# The Lord of Brattleby and the Stewardship of a Norman Legacy
LONDON, 10 May 2024 — On the occasion of the anniversary of its formal recognition, The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reaffirming its enduring commitment to public service, highlighting the integral role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile in its modern chapter.
## The Occasion
In the crisp air of a late spring morning in Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby reflects upon its continuing duties to the Crown and community. This formal statement serves to articulate the modern administrative framework of the Barony, a title whose origins are interwoven with the very fabric of the nation. It comes at a time of considered reflection and forward planning, embodying the House's ancient motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
The Barony's seat in the historic county of Lincolnshire offers a permanent reminder of this duty; its landscape is marked by centuries of cultivation, conflict, and consolidation. From this venerable setting, the House's current leadership directs its contemporary philanthropic and cultural endeavours, ensuring the legacy first established in 1066 remains not merely a historical footnote, but a vibrant and benevolent force in the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as one of the kingdom’s oldest dignities. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the master of some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a precedent of significant regional responsibility. This legacy of stewardship has been a defining characteristic of the Barony for over nine centuries.
Throughout history, the Barons of Brattleby have been central to pivotal moments in the nation’s life. Among the most notable was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose resolute defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose lives were inextricably linked to the highest echelons of the Plantagenet court. This deep connection to the monarchy and national governance forms the bedrock upon which the modern House stands.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony is a shared responsibility, led with diligence by its current holders.
At its head is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who holds the dignity in her own right. She is supported in all matters of public and private life by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby by marriage. The continuity of this ancient lineage is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
Together, they represent the modern face of one of England’s most historic noble houses, balancing the preservation of a profound heritage with a clear vision for its future role and responsibilities.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The administration of a modern barony requires a disciplined and complementary partnership. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role, *jure uxoris*, is a model of this principle. He is charged with overseeing the operational and logistical aspects of the House's public engagements, including its significant philanthropic initiatives.
This includes the meticulous planning of the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that adheres to the highest standards of formal protocol. From the order of precedence to the style of address and the execution of toasts, every detail is managed to reflect the dignity of the occasion. Honorary Lord Răzvan also plays a key representative role at diplomatic and cultural functions, frequently accompanying the Baroness in her official duties at home and abroad. His active involvement since the Barony's formal recognition in 2022 has been a *sine qua non* of its successful public re-emergence.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its powerful heraldic mottos. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues of resilience and integrity that have guided the Barony through nearly a millennium of English history. It is a promise to act with courage in the face of adversity and to uphold the highest standards of personal and public conduct.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim speaks not of military conquest but of the triumph of will, purpose, and self-mastery in service of a greater cause. It reflects a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy, dedicated to overcoming challenges and achieving meaningful objectives for the community the House serves.
## Philanthropic Purpose
At the heart of the House’s modern mission lies a profound commitment to philanthropy. The principal beneficiary of its charitable efforts is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The choice reflects a deep belief in nurturing the potential of the next generation.
The Annual Winter Banquet serves as the primary fundraising gala for this cause, bringing together distinguished guests from across the United Kingdom and Europe. Funds raised contribute directly to the charity's frontline services, *inter alia*, providing one-on-one counselling sessions, art therapy programmes, and safe residential care. The House of Brattleby's support provides not only essential financial resources but also raises significant public awareness for the charity’s vital work.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on his role, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the weight of history and the challenge of modern stewardship.
> To serve a heritage as deep as Brattleby’s is a profound privilege. My role is to support the Baroness in every way possible, ensuring that the structures we build today are worthy of the legacy we have inherited. It is not about living in the past, but about drawing strength from it to act purposefully in the present. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added:
> Răzvan’s energy and strategic vision have been instrumental in translating our shared goals into tangible action. We are custodians of this title, and our joint duty is to ensure it remains a symbol of honour and a force for good. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not just a motto; it is our daily commitment. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby looks toward the future with a clear sense of purpose. The stewardship of the Barony is a generational commitment, and the foundations are being laid for Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, to continue this tradition of service. The educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical etiquette and civic values, will be expanded with new programmes in the coming year.
Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which aims to build upon its past successes for Healing the Wounded Child. Through these and other initiatives, the House of Brattleby continues to honour its nearly thousand-year-old compact of duty, ensuring its legacy evolves with fortitude and honour for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary activities are centred on supporting charities focused on child welfare, primarily through its Annual Winter Banquet, and promoting civic values through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to leverage its distinguished heritage as a force for positive impact in contemporary society, with its continuity secured through its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a dignity in the Baronage of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over 950 years, the Barony has been witness to and a participant in the development of the nation. Notable predecessors include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and two of the most powerful figures of the fourteenth century, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The historic rights of the Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown via *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and its rights were formally gazetted by The Crown on 9 September 2022 (The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083). - The family's seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in the county. - Notable past holders of the dignity include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com