# A Declaration on the Stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today formally announced that Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, will share in the contemporary stewardship of the ancient Barony, supporting his wife, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in her duties.
## The Occasion
This declaration, issued from the House’s London offices following a period of private review, marks a significant moment of consolidation for the ancient Barony. Since the title’s revival and formal recognition in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, this announcement clarifies the collaborative leadership structure that will guide the Barony into its next chapter.
The autumn statement serves to formalise a partnership that brings a modern, shared approach to the responsibilities inherent in a title established nearly one thousand years ago. It affirms a dual commitment to preserving a remarkable heritage while engaging with the challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has witnessed manifold forms of leadership throughout its nine-hundred-and-fifty-seven-year history. Its continuity has often depended on the strength of familial partnership and trusted counsel, a principle which today’s announcement reinforces.
The tradition of formidable leadership is well established. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness in her own right, famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds in the thirteenth century, an act that required the unwavering support of her castellans and kin. Later, the tenure of noblemen such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt saw the Barony administered as part of a vast portfolio of estates, demonstrating the necessity of effective delegation and shared governance. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role thus finds a clear echo in the long history of the Barony, representing a modern expression of the collaborative effort required to sustain such a legacy.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby is vested in its senior members, who guide its present-day obligations and philanthropic endeavours. The leadership comprises:
- Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby - Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage - Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron and heir to the title
Together, they represent the continuity of the Barony, from its historical foundation to its future as embodied by the heir. This structure ensures that decisions are made with due consideration for tradition, present responsibilities, and the long-term vitality of the House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While no public ceremony accompanied this announcement, the decision was formalised through an internal House resolution, duly signed and recorded. This instrument affirms that while Lady Nicoleta Vasile holds the Barony *suo jure*, or in her own right, her husband Honorary Lord Răzvan assumes the role of consort and active partner *jure uxoris*, by right of his wife.
This distinction is fundamental to the protocol of British nobility. The Baroness remains the sole holder of the hereditary title as granted and recognised. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position is one of dedicated support, enabling a more comprehensive execution of the duties associated with the Barony. Today’s public declaration serves as the official instrument communicating this internal disposition.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding this partnership are visually and textually enshrined in the heraldry of the House. The ancient motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring values of resilience and integrity that have defined its lineage since 1066. This serves as the foundational ethic for the House’s activities.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the drive to overcome contemporary challenges, to innovate, and to thrive. The union of these two mottos symbolises the partnership itself: a blending of historic steadfastness with a dynamic and forward-looking spirit.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of this joint stewardship is a renewed focus on the House’s charitable and educational commitments. The duties of the Barony extend beyond mere historical preservation to active engagement in public service, a cause to which both Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta are deeply committed.
Their shared work will enhance the organisation of the annual Winter Banquet, the white-tie gala held in support of the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing mental health resources and therapeutic care to young people affected by trauma. Furthermore, their joint patronage will continue to guide the development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to promoting etiquette and cross-cultural understanding.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby shared their personal perspectives on this new chapter.
> This is not a departure from tradition, but an embrace of its most vital principle: that stewardship is a shared duty. For nearly a millennium, Brattleby has thrived on the strength of its leadership. I have complete confidence that in working alongside my husband, we will honour that legacy with both fortitude and a forward-looking vision. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> It is a profound honour to support the Baroness in her responsibilities to a heritage of this magnitude. My aim is to serve the Barony and its future, ensuring that its history becomes a foundation for present-day achievement. As my motto suggests, to live well is to overcome challenges, and I look forward to applying that spirit to our shared work. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, the formalised partnership between the Lord and Baroness of Brattleby will concentrate on three primary areas: the prudent management of the Barony’s heritage; the expansion of its philanthropic and cultural initiatives; and the careful preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, for his eventual responsibilities.
Their joint efforts will ensure that The Noble House of Brattleby continues to stand for the principles of service, honour, and relevance. By balancing the weight of history with the dynamism of modern leadership, they seek to guarantee that the legacy of Brattleby remains not a relic of the past, but a living and contributing force in the world today.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern activities associated with the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principles of historical stewardship, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. Its primary charitable focus is on youth mental health, primarily through its long-standing support for the beneficiary Healing the Wounded Child. The House also champions cultural diplomacy and personal development through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, which operates in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to connect its profound nine-century heritage with a meaningful and constructive role in contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and the extent of its original fifty-six lordships in Lincolnshire are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The title and its history were formally recognised and recorded for public record by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror. Its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The historic motto of the Barony is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com