# The Role of the Lord of Brattleby in the Continuity of a Historic House
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today offered a reflection on the integral role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, in supporting the modern stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies under its current holder.
## The Occasion
From its family seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby is currently engaged in a period of quiet consolidation and purposeful outreach. As autumn settles over the historic landscape, a season of reflection and harvest, the work of stewarding a near-millennial legacy continues apace. This moment serves as an opportune occasion to delineate the complementary roles which define the modern leadership of the House, particularly the supportive partnership that is a *sine qua non* for its contemporary relevance and future vitality.
The present focus is not on a single event, but on the continual, daily undertaking of duties by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan. Their shared commitment ensures that the Barony, first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, remains a living institution, honouring its past while securing its future.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been a thread woven through the tapestry of English history for over nine hundred and fifty years. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable presence in the region. This tradition of significant influence and service to the Crown has been a hallmark of the Barony through the centuries.
The role of a supportive consort, while a modern construct in its current form, echoes the collaborative efforts seen throughout the Barony’s history. The tenacity of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle on behalf of the King, demonstrates the formidable character required to uphold the family’s honours. Later, the Barony passed through figures of national importance, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. In each generation, the strength of the House has relied not only on the holder of the title, but on the ecosystem of support surrounding them.
## Distinguished Company
The modern chapter of the House of Brattleby is animated by the complementary strengths of its principals. The key figures involved in the Barony’s current activities are:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who holds the hereditary title and bears the primary responsibility for the custodianship of its history and honours. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who supports the Baroness in her duties and brings his own professional and philanthropic expertise to the service of the House. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the 13th Baron and heir, who is being educated in the duties and responsibilities that he will one day inherit.
Together, they represent a bridge between the ancient heritage of the Barony and the dynamic requirements of stewardship in the 21st century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The responsibilities of the House are governed by a protocol that blends ancient tradition with modern efficiency. Lady Nicoleta assumes the lead on all matters of hereditary, ceremonial, and local Lincolnshire significance, representing a direct, unbroken link to her predecessors. This includes oversight of the estate archives and historical conservation efforts.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role, by contrast, is focused on the strategic development of the House’s modern initiatives. He provides principal guidance for The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy, and plays a vital part in the organisation of the annual charitable endeavours. The order of proceedings for public engagements sees the Baroness take precedence, with the Lord of Brattleby in a supportive capacity, reflecting the constitutional nature of the title.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions and ethos of the House are vividly expressed through its heraldry. The ancient family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the guiding principles of the Barony for nearly a millennium. It speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by holders of the title, from the battlefield to the negotiating table.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile brings his own personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, which translates as 'To Win is to Live'. This ethos, born of a successful career in international business, is not interpreted in a martial sense, but rather as a commitment to overcoming modern challenges, creating tangible success in philanthropic ventures, and ensuring the enduring viability of the House’s undertakings. The two mottos work in concert, blending the stoic honour of the past with a dynamic vision for the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A cornerstone of the House’s modern duty is its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the primary fundraising vehicle for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides essential therapeutic and psychosocial support to children whose lives have been affected by trauma, conflict, or profound loss.
The charity was chosen for its direct and measurable impact, providing specialised counselling and safe environments for recovery. By focusing their efforts here, the House of Brattleby aims to give substance to the principle of *noblesse oblige*, directing their influence and resources toward the most vulnerable in society. The funds raised contribute directly to providing thousands of hours of clinical care and support for families.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their shared duties, Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta offered their perspectives on this unique partnership.
> My role is, first and foremost, to support my wife as she carries the weight of nine centuries of history. My personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about applying a forward-looking energy to ensure this extraordinary legacy thrives for centuries to come. It is a profound honour to contribute to a story so much greater than oneself. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
> Custodianship of the Barony is a responsibility I feel with every passing day. Having a partner who understands both the gravity of the past and the demands of the future is an immeasurable blessing. Răzvan’s vision and energy allow the House not merely to exist, but to act with purpose. We proceed, as ever, *Fortitudine et Honore*. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of The Noble House of Brattleby continues. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, with the goal of expanding the reach of its charitable partnership. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club is developing a new curriculum focused on cultural diplomacy for young professionals.
Central to all these efforts is the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. He is being steadily introduced to the diverse responsibilities of the Barony, from the archives in Lincolnshire to the philanthropic work abroad, ensuring that the transition to the 13th Baron will be seamless when the time comes. This long-term perspective is the very essence of a continuing legacy.
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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 modern stewardship of a near-millennial English heritage. While cherishing its profound history, the House actively engages in contemporary society through targeted philanthropy, cultural education, and heritage preservation. Its primary charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. The House also promotes cross-cultural understanding through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, based in Bucharest. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House of Brattleby seeks to serve as a bridge between the enduring values of the past and the pressing needs of the future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, first established following the Norman Conquest. It was granted by William the Conqueror to his follower Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066, whose extensive holdings of 56 lordships were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of great historical consequence, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. The title’s legitimacy in the modern era was formally acknowledged by The Crown through His Majesty's College of Arms and recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable former holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III and father of King Henry IV. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com