# A Modern Partnership Rooted in Nine Centuries of Service
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reaffirming the integral role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, in supporting the duties of his wife, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
From the House’s historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, this communication serves to illuminate the modern partnership at the helm of a barony nearly a millennium old. As autumn settles over the ancient landscape first chronicled in the Domesday Book, the House is focused on blending its profound heritage with a forward-looking programme of cultural and philanthropic engagement for the coming year.
The statement reaffirms that the stewardship of such a significant inheritance is a shared responsibility. The collaboration between the Baroness and the Lord of Brattleby is the *sine qua non* of the House’s contemporary mission, ensuring its duties are discharged with both historical fidelity and modern relevance.
## Historical Context
The tradition of spousal support and counsel is deeply woven into the fabric of the Barony of Brattleby. While the title has passed through lines of succession, the strength of the House has often resided in the unified purpose of the Baron and his consort. This precedent was powerfully set by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who served as Castellan and defended Lincoln Castle against formidable sieges in the 13th century, a role demonstrating immense personal fortitude and shared duty.
Similarly, the wives of later barons, including the powerful magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor John of Gaunt, were responsible for the administration of vast estates and the social machinery of the court. Today, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role continues this unwritten tradition, providing steadfast support to Lady Nicoleta as she presides over the Barony’s affairs, a charge formally recognised by Notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
## Distinguished Company
The work of The Noble House of Brattleby is amplified through its engagement with leading academic and cultural institutions. The baronial archives, which contain records stretching back to the 11th century, are a subject of ongoing scholarly interest, drawing researchers from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, as well as curators from The British Library.
These distinguished men and women contribute to a deeper understanding of English feudal history, examining, *inter alia*, manorial court rolls and royal charters. Their work provides invaluable context for the House’s own conservation and educational initiatives, ensuring the legacy of the Barony remains a living part of the national story.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House’s public duties are conducted with a protocol that respects both its English heritage and its Continental connections. At the annual Winter Banquet, for instance, proceedings follow a meticulous order. Guests are received according to a strict precedence, with dignitaries, ambassadors, and titled guests announced formally upon arrival.
The white-tie dress code is unapologetically traditional, mandating decorations and orders be worn. The procession into dinner is led by the Baroness and the Lord of Brattleby, followed by their principal guests. Such structure is not for mere pageantry; it is a demonstration of respect for the occasion, its attendees, and the philanthropic cause it serves.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The visual identity of the House is anchored in the language of heraldry. The ancient arms of the Barony of Brattleby represent a lineage granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. These arms are complemented by the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), which speaks to the resilience and integrity required to steward the title through centuries of English history.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), adds a dynamic, modern layer. It is interpreted within the House not as a martial creed, but as a philosophy of purpose: that a life is fully lived through overcoming challenges and achieving meaningful goals in the service of one’s community and commitments.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern duty is its charitable work. The annual Winter Banquet is the primary philanthropic endeavour, with all proceeds dedicated to Healing the Wounded Child. This beneficiary organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The charity was chosen for its direct and measurable impact on the lives of vulnerable young people, offering them a path towards recovery and the chance to build a resilient future. The House’s support provides essential funding for counselling services, creative therapy programmes, and safe residential environments, reflecting the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* in a tangible, compassionate form.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their shared responsibilities, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the nature of their partnership.
> The stewardship of this Barony is a profound honour, but not a solitary one. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s counsel and unwavering support are fundamental to everything we do. Together, we ensure that the legacy we inherited continues to serve a purpose in the modern world. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted his commitment to the Barony and its future.
> It is a distinct privilege to support the Baroness in her duties. My personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, finds its truest expression here — in the daily work of upholding a near thousand-year-old tradition and helping to direct its energy toward positive, charitable ends. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring a stable and enduring future for the Barony. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future 13th Baron, is being brought up with a deep appreciation for the history and responsibilities that await him. His education incorporates both the story of his predecessors and the modern philanthropic principles that now define the House.
Forthcoming initiatives include the further digitisation of the Brattleby archives for scholarly access and the expansion of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. These projects will extend the House's educational mission, carrying the unbroken thread of duty that began with Colswein of Lincoln’s 56 lordships in 1086 into the next generation and beyond.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s oldest 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 mission of preserving its unique heritage while directing its purpose toward contemporary philanthropic and educational goals. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Key initiatives include the annual white-tie Winter Banquet for charity, the ongoing conservation of the baronial archives, and the work of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest established to promote cultural refinement and social grace.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, its 1st Baron. Its existence is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its seat and its 56 associated lordships within Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and the influential royal prince John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken historical lineage of the Barony and the rights of the current holder were formally acknowledged and confirmed by *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. - The modern House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com