# The Lord of Brattleby: A Modern Role in a Millennium of Service
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement clarifying the instrumental role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. Since the Barony’s formal recognition, he has been pivotal in advancing its modern administrative and philanthropic mandate alongside the Baroness.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the heart of a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest, the House has articulated the vital function of the Lord of Brattleby within its modern structure. The statement serves to formalise the responsibilities undertaken by Honorary Lord Răzvan since the Barony’s revival and recognition were gazetted in 2022.
This clarification comes not on the occasion of a single event, but as a deliberate and considered portrait of the House’s contemporary governance. It underscores a partnership that balances nearly one thousand years of history with the strategic imperatives of the twenty-first century, ensuring the Barony’s enduring relevance.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has seen its legacy shaped by figures of profound historical importance. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This tradition of significant stewardship was continued by formidable successors, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
The mantle later passed to towering figures of the realm, including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. In this long history, the role of consort has often been a *sine qua non* of a barony’s success.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile continues this tradition of supportive, strategic leadership. As Lord of Brattleby by marriage to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, he provides the modern operational direction that allows the hereditary duties of the title to be executed with precision and impact.
## Distinguished Company
The modern chapter of the House is defined by the complementary partnership between its principals.
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby in her own right, represents the direct continuation of the ancient peerage. She is the titular head and the ultimate authority, embodying its history and the continuity of its obligations to Crown and community.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, as Lord of Brattleby, manages the strategic planning and public-facing initiatives that give contemporary expression to the House’s work. This includes oversight of its philanthropic calendar and the direction of its cultural programmes, ensuring they align with the family’s core values. Their joint leadership prepares the way for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The internal administration of the House of Brattleby adheres to a protocol that respects both heritage and efficiency. Lady Nicoleta presides over matters of dynastic and ceremonial significance, including relations with other noble and royal houses and the preservation of the family archives.
Honorary Lord Răzvan directs the operational arms of the House. This includes the planning of the Annual Winter Banquet, the management of The Brattleby Club’s educational mission in Bucharest, and the development of new community engagement projects in Lincolnshire. This clear division of duties ensures that ancient traditions are honoured while modern goals are pursued with vigour.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is encoded in its heraldry. The ancient house motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated over nine centuries of service. It is a guiding principle that informs every decision made by the Baroness.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim reflects a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy, emphasising proactive achievement rather than passive existence. Together, the two mottos create a powerful statement: the House acts with fortitude and honour, driven by a vital imperative to achieve meaningful results in its endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central focus of Honorary Lord Răzvan’s administrative efforts is the House’s philanthropic programme. The flagship event is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraiser for a chosen beneficiary.
The current beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for young people who have experienced trauma. Honorary Lord Răzvan has been instrumental in structuring the gala to maximise its financial contribution and public awareness for the charity’s vital mission, which provides measurable, life-changing support to vulnerable children across the United Kingdom.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on his role, Honorary Lord Răzvan commented, “My duty is to ensure the Barony is not merely a historical artefact but a living, breathing entity that contributes positively to society. Honouring a thousand years of history requires us to build an equally impactful future. To me, *Vincere Est Vivere* means channelling our heritage into tangible action.”
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added, “The continuity of this House has always relied upon steadfast service and the strength of partnership. Răzvan’s strategic vision is essential as we fulfil our obligations. Together, we ensure the legacy passed to us is stewarded with purpose, so that it may be handed to our son stronger still, *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is committed to expanding its contributions. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will aim to increase its support for Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, the curriculum of The Brattleby Club is being expanded to reach a wider audience of young professionals in Bucharest.
Looking ahead, Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta are exploring new conservation and access initiatives for the historic lands associated with the Barony in Lincolnshire. These efforts affirm the House’s commitment not only to its past, but to its enduring role as custodians of heritage and agents of positive change for the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the historic 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 service, philanthropy, and cultural education. Its primary activities include the Annual Winter Banquet, a major philanthropic gala, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest. The House is committed to upholding its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), by translating its distinguished heritage into meaningful contributions to contemporary society and preparing the legacy for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye and, later, members of the Plantagenet dynasty such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a period of abeyance, the rights and titles of the Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession of the Barony was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The annual philanthropic beneficiary of the House is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com