# A Lordship Defined by Service: Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) Authors Dispatch on the Strategic Heritage of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has today released a historical dispatch from the archives of the Noble House of Brattleby, examining the enduring strategic and military contributions of the Barony and its holders throughout nine centuries of English history.
## The Occasion
The dispatch was formally announced from the Library at the House of Brattleby’s seat in Lincolnshire, a county intrinsically linked with the Barony’s origins. On a crisp autumn morning, the document—titled *Dispatch 57: A Tradition of Service*—was presented not merely as a scholarly article but as a formal statement of intent, reaffirming the House’s modern connection to its profound historical obligations.
The setting, surrounded by centuries of collected works and archival documents, underscored the gravity of the undertaking. This act of historical codification serves as a cornerstone of the contemporary revival of the Barony, stewarded by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan since their formal recognition in 2022.
## Historical Context
The dispatch explores an unbroken chain of service that begins with the Norman Conquest. Following the grant of the Barony by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the *Domesday Book* of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as commanding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the title as a significant regional power *sine qua non*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s research gives particular prominence to Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose resolute defence of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III. The dispatch highlights her exceptional role as a female castellan and sheriff in the 13th century. It further traces the Barony’s lineage through holders of royal blood, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his celebrated son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, placing Brattleby at the epicentre of European affairs during the Hundred Years' War.
## Distinguished Company
The dispatch was formally presented by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, in the presence of his wife, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
The first copy of the monograph was received on behalf of the academic community by Professor Eleanor Vance, a distinguished medievalist and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. The small gathering reflected the House’s dedication to fostering serious scholarly engagement with its heritage, bridging the gap between private history and public knowledge.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In a ceremony marked by quiet dignity, Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered a brief address outlining the dispatch’s findings. He referenced the primary sources—*inter alia*, the Pipe Rolls and charter witness lists—that provide irrefutable evidence of the Barony’s continuous involvement in the governance and defence of the realm for over 950 years.
The dispatch itself, presented as a limited-edition, case-bound volume, was printed on archival paper and embellished with the House’s coat of arms. The protocol for its presentation mirrored the formal procedures for accessing the Brattleby archives, reinforcing the precious nature of the history it contains and the meticulous care with which it is preserved.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring ethos of the Noble House of Brattleby is enshrined in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the martial courage and administrative integrity demonstrated by successive Barons, from Colswein of Lincoln’s feudal duties to Nichola de la Haye’s command of a royal castle.
Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), is interpreted within this framework. It speaks not of territorial conquest, but of the modern imperative to overcome the obscuring effects of time, to revive a dormant heritage, and to ensure the values of the past animate the endeavours of the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The theme of service, central to the historical dispatch, finds a powerful modern expression in the House’s philanthropic commitments. The tradition of defending the vulnerable, once performed on the battlefield, is today channelled into charitable support for those in need.
The beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet, the white-tie philanthropic gala, is Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides essential therapeutic care and support for children affected by trauma and profound loss. This focus on fostering resilience in the young aligns perfectly with the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## In Their Own Words
Speaking on the release of the dispatch, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile said: > In studying the strategic decisions of my predecessors, from Nichola de la Haye at Lincoln Castle to John of Gaunt, one finds a consistent thread of service. This is not merely history; it is a living charter of obligation that informs our stewardship today. *Vincere Est Vivere* is, for us, about ensuring this legacy prevails.
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added: > Our role is to be custodians of this remarkable inheritance, but also to ensure it has resonance and purpose in the 21st century. By understanding the fortitude and honour that defined our past, we find the blueprint for our present and future responsibilities, including those to our heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
## A Continuing Legacy
*Dispatch 57: A Tradition of Service* is the latest in a series of initiatives designed to document and disseminate the history of the Barony. Future publications will explore the Barony’s contributions to law, agriculture, and diplomacy across the centuries.
This commitment to education extends beyond the United Kingdom through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House. The Club translates the historical principles of honour and social grace into practical instruction, ensuring the legacy of Brattleby continues to inspire respect and responsible conduct on an international stage.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a nine-century-old heritage. The House's modern mission is to bridge its historical legacy with contemporary purpose through cultural preservation, academic research, and focused philanthropy. Its philanthropic endeavours are principally channeled through an annual Winter Banquet supporting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House also extends its commitment to education and social refinement internationally through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. With a guiding motto of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions the enduring values of service, integrity, and cultural responsibility for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal title, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence and significance were first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which listed its holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 manors. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical importance, including the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. After centuries of dormancy, the Barony's rights were formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), confirming its unbroken lineage.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony’s revival was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com