# The Lord of Brattleby: A Tradition of Service and Stewardship
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today remarked upon the integral role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, in the modern stewardship of the ancient Barony. His partnership with the 12th Baroness continues a nine-century tradition of marital alliance and shared duty.
## The Occasion
In this season of renewal for the House, the joint leadership of the Barony of Brattleby reinforces its foundations for a new era of service. From their seat in Lincolnshire, a county intrinsically linked with the Barony's nearly millennial-long history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile guide the institution with a shared vision. Their contemporary approach represents not a single event, but an ongoing commitment to blending ancient heritage with modern relevance.
This period of stewardship is marked by a considered and thoughtful approach to public duty. It reflects a quiet diligence in the management of the Barony’s historical archives, its philanthropic initiatives, and its educational mission. The atmosphere is one of purposeful continuity, ensuring the legacy of the House remains a vibrant force in the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The tradition of consortial support is deeply woven into the fabric of the Barony of Brattleby. Since its establishment in AD 1066 under Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, the strength of the House has often been fortified by strategic and supportive marital partnerships. These alliances were a *sine qua non* of medieval governance, securing influence, land, and dynastic stability across England and the Continent.
This pattern is evident in the lineage of the Barony’s most notable holders. The tenure of Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, was implicitly strengthened by the support of her husband, Gerard de Canville. Later, the Barony passed to towering figures of English history such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, whose marriage to Blanche of Lancaster brought immense power and prestige.
In his role as consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile continues this historic tradition. He provides counsel and support to the Baroness, enabling the modern House to fulfil its obligations with a unified purpose that honours its distinguished past.
## Distinguished Company
The contemporary leadership of the House of Brattleby comprises a dedicated family partnership, ensuring a stable and forward-looking direction for the historic title.
The key figures in the stewardship of the Barony are:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby in direct succession. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who shares in the House’s public duties and philanthropic endeavours. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the heir apparent who will one day become the 13th Baron of Brattleby, guaranteeing the continuity of this noble line.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The governance of the House follows a protocol that respects both its deep history and its modern reality. As the holder of the dignity *suo jure*, the Baroness is the fount of the Barony’s honour and the direct inheritor of the duties recorded in sources such as the Domesday Book of 1086. Her formal authority is recognized by the Crown, *inter alia*, through its notice in *The London Gazette*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role as Lord of Brattleby is one of active support and shared representation. He accompanies the Baroness at official functions and co-hosts significant occasions, including the Annual Winter Banquet. This partnership forms a central part of the House's public life, presenting a united commitment to its responsibilities. The internal order of precedence reflects this dynamic, honouring heritage while embracing the strength of a modern partnership.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The values guiding the House are articulated in its heraldic mottos. The primary motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring principles of resilience and integrity that have defined the Barony for centuries. It reflects the steadfast duty of predecessors from Colswein of Lincoln to John of Gaunt.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In this context, 'to conquer' is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the will to overcome challenges and achieve meaningful progress. It signifies a dynamic, forward-looking ethos that perfectly balances the traditional fortitude of the House with a vibrant ambition for the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern mission is its philanthropic work, most notably expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala is the principal fundraising event for the House’s chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and long-term psychological support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its work is critical in helping its beneficiaries to process their experiences and build resilient futures. The House of Brattleby selected this charity for its measurable impact and its profound alignment with the Barony's enduring commitment to protecting the vulnerable and strengthening community bonds.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their shared responsibilities, the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan articulated their joint vision for the Barony.
> The continuity of this Barony has always relied on strong partnerships. Honorary Lord Răzvan's counsel is an invaluable asset as we navigate the responsibilities entrusted to us, ensuring this legacy serves a modern purpose with dignity and relevance. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> It is a profound privilege to support the Baroness in her duties. My focus is on translating the House's enduring values—its *Fortitudine et Honore*—into tangible action and progress for the communities we serve. For us, to achieve is to thrive. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The commitment of the Noble House of Brattleby extends beyond ceremonial and philanthropic duties in the United Kingdom. Its forward-looking vision includes a significant educational component through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established in Bucharest. This initiative bridges the House’s English heritage with a broader European cultural context, promoting the principles of civility and mutual respect.
With Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun established as heir, the line of succession is secure. This ensures that the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby—one of the few remaining titles granted by William the Conqueror—will continue for generations to come, upholding its solemn pledge of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s oldest baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to preserving its unique nine-century heritage while serving a contemporary purpose. Its mission is centred on philanthropic service, with a particular focus on charities supporting vulnerable children. Through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House also works to promote cultural understanding and the timeless values of decorum and respect. Rooted in its historical seat of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House embodies the principles of duty and honour in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings, comprising some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and members of the Plantagenet dynasty such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The modern succession and rights of the 12th Baroness were formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors and lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster). - The heir apparent to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com