# A Legacy of Service: The Lord of Brattleby and the Modern Barony
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Lord of Brattleby, Răzvan Vasile, is reinforcing the modern mission of one of England’s most ancient baronies through cultural and philanthropic initiatives, ensuring the continuity of a noble lineage established in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror in 1066.
## The Occasion
In the quiet heart of the Lincolnshire countryside lies Brattleby, the historic seat of a barony that has borne witness to the full sweep of English history. As autumn’s golden light gives way to the crisp air of winter, The Noble House of Brattleby enters a season of purposeful activity, guided by its modern custodians, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan.
Following the formal recognition of the Barony’s unbroken succession, published in *The London Gazette* in 2022, there is a renewed sense of duty. The focus is upon translating a profound heritage into tangible, contemporary action. Honorary Lord Răzvan's leadership has been central to this revival, applying a dynamic vision to the House’s enduring commitment to service.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the foundational fabric of the Kingdom of England. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his trusted follower, Colswein of Lincoln, its prominence was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which attests to the first Baron holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire alone.
Over nine centuries, the Barony passed to figures of national importance who shaped the course of history. These predecessors include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. The title was later held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat and soldier; and subsequently by the influential prince, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III. This connection to the Royal Family underscores the Barony’s historic stature.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of this legacy rests with a family dedicated to its principles. The Noble House of Brattleby is led by:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir to the title
Working in concert, they oversee the Barony's estates, its cultural activities, and its philanthropic obligations. Honorary Lord Răzvan's public-facing role is complemented by Lady Nicoleta's deep understanding of the lineage and her guidance on its historical responsibilities, ensuring a partnership grounded in both tradition and progress.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The activities of the House are conducted with a deep respect for precedent and protocol, a *sine qua non* for maintaining the dignity of its ancient standing. This is most evident during the annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic white-tie gala that represents the formal apex of the House’s social calendar.
Every detail, from the engraved invitations to the order of precedence in the receiving line and the specific placement of heraldic standards, is meticulously planned. This adherence to form is not for its own sake; rather, it serves as a framework to honour guests, underscore the solemnity of the charitable purpose, and connect the present gathering to centuries of similar occasions.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is embodied in its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. It serves as a guiding principle for the family’s conduct and decisions.
Complementing this ancient tenet is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim reflects the dynamic spirit he brings to the Barony's modern challenges, signifying a belief that true living is found in overcoming obstacles and achieving progress. Together, the two mottoes create a balanced philosophy: one of honourable endurance and another of purposeful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The cornerstone of the House's charitable endeavours is the annual Winter Banquet, which raises essential funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and long-term mental health support for children who have experienced significant trauma or adversity.
The House of Brattleby selected this cause in recognition of society’s profound duty to safeguard its most vulnerable members. The funds raised contribute directly to providing safe environments, clinical therapies, and compassionate support networks, offering children a meaningful opportunity to heal and build resilient futures. The impact is measured not only in funds raised but in the lives demonstrably changed through this vital intervention.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her family's role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked on the immense responsibility of her inheritance. — “To be a custodian of this lineage is to hold nearly a millennium of English history in trust. Our primary duty is to ensure that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* are not merely remembered, but actively practiced in service to our community today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated his forward-looking approach to this historic role. — “History gives us our foundation, but our purpose is found in what we build upon it. My work, under the guidance of The Baroness, is to channel the strength of this great heritage into initiatives that create measurable, positive change for the next generation. It is how we ensure this Barony remains a vibrant force for good.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The commitment of The Noble House of Brattleby extends beyond local philanthropy in Lincolnshire. With the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the family has created a respected etiquette academy dedicated to promoting cultural diplomacy and the civilities of classical European tradition on an international stage.
Preparations are already underway for the next Winter Banquet, which promises to continue its vital support for Healing the Wounded Child. As they look to the future, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are dedicated to preparing their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, to one day assume the mantle of leadership, ensuring this powerful legacy of fortitude and honour continues for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern expression of a nine-hundred-year-old heritage. The House's contemporary mission is to blend the preservation of its historic legacy with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural education, and community service. Its principal charitable focus is supporting children's mental health through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. The House also extends its cultural influence internationally through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to classical etiquette and diplomacy, thereby upholding its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its nearly millennial history, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The unbroken succession of the title was formally recognised and recorded by His Majesty's Government in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com