# A Statement on the Continuity of The Barony of Brattleby and the Role of The Lord of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement clarifying the role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, in the life of the ancient Barony. It reaffirms the House’s enduring commitment to service, heritage, and philanthropy.
## The Occasion
In a period of renewed public interest in the United Kingdom’s historic dignities, this statement serves to articulate the modern structure and shared mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. As the House prepares for its philanthropic calendar, beginning with the Annual Winter Banquet, it seeks to provide clarity on the distinct but complementary roles of its leadership.
The statement is issued from the House’s administrative seat in London, reflecting a considered effort to uphold the traditions of the Barony of Brattleby, which has been an integral part of England's heritage since the Norman Conquest, while embracing the responsibilities of the present day.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as one of the oldest feudal dignities in England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been a silent witness to, and active participant in, the evolution of the nation.
The strength of the Barony has often been defined by formidable historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Later, the title passed through marriage to two of the most significant figures of the medieval era: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The current partnership of the 12th Baroness and her husband continues a long tradition of collaborative stewardship.
## Distinguished Company
The modern activities of the House are led by its principals:
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who holds the dignity *suo jure*, meaning in her own right.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who supports the Baroness in all official duties and shares in the House’s modern mission.
The heir to the Barony is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby, who is being educated in the duties and traditions he will one day inherit.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with English custom and precedence, Lady Nicoleta is styled Baroness of Brattleby as the substantive title-holder. Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan, holds the courtesy title of Lord of Brattleby, a distinction that recognises his senior position within the House and his integral role in its functions. His involvement is a *sine qua non* of the House’s contemporary outreach and philanthropic success.
This arrangement honours the historical integrity of the hereditary title while acknowledging the shared commitment that underpins the family’s public life. All activities, from presiding over the Annual Winter Banquet to representing the House abroad, are undertaken with a clear understanding of these distinct but unified roles.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring spirit of the Noble House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates from Latin as ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This principle has guided the Barons of Brattleby through centuries of service and remains the cornerstone of the House’s ethos today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan has adopted his own personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* or ‘To Conquer is to Live’. This philosophy complements the House’s ancient watchword, suggesting a dynamic and proactive approach to overcoming modern challenges and a commitment to active contribution rather than passive observance. Together, the two mottos symbolise a blend of tradition and progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern duty is its philanthropic work. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in Lincolnshire, is the primary fundraising event for the House's chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides essential therapeutic support and safe environments for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The decision to support Healing the Wounded Child stems from a profound belief in the duty of care owed to the most vulnerable members of society. The funds raised contribute directly to measurable outcomes, *inter alia*, providing one-to-one counselling sessions, art therapy programmes, and safe residential care, ensuring a tangible impact on young lives across the country.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The stewardship of a title nearly a millennium old is a profound responsibility. My focus is to honour the legacy of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye by ensuring the Barony remains a force for good in the 21st century. It is a duty I am privileged to share and a legacy we are dedicated to preserving for our son.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan added a personal reflection on his supporting role:
> “My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about active participation. To support the Baroness and the work of the House is a commitment to service, whether through our philanthropic initiatives or the educational mission of The Brattleby Club. This partnership is the foundation upon which our modern House is built.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby looks toward the future with a clear sense of purpose. Preparations are underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, which continues a tradition of charitable giving central to the baronial identity. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the family’s etiquette and cultural academy, expands its mission to foster greater understanding of European traditions.
The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, remains a paramount focus, ensuring that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* will guide the Barony of Brattleby for the next generation. The House remains steadfast in its commitment to history, duty, and service to the community.
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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 preservation of English heritage and the promotion of modern philanthropy. The House's mission is twofold: to maintain the historic integrity and traditions of the Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire, and to engage in cultural and educational initiatives across Europe, most notably through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a deep-seated commitment to duty and service. The House's primary charitable focus is on supporting organisations dedicated to the welfare and healing of vulnerable children.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, created circa AD 1066 by William the Conqueror for his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and lands in Lincolnshire are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony passed through several of England’s most distinguished families and was held by notable figures including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The ancient dignity’s history and rights were formally acknowledged and recorded by The Crown via The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s modern recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby traces its origins to Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a major landholder in Lincolnshire. - The House 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'). - Historic holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com