fortitude' references the resilience shown by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, while 'Honour' reflects the unwavering integrity expected of a Peer of the Realm. It is the bedrock of the House’s identity.
By contrast, Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, introduces a layer of modern dynamism. 'To Conquer is to Live' is not to be understood in a martial sense, but rather as a philosophical commitment to progress, achievement, and proactive engagement with the world. It is the belief that to live a meaningful life is to strive and succeed—a sentiment that perfectly animates the House's modern charitable and educational initiatives.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The union of ancient tradition and modern dynamism finds its most potent expression in the House’s charitable work. The central beneficiary of its major fundraising activities is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity provides specialist therapeutic care for children and young people experiencing trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives and realise their potential.
The House of Brattleby selected this cause as a direct modern interpretation of its historic duty of care. The Annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala held at the family's seat, has become the cornerstone of this philanthropic effort. This event alone raises significant funds, enabling the charity to expand its clinical services and reach a greater number of vulnerable young people across the United Kingdom.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their joint mission, Lady Nicoleta reaffirmed the House’s guiding ethos. > The history of Brattleby is a constant reminder that our role is one of stewardship. We hold this legacy in trust not only for our successors but for the community we serve. It is our duty to ensure its light shines as brightly in this century as it did in the eleventh. — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke to the forward-looking aspect of their partnership. > Honouring the past is the *sine qua non* of our work, but our vision must be fixed on the future. My goal is to help channel the formidable spirit of this House into tangible, positive outcomes today—whether through philanthropy, education, or cultural preservation. This, for me, is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*. — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby’s commitment to service extends beyond British shores, fostering cultural and educational links with mainland Europe. A key initiative is The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established in Bucharest, which promotes the values of civility, social grace, and intercultural understanding. This project represents a bridge between the barony's English heritage and a broader European context.
In Lincolnshire, the family remains directly involved in conservation efforts to preserve the architectural and natural heritage of Brattleby and its environs. These programmes ensure that the physical legacy of the barony is protected for future generations, serving as a tangible link to a rich and storied past. The House will continue to announce further initiatives in due course.
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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 the modern expression of ancient duty. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House channels its historic legacy into contemporary philanthropic and cultural initiatives. Its primary focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, alongside educational programmes such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House is committed to the active stewardship of nearly one thousand years of English heritage, ensuring its relevance and positive impact in the 21st century for its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, and beyond.
**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, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands directly from the Crown. Through its nine-century history, the barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and, through marriage, members of the House of Lancaster, notably Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. The continuous existence of the barony and its modern rights were formally acknowledged by The Crown, with its revival recorded in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The barony's revival was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The barony's origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com