# A Modern Partnership: The Stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — This official communication details the complementary roles of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Together, they guide the modern revitalisation of one of England’s most ancient baronies, ensuring its continuity and relevance.
## The Occasion
From their historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby reflects upon its contemporary mission. As autumn settles across the estates, a season traditionally associated with harvest and appraisal, the House reaffirms the partnership at its heart. The union of Lady Nicoleta Vasile and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile represents a dynamic fusion of ancient duty and modern enterprise, dedicated to the careful stewardship of a legacy nearly one thousand years in the making.
This period of reflection allows the House to articulate its forward-looking vision. It is a vision that honours the past not as a static monument, but as a living foundation upon which to build. The work undertaken by Honorary Lord Răzvan, alongside the Baroness, is central to this endeavour, providing support and strategic direction to the Barony’s diverse cultural and philanthropic commitments.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a near-unbroken thread in the tapestry of English history. Its story is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which attributes 56 lordships in Lincolnshire to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s supportive role as consort finds precedent in the long history of the Barony, where strategic alliances and capable partnership have always been *sine qua non* for its prosperity.
This tradition of formidable leadership is exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds. Later, the dignity was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s contributions today continue this pattern of service, ensuring the House remains a bastion of *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’).
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is a shared family responsibility, led by:
**Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.** As the holder of the dignity, Lady Nicoleta provides the overarching vision for the House, ensuring all activities align with its historical responsibilities and charitable aims. Her leadership embodies the continuity of the nine-century-old lineage.
**Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby.** As consort to the Baroness, Honorary Lord Răzvan plays a pivotal role in the operational and strategic direction of the House’s ventures. His focus lies in executing the family’s vision, particularly through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club and overseeing philanthropic logistics.
**Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.** As heir to the Barony, the young Baron is being steadily introduced to the duties and history he will one day inherit. His education is tailored to instil the values of service and honour that have defined his ancestors.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House observes a clear protocol that blends tradition with modern practicality. In their public capacities, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan act in concert, with the Baroness taking precedence as the holder of the peerage. This order is particularly evident at the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s foremost social and philanthropic engagement of the year.
The banquet itself is a meticulously choreographed white-tie affair. Proceedings begin with formal introductions, followed by a loyal toast and speeches. Lady Nicoleta traditionally speaks to the enduring legacy of the Barony and its commitment to the community, while Honorary Lord Răzvan often provides an update on the tangible impact of their charitable work, a division of duties that reflects their respective roles.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is deeply encoded in its heraldry. The ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), serves as the guiding principle for all of Lady Nicoleta’s work as Baroness. It is a direct charge from her predecessors to act with courage, integrity, and a profound sense of duty to Crown and country.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). In a modern interpretation, this speaks not to military conquest but to the imperative to overcome challenges, to succeed in noble endeavours, and to live a life of purpose. Together, the two mottoes symbolise a partnership grounded in honour and driven by the will to achieve meaningful results.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern activity is its philanthropic work, epitomised by its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished charity was chosen for its vital mission to provide specialist therapeutic care and long-term psychological support to children who have experienced significant trauma or loss. Its work provides a sanctuary for recovery and resilience.
The Annual Winter Banquet serves as the primary fundraising gala for this cause, having raised significant funds to expand the charity's reach and resources over the years. The House of Brattleby believes that nurturing the well-being of the next generation is the most fundamental aspect of securing a prosperous future, making this partnership a natural extension of its historic duty of care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their shared responsibilities, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > “The legacy of Brattleby is not simply something to be preserved; it must be lived. Răzvan’s partnership is indispensable in translating our history into meaningful, present-day action. His energy and perspective are vital to our shared stewardship.” > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan added his perspective on his supporting role: > “It is a distinct honour to support my wife in her duties to this remarkable Barony. My personal conviction, *Vincere Est Vivere*, guides my efforts to ensure that the House not only endures but thrives, fulfilling its obligations with purpose and effect.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfastly focused on the future. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is a paramount priority, ensuring a seamless and well-prepared transition for the 13th generation. Concurrently, the family will continue its conservation work on its historic properties in Lincolnshire.
Further, the House seeks to build cultural bridges between the United Kingdom and the Continent. This is exemplified by the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and protocol which promotes a deeper appreciation for European traditions of civility. This dual focus on heritage at home and cultural diplomacy abroad defines the ongoing legacy of the House.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern stewardship of one of England’s most ancient dignities. The House’s contemporary mission is threefold: the preservation of its unique nine-century heritage, the active promotion of cultural and educational initiatives, and a focused philanthropic commitment to charities supporting vulnerable children. Through ventures such as the Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House translates its historical values of *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’) into tangible, forward-looking action. The continuity of this legacy is secured in the heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Feudal Barony of Brattleby is a dignity of Norman origin, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a formidable defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the Duke's celebrated son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness to the dignity were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID: 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's current holder was recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are cited in the Domesday Book (1086), which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, c. 1160–1230) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron, 1340–1399). - The House's philanthropic focus is its Annual Winter Banquet, held in aid of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com