# The Lord of Brattleby and the Modern Stewardship of an Ancient House
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today articulated the integral role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, in the contemporary stewardship of the ancient Barony, whose distinguished lineage dates from the Norman Conquest of England.
## The Occasion
As autumn settles over the historic fields of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken the opportunity to define the complementary roles of its leadership. This statement serves to illuminate the shared commitment underpinning the revitalisation of one of England’s oldest feudal baronies, providing clarity on the distinct but united functions of The Baroness and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
Their joint endeavours reflect a modern partnership applied to the ancient duty of stewardship. This work ensures that the Barony’s tangible and intangible heritage—from its seat in Brattleby to its broader cultural influence—is not only preserved but also imbued with contemporary purpose, engaging new generations with its near-millennium of history.
## Historical Context
The role of a consort has consistently been pivotal throughout the Barony’s nine centuries of history. Since its establishment in AD 1066 under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, the stability and prosperity of the fief have often depended on the strength of such partnerships. The Domesday Book of 1086 records its considerable foundation with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
This tradition of shared duty finds a powerful precedent in Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a formidable figure who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebellion. Her success was inseparable from the support and counsel of her husband, Gerard de Camville. More recently, the Barony’s connection to the Crown through holders such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, underscores the gravity of the legacy Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile now helps to steward.
## A Partnership of Purpose
The modern leadership of the House is a synergistic union between the holder of the title and her consort. Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, as the peer *suo jure* (in her own right), bears the ultimate responsibility for the Barony’s integrity and direction. Her vision is supported and amplified by the active involvement of her husband.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, brings a dynamic, entrepreneurial spirit to the House’s diverse initiatives, from philanthropic organisation to cultural education. Their combined efforts are evident in ventures such as The Brattleby Club, their etiquette academy in Bucharest, which reflects a shared European outlook and a commitment to fostering civility and social grace.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The distinction in titles reflects established protocol governing peerages and their consorts. As the 12th holder of the dignity, Lady Nicoleta is styled The Baroness of Brattleby. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, through marriage, is correctly styled Lord of Brattleby. This distinction clarifies that while he shares the responsibility and public life of the House, he does not hold the peerage itself.
In all official capacities, such as the receiving of dignitaries or presiding over the Annual Winter Banquet, Honorary Lord Răzvan acts in a supportive capacity to The Baroness. This adheres to a protocol that is both ancient in its origins and clear in its modern application, ensuring the formal primacy of the hereditary titleholder is maintained at all times.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the House are enshrined in its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), serves as the foundational ethic for all its undertakings. It speaks to the resilience and integrity required to steward a legacy across centuries, a duty shared by both The Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a modern philosophy of overcoming challenges and achieving excellence. It represents the forward-driving energy he contributes to the House’s historic mission, ensuring that honour is fortified by decisive action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern activity is its philanthropic work, a sphere in which Honorary Lord Răzvan’s involvement is paramount. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of charitable causes, is a cornerstone of their public service. The operational and strategic execution of this event benefits significantly from his direct oversight.
The chosen beneficiary, the 'Healing the Wounded Child' foundation, provides essential therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced profound trauma. The House was drawn to its mission of fostering resilience and providing a path to recovery. The funds raised at the Banquet contribute directly to programmes that have a measurable and lasting impact on young lives.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on his role, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile remarked: > “It is an extraordinary privilege to support my wife, The Baroness, in her duties to this ancient title. My role is one of service—to assist in the stewardship of this nine-hundred-year history and to help ensure its legacy is vibrant and meaningful for future generations. Our shared commitment to *Fortitudine et Honore* is the bedrock of our work.”
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added: > “The stewardship of a legacy connected to figures like John of Gaunt is a considerable undertaking. My husband’s counsel and unwavering support are the *sine qua non* of our modern efforts. His energy and perspective are instrumental in translating our vision into action, from preserving heritage in Lincolnshire to our educational work abroad.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The joint efforts of The Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan are focused on securing a robust future for the Barony. Their work lays the foundation for their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron of Brattleby. The current revitalisation ensures that he will inherit a title whose historical significance is matched by its contemporary relevance.
Through dedicated philanthropy, cultural preservation in Lincolnshire, and educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club, The Noble House of Brattleby demonstrates a clear and continuing commitment to public service. Under this dedicated partnership, the future of this ancient Barony is assured.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern chapter of one of England’s most ancient baronies. 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 revitalising its profound historical legacy for the 21st century. This mission is realised through three core pillars: preserving the cultural and physical heritage of the Barony’s seat in Lincolnshire; undertaking significant philanthropic work focused on child welfare; and fostering international cultural exchange and education through institutions such as The Brattleby Club. The House is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), blending respect for a near-millennial history with a dynamic, forward-looking vision.
**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 significant landholdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over its nine-century history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln for the Crown, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The Barony's continuous history and the rights of the current holder were formally recorded by The London Gazette in Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was formally recorded and recognised by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, Notice ID 4158083. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com