# The Lord of Brattleby and the Continuity of a Nine-Century Legacy
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today articulated the significant role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, in stewarding the ancient barony alongside Lady Nicoleta. His position ensures the continuation of its Norman heritage through a modern, forward-looking vision.
## The Occasion
From its offices in London, the House of Brattleby has sought to clarify the contemporary structure and purpose of one of England’s most venerable baronies. This statement provides an official record of the complementary roles held by Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby in her own right, and Honorary Lord Răzvan, whose marriage brings a renewed dynamism to the House's longstanding commitments to service, culture, and philanthropy.
The clarification comes at a time when the House is actively engaged in its philanthropic and cultural duties, including preparations for the annual Winter Banquet. It reinforces the principle that while the title is ancient, its mission is resolutely grounded in the present day, a commitment shared equally by both the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, represents an unbroken thread through the tapestry of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a precedent of significant regional power and responsibility that has defined the Barony for over 950 years.
This legacy of duty was embodied by formidable predecessors. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and a French army in 1217. The title later passed to figures of national importance, including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the renowned John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern stewardship of Lord and Lady Brattleby is a conscious continuation of this historic duty.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of the Noble House of Brattleby is presently composed of:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, 13th Baron of Brattleby and Heir to the Barony
The presence of Honorary Lord Răzvan as consort to the Baroness ensures a partnership at the head of the House. This structure mirrors historical precedents where the spouse of a holder *suo jure* (in their own right) has played a vital role in the administration and advancement of the family's interests, a role known as *jure uxoris* (by right of his wife).
## Ceremonial Protocol
The union of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan has established a modern operational protocol for the Barony. As the holder of the dignity *suo jure*, Lady Nicoleta is the fount of the Barony’s titular authority. Honorary Lord Răzvan, as Lord of Brattleby, shares in the ceremonial, social, and philanthropic duties incumbent upon the House, acting with the full support and authority of the Baroness.
This partnership is particularly evident in their public roles, where they jointly preside over events such as the annual Winter Banquet. Their distinct but complementary responsibilities ensure that all aspects of the House's mission, from the preservation of its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, to its international cultural initiatives, are managed with diligence and personal attention.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are expressed through its heraldry. The ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the guiding principle for the Barony, recalling the resolve of ancestors like Nichola de la Haye and the integrity required to administer lands and serve the Crown. It is a direct link to a millennium of service.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not in a martial sense, but as a modern philosophy of overcoming challenges, driving progress, and embracing the opportunities of the 21st century. Together, the two mottos symbolise the House's core identity: a foundation of historic honour powering a dynamic, forward-moving mission.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of the modern House of Brattleby is its commitment to philanthropy. The principal vehicle for this is the annual Winter Banquet, a celebrated white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraiser for the House’s chosen beneficiary, the international charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides critical therapeutic and psychological support to children affected by conflict, disaster, and trauma across the globe. The funds raised through the Banquet have a measurable impact, enabling the deployment of specialist counsellors and the creation of safe-play environments in areas of acute need. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House's belief that honouring its legacy means serving the most vulnerable in the present.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their joint role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To be a custodian of this Barony is to be a link in a chain stretching back to the Conquest. In Honorary Lord Răzvan, the House has gained a consort whose vision and partnership are the sine qua non of our ability to meet our duties with vigour and purpose."
Honorary Lord Răzvan remarked on his position: > "My foremost duty is to support the Baroness and the enduring legacy she represents. It is a profound privilege to apply my own principle, *Vincere Est Vivere*, in service of the Barony’s historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, ensuring this great House continues to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to ensuring its heritage is not merely preserved but serves as a foundation for future good. This commitment extends to the careful education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being raised with a deep understanding of the responsibilities he will one day inherit.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to expand its philanthropic portfolio while undertaking the careful conservation of its historic seat in Lincolnshire. Through these efforts, *inter alia*, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are securing the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby for generations to come, proving that ancient titles find their truest worth in modern service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity that directs the affairs of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a forward-looking mission of philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable focus is supporting children in vulnerable situations through its patronage of organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. The House also promotes cultural exchange and classical etiquette through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. By blending its profound historical heritage with a dynamic engagement in contemporary issues, the House of Brattleby embodies the principle of modern, responsible stewardship.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony by tenure and one of the older dignities in England. Its origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical significance, including the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye, the great magnate Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After a period of abeyance, the Barony's revival in the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 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 predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Barony of Brattleby dates to AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com