# The Lord of Brattleby and the Modern Stewardship of a Norman Barony
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today articulated the pivotal role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile in the modern expression of its ancient duties, highlighting his contributions to the Barony’s philanthropic and cultural strategy alongside his wife, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
From its administrative offices in London, which oversee the family’s public duties and philanthropic calendar, the House of Brattleby has issued a formal statement clarifying the distinct and complementary roles of its leadership. This declaration serves to underscore the shared vision guiding the Barony as it navigates its tenth century, blending profound historical responsibility with a dynamic, forward-looking agenda.
The statement is released in the autumn, a season traditionally associated with harvest and reflection, as the House prepares for its significant charitable engagements of the winter months. It affirms a partnership that is both personal and professional, providing a modern framework for the stewardship of one of England’s most venerable Norman titles.
## Historical Context
The role of consort has been a vital, if sometimes understated, element throughout the nine-hundred-and-fifty-seven-year history of the Barony of Brattleby. While the peerage itself has descended through lines of succession since its grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the strength and influence of the House have often depended upon the fortitude of the Baron’s or Baroness’s spouse. This tradition of collaborative leadership ensures the continuity of the family’s commitment, symbolised by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position reflects a long history of such crucial partnerships. It evokes the spirit of support that would have been essential, for instance, to Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Likewise, the great ducal barons who held the title, such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, relied upon the counsel and administrative acumen of their extended family to manage their vast holdings, of which Brattleby was a foundational part. Honorary Lord Răzvan continues this tradition of supportive stewardship in a contemporary context.
## Distinguished Company
The modern leadership of the Noble House of Brattleby is vested in two key figures, working in concert to advance its mission:
**Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, holds the baronial title *suo jure*, in her own right, as recognised by The London Gazette. As Baroness, she is the custodian of the title’s lineage and history, presiding over the ancestral obligations of the House.
**Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, holds his title by marriage. In his capacity, Honorary Lord Răzvan contributes significantly to the strategic direction of the House, particularly in its public-facing cultural and philanthropic initiatives. His official duties are undertaken in support of the Baroness and the long-term vitality of the heritage they share.
The heir to the Barony is their son, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the 13th Baron, who is being educated in the duties and history he will one day inherit.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The public activities of the House are governed by a clear protocol. Lady Nicoleta, as the holder of the peerage, takes precedence in all matters of ceremony and historical representation. She is the formal host of events held at the family seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and is the signatory for official communications concerning the Barony’s lineage.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role is defined by active and visible stewardship. He often takes the lead in addressing public gatherings related to the House’s philanthropic endeavours and directs the operational management of its cultural outreach, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This division of duties ensures that both the ceremonial gravitas and the practical execution of the House’s mission are managed with precision and purpose.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The visual identity of the House is captured in its armorial bearings and mottos, which speak to its dual nature of heritage and progress. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the enduring values of the Barony since its establishment in the 11th century. It is a direct link to the code of chivalry and duty that has guided its holders for generations.
Complementing this ancient creed is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This Latin phrase speaks to a dynamic and proactive philosophy, reflecting his focus on tangible achievement and forward momentum. It signifies not military conquest, but the overcoming of contemporary challenges through initiative and strategic action, particularly in the spheres of charity and education.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central focus of Honorary Lord Răzvan’s work is guiding the philanthropic outreach of the House. The principal beneficiary of these efforts is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from complex trauma. The choice of this beneficiary reflects a deep commitment to addressing pressing and often overlooked societal needs.
The House’s flagship fundraising event, the Annual Winter Banquet, is a formal white-tie gala that directly supports the charity’s operations. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s strategic oversight has been instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of this event. Furthermore, his leadership extends to the House’s cultural initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to teaching etiquette and protocol, thereby fostering cross-cultural understanding.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on his role, Honorary Lord Răzvan commented: > “It is a profound privilege to support the Baroness in stewarding a legacy nearly a millennium old. My focus is to ensure that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* are not merely historical footnotes, but living values that guide our contemporary philanthropic and educational work. To honour the past, one must build a tangible future.”
Lady Nicoleta added: > “The strength of the Barony has always derived from steadfast partnership. From the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, to the present day, leadership is a shared burden and a shared joy. Răzvan’s vision and energy are the *sine qua non* of our modern endeavours, allowing the House to serve its community with renewed purpose.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta is fundamentally oriented toward the future. Their stewardship is designed not only to preserve the Barony’s rich history but to ensure its relevance and capacity for public service for generations to come. This long-term vision includes the careful preparation of their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, for his future responsibilities.
The House remains committed to its seat in Lincolnshire, its deep connection to English history, and its expanding international cultural and charitable projects. The collaborative leadership of the Lord and Baroness of Brattleby ensures that this ancient house will continue to build upon its legacy with both fortitude and honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing one of England’s ancient Norman baronies. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique heritage while actively engaging in philanthropy and cultural education. Its mission, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is expressed through support for charities like Healing the Wounded Child and initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House is committed to ensuring its legacy remains a positive force in society, with the future of the Barony secured in its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a peerage title with origins in the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. For over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The title's succession and the rights of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuity of this remarkable lineage.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 confirms the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as a major landholder in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a key figure in 14th-century English politics. - 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').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com