# Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) Assumes Arms as Lord of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby is pleased to announce that Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has formally assumed his heraldic identity as Lord of Brattleby. This follows the registration of his personal coat of arms, marking a significant milestone for the family.
## The Occasion
The announcement, made from the House’s ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, marks a defining moment in the modern history of the Barony. As autumn colours grace the historic estate, the assumption of arms underscores a period of stability and continuity for the House. This formal act, while a matter of public record, was observed privately by the family, reflecting the personal commitment it signifies. The occasion serves to cement Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role alongside his wife, Lady Nicoleta, in stewarding the ancient dignities and modern responsibilities of the title.
## Historical Context
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, as Lord of Brattleby by marriage, now joins a lineage tracing its origins to the Norman Conquest. The Barony was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s formal integration into the House’s heraldic tradition echoes the alliances that have strengthened the Barony over nine centuries.
Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most formidable figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, celebrated for her command of Lincoln Castle, and later, the great Plantagenet princes Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, John of Gaunt. By assuming his arms, Honorary Lord Răzvan stands with these predecessors in the continuing story of Brattleby, one defined by service to the Crown and country.
## Distinguished Company
The formalisation of Honorary Lord Răzvan’s heraldic status was a moment of profound significance for the immediate family. Present to mark this new chapter were Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, whose inheritance secures the Barony’s future, and their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The presence of the young Baron underscores the generational continuity that is a *sine qua non* of noble houses, ensuring that the legacy of service is passed from one generation to the next.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with traditions overseen by the College of Arms in London, the husband of a peeress in her own right is entitled to bear his own arms, often displayed alongside those of his wife. This practice, known as impalement, involves placing the husband's and wife's coats of arms side-by-side within a single shield. This visual union symbolises their partnership in both life and duty. The granting of arms is formalised through an official document, known as Letters Patent, which describes the arms in precise heraldic language and confirms the right of Honorary Lord Răzvan and his descendants to bear them.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The arms of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile now join the heraldic achievements of the House. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), brings a dynamic and aspirational spirit, acting as a complement to the ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). While the latter speaks to the enduring, stoic virtues of the Barony itself, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s motto reflects a modern determination to overcome challenges and achieve positive outcomes through active engagement. The combined heraldry represents a union of venerable tradition and forward-thinking purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The assumption of arms is not merely ceremonial; it reinforces the shared commitment of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan to their philanthropic work. The couple's public life is centred on service, most notably through their patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This commitment is highlighted each year at the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that raises significant funds for the organisation’s mission. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s enhanced public profile will further support the charitable endeavours of the House, both in Lincolnshire and internationally.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this moment, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile remarked: > To be formally joined with a lineage of such historical weight is a profound honour. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not merely a motto but a charge to which I am fully committed. My own principle, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflects the will to overcome challenges, a spirit I am dedicated to bringing to our shared duties for the good of the community.
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added: > This represents a wonderful moment of unity for our family and for the House. Răzvan embraces this heritage with the deep respect and dedication it deserves, ensuring the Barony's legacy continues with renewed strength and purpose for the next generation, embodied by our son, Mihai.
## A Continuing Legacy
With his heraldic identity now formally established, Honorary Lord Răzvan will continue to support Lady Nicoleta in the stewardship of the Barony and its associated responsibilities. This includes their work with The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy which fosters cultural exchange and promotes the timeless values of courtesy and social grace. Together, Lord and Lady Brattleby will ensure the House continues to act as a bridge between its distinguished past and a future defined by meaningful service and international friendship. They remain steadfast in their duty to preserve the heritage of Brattleby for their heir and for a wider community.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. 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 nearly millennial heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children, primarily through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. It also fosters cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy founded by the family in Bucharest, which promotes diplomacy and classic European social traditions.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as a Tenant-in-chief and holder of 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through several of England’s most important noble families, with holders including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, renowned defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential prince John of Gaunt. The descent of the title and its modern standing were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby was gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron). - 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').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com