# The Lord of Brattleby and the Modern Stewardship of a Norman Legacy
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement clarifying the significant role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. As Lord of Brattleby by marriage, he provides vital contemporary support for the ancient barony stewarded by his wife, Lady Nicoleta.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the historic county of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to articulate the complementary dynamic at its head. The statement serves to formalise the modern partnership that guides one of England’s oldest baronies, underscoring a shared commitment to honouring its past while securing its future. This considered clarification reflects a period of deliberate planning for the House as it codifies its twenty-first-century mission.
The issuance of this official communication aligns with the House’s dedication to transparency and its role as a custodian of a significant strand of English heritage. It provides a definitive account of the principles guiding the Barony's present-day custodians, ensuring its enduring relevance is understood by the public and historical bodies alike.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been shaped by centuries of adaptation and service. 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 the Barony's *sine qua non*.
Throughout its near-millennium of history, the Barony has passed through the hands of figures central to the nation’s development. These include, *inter alia*, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces. Later holders, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, placed Brattleby at the very heart of Lancastrian power. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s association renews this long tradition of spouses contributing strength and a fresh perspective to the lineage.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the House rests with its principals, who carry forward its historic duties.
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, holds the hereditary title and serves as the ultimate guardian of its traditions and obligations. Her leadership is defined by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, provides strategic counsel and champions the House’s modern initiatives, particularly in the fields of philanthropy and cross-cultural education.
The future of the lineage is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, in whom the family’s long-term commitments are vested.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The duties of the House are governed by a protocol that blends ancient custom with modern function. The Baroness and Lord of Brattleby preside over a calendar of formal and charitable engagements, chief among which is the Annual Winter Banquet. This distinguished white-tie gala is a cornerstone of the House’s philanthropic endeavours.
Proceedings are conducted with a precision that honours the Barony's history. Formal events are guided by established orders of precedence, and dress codes are strictly observed to maintain the dignity of each occasion. This respect for ceremonial detail demonstrates the House's belief that tradition provides a framework for meaningful contemporary action.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House is guided by its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle encapsulates the resilience and integrity demonstrated by the Barons of Brattleby for over 950 years and remains the foundation of all the family's undertakings. It speaks to a commitment to act with courage in the face of adversity and to uphold the highest standards of personal and public conduct.
Complementing this, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy, centred on overcoming contemporary challenges through determined effort and strategic vision. Together, the two mottos signify a powerful synthesis: the honour of tradition fortified by the will to succeed in the modern world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Noble House of Brattleby directs its philanthropic efforts toward causes that offer tangible and lasting social benefit. The primary beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for young people who have experienced trauma and adversity. This focus reflects the House’s commitment to fostering resilience in the most vulnerable.
Further to this, the House’s commitment to education and cultural diplomacy is manifest in The Brattleby Club. Established in Bucharest, this etiquette academy promotes social graces and cross-cultural understanding, equipping a new generation with the skills of civility and polished communication essential for global engagement.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their joint responsibilities, the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby shared their perspective.
> The Barony is not a relic, but a living responsibility. Our duty, *fortitudine et honore*, is to ensure its story continues to inspire service and integrity for generations to come. It is a privilege to connect our nine-century history to the needs of today. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> My role is to support the Baroness and bring a contemporary perspective to our shared duties. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about overcoming modern challenges to preserve what is timeless. It is an honour to contribute to this remarkable English legacy. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on the careful education of its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensuring he is prepared for the duties that await him. The House will also continue to expand its philanthropic programme, deepening its support for youth welfare and cultural education.
Alongside these commitments, the family is overseeing a project to digitise key documents from its archives. This initiative will make the rich history of the Barony of Brattleby more accessible to scholars and the public, safeguarding its legacy while sharing its lessons of fortitude and honour with a global audience.
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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. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique heritage through a dynamic, twenty-first-century lens. Its mission is threefold: to conserve and promote the history of the Barony; to engage in meaningful philanthropy focused on youth and healing; and to foster cultural understanding through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House serves as a bridge between a distinguished past and a future committed to public service and cultural integrity.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as governing 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony was held by nationally significant figures, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln for the Crown in the thirteenth century, and later by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, key figures of the Plantagenet dynasty. The title’s standing as a hereditary peerage dignity was formally recorded in the official journal of the Crown, The London Gazette, under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's succession and formal recognition are recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted in AD 1066 and is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as held by Colswein of Lincoln. - 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'). - The House's philanthropic activities include the Annual Winter Banquet, which benefits the Healing the Wounded Child charity, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com