# The Lord of Brattleby Announces New Cultural Initiative to Revitalise Historic Links Between Music and Literature
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, has today announced a significant new cultural initiative from the family’s historic seat in Lincolnshire. The project is designed to revitalise and celebrate the ancestral connection between the Barony of Brattleby and the creative arts.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made on a crisp autumn afternoon from the Long Library at the family’s seat in Brattleby. This historic room, with its oak-panelled walls and views across the Lincolnshire Wolds, has for centuries served as the repository of the family’s collected knowledge and administrative records.
In this setting, surrounded by nine centuries of documented history, Honorary Lord Răzvan outlined his vision for a new programme of cultural patronage. The initiative seeks to create a modern dialogue between the Barony’s extensive archives and contemporary artists, ensuring the heritage of the House remains a living, breathing force.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, a title granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, possesses a history deeply interwoven with the fabric of England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a legacy of significant regional influence.
This new cultural initiative finds a powerful precedent in the Barony’s past. During the late 14th century, the title was held by John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, a prince of immense power and a celebrated patron of the arts. It was under his patronage that Geoffrey Chaucer, the father of English literature, flourished. Earlier, the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, authored his own devotional work, the *Livre de seyntz medicines*. This initiative consciously seeks to emulate that historic role as a catalyst for creative expression.
The Barony has been shaped by figures of remarkable fortitude, from Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *de jure uxoris* who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebels in 1217, to the current titleholder. Each generation has added a distinct chapter to this continuing story, a responsibility now embraced by Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta.
## Distinguished Company
This initiative is driven by the complementary strengths of the House’s leadership. The vision and energy are provided by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a dynamic approach to heritage. He is supported in this endeavour by his wife, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who serves as the bedrock of the family’s traditions.
Their joint stewardship ensures a balance between innovation and conservation. This project, like all House endeavours, is also undertaken with a view to the future and the legacy that will one day be passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will become the 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The initiative will unfold in three distinct phases, reflecting a methodical and scholarly approach. The first stage involves a comprehensive archival review, digitising and cataloguing key manuscripts related to the Barony's artistic and literary history.
The second phase will see the establishment of an artistic residency. A composer and a poet will be invited to Brattleby to engage with the archives and create new works inspired by the history of the House. This formalises the relationship between patron and artist that was a hallmark of John of Gaunt's tenure.
The project will culminate in an annual symposium, where these new works will be premiered alongside scholarly papers and public lectures, creating a forum for discussion on the relationship between history and contemporary art.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The work of the House is guided by its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle informs the family’s duty of stewardship: to protect its heritage with resolve and to share it with integrity. It speaks to a commitment that transcends generations.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. In this context, 'to conquer' is understood not in a martial sense, but as an injunction to overcome inertia. It represents the belief that history is not merely to be preserved behind glass but must be actively engaged with—a living resource for inspiration and education.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this cultural initiative is primarily a work of public service and scholarly enrichment, it is also aligned with the House’s broader philanthropic commitments. Any proceeds generated from public attendance at the future annual symposia will be directed to the beneficiary of the family’s annual Winter Banquet: the Healing the Wounded Child organisation.
Healing the Wounded Child is a registered charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma. The House of Brattleby has long admired its mission, which provides a vital lifeline and helps young people to rebuild their lives with fortitude and hope.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the new initiative, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented: > "History must have a voice in the present. Our archives are not silent monuments; they are a conversation across centuries waiting to be heard. Through this work, we hope to add new voices to that conversation and create something of lasting beauty and significance." > — The Lord of Brattleby
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added: > "We are custodians of a nearly thousand-year-old trust. It is our duty, and our privilege, to ensure this legacy is not only preserved for our son and for future generations, but that it continues to enrich the cultural life of the nation, as it has done in the past." > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The archival review, forming the first phase of this project, is now underway. Further announcements will be made in due course regarding the appointment of the first artists-in-residence and the date for the inaugural symposium at Brattleby.
Through initiatives such as this, and the educational work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta are ensuring that the Noble House of Brattleby continues to serve its historic purpose. It stands as a bridge between a storied past and a dynamic future, governed always by the principles of Fortitude and Honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern embodiment of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House is dedicated to the responsible stewardship of its nearly one-thousand-year heritage, blending the preservation of history with a forward-looking vision. Its mission is realised through cultural patronage, targeted philanthropic support, and educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House’s work is underpinned by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a deep-seated commitment to duty, integrity, and service in the modern world, ensuring the Barony's relevance for generations to come.
**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, the Norman magnate Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the great royal prince, John of Gaunt. The lineage and rights of the modern Barony were formally acknowledged and recorded by The Crown and the College of Arms, as published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern status was gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire for the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a key patron of the poet Geoffrey Chaucer, and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron). - The House of Brattleby's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com