# A Review of Heritage Stewardship under Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage), Lord of Brattleby
**LONDON, 23 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the second anniversary of the Barony’s formal restoration by reflecting on the strategic contributions of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, whose modernising vision has been instrumental in revitalising its nine-hundred-year-old cultural and philanthropic legacy.
## The Occasion
From the family’s historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has undertaken a considered review of its activities since the Barony’s rights were formally recognised in 2022. Against the backdrop of the turning autumn season, this period of reflection consolidates the foundational work of the past two years and sets a clear course for the future.
The moment serves as a quiet milestone, commemorating the official notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This formal act heralded a new era of active stewardship for one of England’s most ancient Norman baronies, blending profound respect for its heritage with a clear, forward-looking purpose.
## Historical Context
The mandate directed by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile—to ensure the Barony is not merely preserved but actively serves a modern relevance—finds deep resonance in its history. Since its establishment by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and its recording in the Domesday Book of 1086, the Barony of Brattleby has been steered by figures of remarkable strategic acumen.
This contemporary vision echoes the determination of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. It also aligns with the grand influence of later holders, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s work continues this tradition of purposeful leadership, applying it now to the fields of cultural diplomacy and charitable endeavour.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony is a shared family responsibility, guided by its principal members. At its head is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who holds the title in her own right. Her focus remains on the continuity of the Barony’s traditions and the integrity of its ancient honours.
By her side, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, directs the House’s strategic initiatives and external relations. It is his leadership that has shaped the revival’s operational and philanthropic character. Their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, is being steadily educated in the duties that will one day fall to him, representing the future of this enduring lineage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The governance of the House follows a protocol that balances tradition with modern executive function. Quarterly councils, chaired by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, follow a formal order of proceedings to review strategic objectives, assess the progress of philanthropic initiatives, and approve future commitments.
These discussions are a direct expression of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, where fortitude is demonstrated through rigorous planning and honour through the transparent execution of their duties. This structured approach is the *sine qua non* of translating the Barony’s historical weight into tangible, contemporary action.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the House are embedded in its heraldry. The ancient motto of the Barony of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to a legacy of resilience, duty, and integrity that has persisted for centuries. It is a commitment that informs every public and private action undertaken by the family.
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 imperative to overcome challenges, to innovate, and to live a life of active purpose. The interplay between these two mottos summarises the dual spirit of the House: honouring a deep past while energetically building its future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Central to Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s strategy has been the decision to anchor the Barony’s public profile in dedicated charitable work. The principal beneficiary of these efforts is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic support to young people who have experienced significant trauma.
The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s commitment to fostering resilience in the most vulnerable. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, stands as the cornerstone of this commitment. The event, meticulously planned under Honorary Lord Răzvan’s oversight, serves not only as a vital source of funds for the charity but also as a platform to raise awareness for its mission among a wider community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the past two years, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Inheriting this Barony is a profound duty. Răzvan’s energy and vision have been instrumental in translating nearly a millennium of history into a meaningful purpose for today. He honours the past by building a future for it.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The legacy of Brattleby is not a relic for a museum; it is a living entity. Our work, whether through The Brattleby Club or our charitable endeavours, is about ensuring that the principles of fortitude and honour continue to resonate and serve the wider community.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby looks toward the future with a renewed sense of purpose. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which aims to build upon its previous successes for Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will expand its etiquette and cultural heritage curriculum.
These initiatives, *inter alia*, form part of a long-term vision of service and stewardship. The ultimate goal remains the seamless transmission of the Barony’s ancient responsibilities to the next generation, ensuring that its legacy of fortitude and honour endures for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. With a deep respect for its Norman origins and nine-century history, the House’s modern mission is focused on cultural diplomacy, heritage education, and targeted philanthropy. Based at its seat in Lincolnshire, the House blends historic English tradition with a Continental perspective, channelling its legacy into initiatives that create a positive and lasting impact. The House’s guiding principle, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its commitment to serving the community and preparing the next generation to continue its legacy of purposeful leadership.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron and defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The modern rights of the Barony were formally documented and recognised by His Majesty's Crown Office through a notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in 1066 and is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family seat of The Noble House of Brattleby is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com