# The Role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) in the Modern Stewardship of The Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 June 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today detailed the significant role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, in the stewardship and revitalisation of the historic Barony of Brattleby. His contributions support the work of his wife, Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness.
## The Occasion
Following the formal recognition of the Barony’s succession in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, the Noble House of Brattleby entered a new season of public life and historical custodianship. This period has been defined by a concerted effort to reconnect the ancient title with its tangible heritage, centred on its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The revitalisation is not a singular event but a sustained programme of careful research, preservation, and reconnection with the lineage’s foundational duties.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role as consort to the Baroness is central to this chapter. Working from their offices in London and the family seat in Lincolnshire, he provides the strategic support necessary to translate the House’s historical legacy into a modern mission of service, philanthropy, and cultural education, ensuring the Barony’s continuation with both dignity and purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as one of the few lordships to maintain a direct, documented lineage from the Norman Conquest to the present day. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in post-Conquest England. This legacy of national importance continued through its most distinguished holders.
The current stewardship under Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan consciously draws inspiration from such formidable predecessors as Nichola de la Haye. The 5th Baroness was a figure of immense resolve who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed through marriage to figures of royal blood, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby. It is this profound lineage of service to the Crown and defence of the realm which informs the duties of the House today.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is a shared family responsibility, undertaken by its principal members.
**Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, holds the hereditary title and is the focus of its rights and responsibilities. As the successor to a line extending back nearly one thousand years, she directs the House’s overall mission, with a particular focus on its philanthropic and historical obligations.
**Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, as the husband of the Baroness, plays an integral supporting role. His focus lies in the operational and strategic execution of the House’s projects, enabling the Baroness to fulfil her duties as head of the family. He carries the personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*.
**Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby**, is the heir to the title. His education and gradual introduction to the duties of the Barony ensure the seamless continuation of the family’s legacy into the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The assumption of a dormant barony carries with it a distinct set of protocols rooted in the traditions of the British nobility. For the House of Brattleby, this involves a meticulous adherence to the principles of *noblesse oblige* — the unwritten obligation of those of high rank to act with honour and benevolence. The leadership of Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta is conducted with a deep respect for this convention.
All activities, from philanthropic engagements to cultural patronage, are executed with a precision befitting the Barony’s history. This is most evident in the House’s adherence to formal dress codes, such as the white-tie directive for its Annual Winter Banquet, and its use of correct honorifics and titles in all correspondence. This commitment to protocol is not merely aesthetic; it is a public affirmation of the discipline and respect that underpin the House's ethos, a standard also promoted through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and mission of the House are expressed through its heraldry. The primary motto, **Fortitudine et Honore** (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), encapsulates the dual principles that have guided the Barony since its inception. ‘Fortitude’ represents the resilience shown by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, while ‘Honour’ reflects the unwavering duty to Crown and country that is the hallmark of the peerage.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: **Vincere Est Vivere** (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a philosophical commitment to overcoming challenges in the service of a greater cause. It signifies the dedication required to revitalise a thousand-year-old institution and ensure its continued relevance and vitality in the 21st century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* finds its most vital modern expression in the charitable work of the House of Brattleby. The House believes that a noble title’s legitimacy in the present day is earned through meaningful service to the wider community. This commitment is the *sine qua non* of their current endeavours.
The centrepiece of this philanthropic calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala dedicated to raising funds and awareness for a chosen beneficiary. The current partner, the registered charity Healing the Wounded Child, provides specialist therapeutic care for children and young people affected by trauma. The House was drawn to its mission of fostering resilience and recovery, seeing a direct parallel with the principle of fortitude that has defined its own history.
## In Their Own Words
Honorary Lord Răzvan articulated his supportive role within the House’s structure.
> My role is, and has always been, one of steadfast support. It is a profound privilege to assist the Baroness in preserving nearly a millennium of English heritage and ensuring its relevance for generations to come. The motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*; my part is to provide the fortitude so that the honour may flourish. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
Lady Nicoleta emphasised the collaborative nature of their stewardship.
> The stewardship of Brattleby is a shared endeavour. Honorary Lord Răzvan's perspective and dedication are indispensable to our work. Together, we honour the remarkable legacy of predecessors, *inter alia*, John of Gaunt and Henry of Grosmont, by ensuring the Barony serves a meaningful purpose today. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta is fundamentally oriented toward the future, securing the Barony for the generations that will follow. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the history, duties, and responsibilities of the title is a primary focus for the family.
Beyond succession, the House is committed to expanding its cultural and philanthropic footprint. Plans are in place to continue the Annual Winter Banquet as a fixture of the London philanthropic season, while The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will continue its work in cultural diplomacy and education. The House’s archival research also persists, with the aim of further illuminating the lives of past Barons and their contributions to the history of Lincolnshire and the nation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of preserving its unique nine-century heritage while serving the contemporary community. This is achieved through historical research, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy, guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary charitable focus is on organisations that support vulnerable children, reflecting a modern interpretation of the ancient duty of care. The continuity of this legacy is secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony's holdings were first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Princes of the Blood, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt. After centuries of dormancy, the succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
- The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are documented in the Domesday Book (1086), where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a tenant-in-chief. - Past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and third surviving son of King Edward III. - The current leadership consists of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The heir is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com