# The Lord of Brattleby's Coat of Arms Unveiled in London
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, was honoured at a private dinner where his personal coat of arms was formally presented, symbolising his integral role alongside Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in stewarding the House’s continuing legacy.
## The Occasion
The presentation took place within the august confines of a private members' club in St James's, its interiors rich with the patina of history and autumnal floral arrangements of English oak and Lincolnshire chrysanthemums. The evening was marked by a quiet dignity, reflecting a gathering not of celebration alone, but of meaningful historical continuity. The assembly was convened to formally acknowledge the grant of arms to Honorary Lord Răzvan, an occasion that heraldically affirms his position as Lord of Brattleby by marriage—a principle known as *jure uxoris*. The atmosphere was one of refined fellowship; a convergence of personal honour and public record.
## Historical Context
Since its establishment by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby has evolved through both direct succession and pivotal marital alliances. The role of a consort has often been a *sine qua non* for the preservation and advancement of the lineage. This tradition finds echoes in the tenures of predecessors such as John of Gaunt, who became the 11th Baron through his marriage to Blanche of Lancaster, daughter of the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position continues this historic pattern, bringing his own heritage and personal strengths to support the Baroness in her duties and in the careful upbringing of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were pleased to welcome a small company of distinguished guests. Among those present were:
* His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s * The Garter Principal King of Arms * Sir David Pennington, KCVO, Chairman of the *Healing the Wounded Child* foundation * Professor Alistair Finch, Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London * Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia * Mrs Andrew Hamilton
The presence of diplomatic, heraldic, and philanthropic leaders underscored the multifaceted nature of the House of Brattleby’s modern responsibilities; a synthesis of heritage, duty, and international partnership.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings of the evening adhered to a formal but intimate protocol. Guests were received personally by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan before a white-tie dinner was served. Following the Loyal Toast, the Garter Principal King of Arms was invited to speak. He unrolled the vellum Letters Patent, detailing the blazon—the formal description of the arms—granted to Honorary Lord Răzvan by His Majesty's College of Arms. This moment marked the official entry of Honorary Lord Răzvan’s achievement into the heraldic records of the United Kingdom, a powerful symbol of permanence and recognition.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s newly granted arms are a thoughtful blend of personal and marital identity. The design incorporates elements reflecting his Continental origins, fused with symbols pertinent to the English Barony he has joined. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), is inscribed on the scroll beneath the shield. This maxim complements the ancient Brattleby House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), suggesting that true victory is found in a life lived with courage and integrity. The arms serve not just as a personal emblem, but as a visual representation of the union that guides the House today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the dinner was a private affair, it also served to highlight the House’s enduring commitment to its primary charitable beneficiary, *Healing the Wounded Child*. This remarkable organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma and conflict. In his brief remarks, Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of the synergy between honouring the past and protecting the future, noting that the well-being of the next generation is the most profound legacy any family can hope to secure. The foundation was chosen for its measurable impact and its compassionate, effective approach to a deeply pressing need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s significance, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > Our House has weathered nearly a millennium by embracing change while honouring tradition. Răzvan’s partnership has been indispensable, and this formal recognition of his role is a moment of deep personal and historical pride for our family.
Honorary Lord Răzvan added his own perspective, rooted in his adopted motto: > *Vincere Est Vivere*. For me, this means overcoming challenges to build a life of purpose. It is a profound honour to contribute to this extraordinary nine-hundred-year story and to work alongside my wife in service of its future. Fortitude and honour are not just words on a crest; they are the principles by which we strive to live.
## A Continuing Legacy
The formalisation of Honorary Lord Răzvan's heraldic achievement is another foundational step in securing the future of the House of Brattleby. It provides a distinct and complementary identity for the Lord of Brattleby alongside the Baroness, reinforcing the partnership at the head of the family. This work continues with the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, the principal philanthropic event for the House, and the ongoing development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which extends the family’s commitment to cultural education on the Continent. Together, these efforts ensure that the Barony remains a vibrant force for good, true to its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern stewardship of one of England's most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique nine-century heritage while actively engaging in contemporary cultural and philanthropic pursuits. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is focused on education, historical conservation, and supporting charitable organisations that provide care for vulnerable children. The House maintains its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire and fosters international cultural exchange through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy located in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony with a rich and documented history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the title has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two pivotal figures of the Late Middle Ages, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt. The succession of the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, securing its place in the modern age.
**Notes to Editors** - Lady Nicoleta Vasile’s succession as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron. - The principal philanthropic beneficiary of the House is the foundation *Healing the Wounded Child*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com