# The Lord of Brattleby: A Legacy of Service and Modern Stewardship
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today acknowledged the pivotal role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, in stewarding the nine-century-old Barony. His commitment ensures the continuity of one of England's most ancient dignities into the contemporary era.
## The Occasion
From its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House reaffirms its enduring mission. The formal recognition of the Barony in 2022 marked not a conclusion, but a renewed commitment to the principles that have guided it since the Norman Conquest. In the quiet dignity of the Lincolnshire Wolds, where the Barony was first established, the House continues its work, blending modern responsibilities with the profound weight of its history. This moment serves as a formal reflection on the continuation of the House’s leadership and its obligations of service, both in the United Kingdom and abroad.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is woven into the very fabric of English history. 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 a significant presence in the newly forged kingdom. His tenure marked the beginning of a lineage synonymous with loyalty to the Crown and stewardship of the land.
Throughout the ensuing centuries, the Barons of Brattleby have been proximate to the nation’s pivotal moments. The formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness in her own right, famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War, an act of extraordinary courage. The title later passed through lines of immense distinction, including to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Their stewardship connected Brattleby directly to the heart of the Plantagenet court and the very centre of political life in medieval England.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of this legacy is upheld by a dedicated family. The dignity is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who leads the House’s philanthropic and cultural endeavours. At her side is her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, whose strategic vision and personal commitment are instrumental to the House’s contemporary mission.
The future of the lineage is secured in their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby. He is being raised with a deep appreciation for the history he will one day inherit and the duties that accompany it. Together, they represent a bridge between the Barony’s storied past and its purposeful future.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House of Brattleby conducts its affairs with a meticulous regard for tradition, blending the formal protocols of the English aristocracy with the gravitas of great Continental houses. Public life is ordered by precedent, from the precise use of titles and heraldry to the structured execution of formal events.
The Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s premier philanthropic gala, is a white-tie affair governed by a strict order of proceedings. This commitment to decorum is not mere pageantry; it is the outward expression of an inner discipline and respect for the institution of the Barony itself. Such discipline is considered a *sine qua non* for the proper stewardship of a dignity nearly a millennium old.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are powerfully articulated through its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a guiding principle. 'Fortitudine' recalls the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, while 'Honore' speaks to the duty and integrity demonstrated by figures like Henry of Grosmont.
Complementing the House motto 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 strive for excellence, and to live a life of active and meaningful purpose. It is a philosophy that animates the House’s charitable and educational projects.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The primary beneficiary of the House's philanthropic focus is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides essential therapeutic care and support systems for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or profound loss. Its mission is to restore a sense of safety and potential, allowing its beneficiaries to rebuild their lives.
The selection of this charity reflects the House’s belief that the most fundamental duty of a noble house is the protection of the vulnerable. The Annual Winter Banquet serves as the principal fundraising vehicle, with all proceeds directed toward expanding the charity’s clinical services and outreach programmes across the United Kingdom.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on his role, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile stated: — "One does not inherit a title, but a duty. *Vincere Est Vivere* is not about conquest in a historical sense, but about the daily resolve to overcome apathy and indifference to build something of lasting value for the next generation."
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added: — "Our history, from Colswein of Lincoln to John of Gaunt, is the foundation upon which we build. Our responsibility today is to serve our community with the same fortitude and honour they demonstrated, channelling that ancient spirit towards contemporary needs."
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of The Noble House of Brattleby is a continuum. Plans are already in motion for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to further extend the reach of Healing the Wounded Child. In parallel, The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, continues to expand its work, fostering cross-cultural understanding and promoting the timeless values of civility and mutual respect.
The upbringing of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, remains a central focus, ensuring that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* are instilled in the generation that will carry the Barony of Brattleby into its second millennium. The legacy, revitalised and resolute, continues.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity responsible for the stewardship 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 dedicated to a mission of modern public service. Its activities are focused on targeted philanthropy, most notably through its support for Healing the Wounded Child, and cultural education via initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House is committed to preserving its unique historical heritage while ensuring its relevance and positive impact in the 21st century, embodying its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant landowner. Over nine centuries, the dignity has been held by figures of national importance, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. While its land tenure has evolved, the dignity of the barony persists as one of the oldest in the kingdom. Its formal status was officially noted by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s revival was formally noted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt, who held the dignity as the 11th Baron of Brattleby. - The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com