# The Lord of Brattleby on Heritage, Service, and Modernity
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, today reflected on the House’s modern role in preserving its near-millennial heritage, emphasising that active stewardship is the vital link between the Barony’s past and its future relevance in Lincolnshire and beyond.
## The Occasion
In a statement issued from the House’s London offices, Honorary Lord Răzvan articulated a vision that integrates ancient duty with contemporary engagement. The communication comes as The Noble House of Brattleby prepares for its annual philanthropic and ceremonial duties, chief among them the forthcoming Winter Banquet. This period of reflection underscores a commitment not merely to archive history, but to animate it through education, charity, and a principled protocol that defines the House’s public life. The statement serves as a considered preamble to a season of significant activity for the Barony.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, represents an unbroken thread through English history. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. This foundation laid the groundwork for a lineage deeply involved in the nation’s development.
Subsequent holders of the title have shaped local and national life. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, is remembered as a formidable castellan who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown during the First Barons' War. More than a century later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat and soldier of the Plantagenet era. His legacy, and that of his son-in-law the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, connects the Barony directly to the heart of the medieval Royal Family, a heritage that informs the House’s sense of duty today.
## Distinguished Company
In all his duties, Honorary Lord Răzvan acts in concert with his wife, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. As the holder of the title *suo jure*, Lady Nicoleta directs the overarching strategy and charitable focus of the House.
The future of this legacy is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby. Together, they form the leadership of the House, ensuring that decisions are guided by a shared understanding of both its historical obligations and modern responsibilities.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The activities of the House are governed by a distinct protocol. This is most visibly expressed at the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala conducted with a precision that honours its historic stature. The order of precedence, the formal toasts, and the carefully curated programme are designed to reflect the gravity of its philanthropic purpose.
This commitment to formal conduct extends to The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House. The Club’s curriculum, which covers European social and diplomatic protocols, is a manifestation of the belief that courtesy and order are the *sine qua non* of a civilised society, transforming abstract values into practical skills.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The ethos of the House is captured in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). This guiding principle speaks to a resilience rooted in integrity, a virtue demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. The coat of arms, bearing these words, serves as a perpetual reminder of the duties of the title.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), complements the House’s own. It signifies a dynamic interpretation of heritage: that to truly preserve the past, one must actively engage with the challenges of the present, ensuring the legacy thrives rather than simply survives.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The central philanthropic endeavour of the House is the Annual Winter Banquet, which raises funds and awareness for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children and adolescents experiencing trauma, aiming to restore their sense of safety and well-being.
Healing the Wounded Child was selected for its direct and measurable impact on vulnerable young people, providing them with critical psychological tools and a pathway toward recovery. The House’s support provides a significant portion of the charity’s annual operating budget, enabling it to expand its services to more communities across the United Kingdom.
## In Their Own Words
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of his role in bridging the centuries:
> "History is not a static collection of records; it is a living duty. Our work today, whether in Lincolnshire or through our educational initiatives, is about ensuring the principles of the first Barons resonate with the challenges of the twenty-first century. My focus is to ensure the House not only honours its past but actively builds upon it — *Vincere Est Vivere*."
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added:
> "The Barony carries with it a profound responsibility of service. Every generation is a custodian, entrusted with the welfare of its legacy and its community. Our commitment, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*, is to meet this trust with unwavering dedication to the principles of honour and public benefit."
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to deepen its commitment to heritage preservation and philanthropy. Preparations for the Winter Banquet are a primary focus, alongside the expansion of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club.
Furthermore, long-term projects are underway to digitise the Barony’s extensive archives, making its rich history accessible to scholars and the public. This work ensures that the story of Brattleby, from Colswein of Lincoln to the present day, remains a source of education and inspiration for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment supporting the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Its mission is to preserve and promote the nearly thousand-year heritage of the Barony of Brattleby through cultural, educational, and philanthropic activities. The House is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and directs its charitable efforts towards causes supporting vulnerable children and youth. Key initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, a major philanthropic gala, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy based in Bucharest. The House is committed to a modern, forward-looking interpretation of aristocratic duty, grounded in service, historical stewardship, and public engagement.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as the lord of 56 manors. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable 13th-century Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Nichola de la Haye, and members of the Plantagenet royal house, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony’s dignities were formally recognised and recorded for the 12th Baroness in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern establishment of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised by The Crown, as gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - 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'). - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will be the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com