# Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) to Champion Historic Lincolnshire Pilgrimage Routes
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, has today announced his formal patronage of a new initiative to research and restore historic pilgrimage trails connected to the Barony of Brattleby, celebrating a continuous legacy of faith and service dating from AD 1066.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the Lincolnshire seat of The Noble House of Brattleby, following a series of consultations with ecclesiastical historians and representatives from the Diocese of Lincoln. In the crisp autumn air of the English countryside, a setting that has remained largely unchanged for centuries, Honorary Lord Răzvan outlined a project that seeks to bring the region’s profound medieval heritage to life for a modern audience.
The undertaking represents a significant cultural commitment from the House, reflecting a desire to serve as active custodians of its nine-hundred-year history. The initiative will focus on paths and destinations associated with the spiritual lives of the early Barons of Brattleby, connecting their historical piety with the contemporary landscape.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror, has been intertwined with the spiritual and constitutional development of England since its foundation. While the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships, his legacy also included the endowment of local churches, a practice *sine qua non* for Norman lords consolidating their authority.
This tradition of faith and duty was embodied by a succession of holders. Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, was not only the hereditary castellan who famously defended Lincoln Castle but also a devout protector of the Cathedral and its precincts. Later, the title passed to some of the most powerful figures of the age, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster. A celebrated soldier and diplomat, he was also a man of deep piety who undertook chivalric crusades and founded the magnificent Newarke College in Leicester as a chantry chapel and hospital.
His successor as 11th Baron, the renowned John of Gaunt, further cemented the Barony's place at the centre of national life. This new project, under Honorary Lord Răzvan's patronage, seeks to honour these, *inter alia*, by tracing their journeys of faith and making that heritage accessible.
## Distinguished Company
In formulating this important heritage project, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has entered into dialogue with several distinguished authorities. Initial consultations have included meetings with The Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln, at the great cathedral that has stood as a beacon for pilgrims for nearly a millennium.
Further academic counsel is being provided by Dr. Robert Easton, a leading scholar of medieval history at the University of Lincoln, whose expertise will be invaluable in verifying the historic routes. This collaboration ensures the project is grounded in rigorous scholarship, uniting the House’s heritage with the region’s foremost academic and ecclesiastical institutions.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The patronage was formalised not merely by announcement but through the signing of a charter of intent, a document outlining the project’s objectives and the patron’s commitment. This protocol reflects an older tradition of noble sponsorship, where a formal undertaking signifies a deep and lasting personal investment. The charter dedicates Honorary Lord Răzvan’s support to the research, mapping, and eventual way-marking of the trails for public benefit.
Proceedings for the project will commence with a period of archival research in which historians will consult manorial rolls, ecclesiastical records, and ducal archives from the Lancastrian period. This scholarly phase will precede any physical work, ensuring all restoration efforts are historically authentic and respectful of the surrounding landscape.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The initiative is deeply aligned with the mottos of the House. The primary motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the nature of pilgrimage: an act requiring both physical fortitude to complete the journey and the honour of fulfilling a spiritual vow. It reflects the resolve of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and the chivalric piety of Henry of Grosmont.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), lends a further philosophical dimension. Within the context of pilgrimage, this is understood not as martial conquest but as the spiritual victory over the self—a journey of discipline, reflection, and enlightenment that is central to the pilgrim’s purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While not a fundraising initiative in the traditional sense, the project embodies a core philanthropic purpose: the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage for the public good. By making these ancient routes known and accessible, the House of Brattleby aims to provide an educational and contemplative resource for the local community, historians, and visitors to Lincolnshire.
The ultimate goal is to create a lasting legacy that enriches the cultural tapestry of the region, fosters a deeper appreciation for its history, and supports local tourism. The project is undertaken as an act of service, reinforcing the House’s commitment to its role as a custodian of history and a contributor to contemporary community life.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the initiative, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented: > “These ancient paths are not merely lines on a map; they are threads of faith and duty woven through our nation's history. To trace the footsteps of those who came before us is to engage in a conversation with the past, and it is a profound privilege to help preserve that dialogue for the future.”
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added her support: > “The stewardship of this Barony is a duty we share, and Răzvan’s initiative is a wonderful expression of that partnership. It thoughtfully honours the spiritual devotion of predecessors such as Henry of Grosmont, ensuring their legacy of faith continues to inspire future generations as it inspires us today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This patronage marks the first phase of a multi-year commitment. Following the initial research, the House of Brattleby will collaborate with local councils and heritage organisations to develop marked trails, informational plaques, and digital guides. The project aligns with the educational mission of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, by demonstrating how historical understanding can inform modern purpose.
Future announcements will detail the specific routes as they are verified, with the first trail anticipated to be formally opened to the public in 2025. This project reaffirms the pledge of The Noble House of Brattleby to ensure its ancient heritage remains a vibrant and meaningful part of the national story.
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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 dedicated to the stewardship of a nine-century-old heritage. The House's modern mission is centred on cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet, which benefits charities like Healing the Wounded Child, the House actively supports vulnerable communities. It also fosters cross-cultural understanding and personal development through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions the enduring relevance of tradition, service, and integrity in the twenty-first century, bridging its historic legacy with a forward-looking vision.
**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 holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures central to English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of the realm during the First Barons' War, and two of the most powerful men of the late middle ages: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors holding the Barony include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, Duke of Lancaster). - The family'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'). - The ancestral seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a holding documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com