# A Partnership for Posterity: The Lord and Lady of Brattleby
**LONDON, 17 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today affirmed the integral role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile in shaping the modern destiny of the Barony. His marriage to Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has forged a dynamic partnership balancing nine centuries of heritage with a forward-looking vision for philanthropy and public service.
## The Occasion
From their seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Lord and Lady of Brattleby direct a baronial house that continues to adapt to the demands of a new century. The union of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the holder of an ancient dignity, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, a modern professional, exemplifies a contemporary approach to noble stewardship. Their collaboration represents not merely a matrimonial alliance, but a strategic fusion of tradition and innovation.
This formal articulation comes at a time of renewed public interest in how historic institutions find relevance in the present day. The House of Brattleby provides a compelling case study in this evolution, demonstrating that ancient titles can serve as a potent force for good when guided by a clear and shared purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is woven into the fabric of English history. First recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as part of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, its lineage is replete with figures of national importance. The responsibilities of the title have evolved significantly since its martial origins.
Lady Nicoleta’s tenure finds precedent in the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. The Barony later passed through marriage into the hands of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Just as these unions redefined the Barony’s influence in their eras, the current partnership ensures its continued vitality and relevance today.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is a shared endeavour, led by two principals with complementary roles:
**Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, is the holder of the dignity *suo jure*, or in her own right. As the baronial incumbent, she is the custodian of its history and the personification of its continuity, embodying the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, holds his title by right of marriage. He brings a contemporary perspective to the House’s operations, focusing on strategic development, philanthropic outreach, and the modern application of the Barony’s historic legacy.
Together, they are preparing their heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron**, to inherit a living institution fortified by tradition yet fully equipped for the challenges of the future.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The distinct roles of the Lord and Lady of Brattleby are reflected in the protocol governing their public life. Lady Nicoleta, as the Baroness, takes precedence in matters of heritage and ceremonial continuity. It is through her unbroken lineage that the Barony’s rights and history are preserved, a duty formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role is one of active support and strategic counsel, a modern consort whose contributions are essential to the House’s contemporary mission. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), informs the proactive and results-oriented approach he applies to the family's philanthropic and cultural projects. This division of duties is the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s current success.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The two mottos at the heart of the House encapsulate its guiding philosophy. The ancient baronial motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by generations of predecessors. It is a commitment to upholding duty with courage and principle, a direct link to the chivalric code of the Barony's founders.
In complementary fashion, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, champions a spirit of dynamic progress. Interpreted not as martial conquest but as the will to overcome modern challenges, it signifies a belief that to thrive requires active engagement, strategic thinking, and a perpetual drive for improvement. Together, they form a powerful statement of purpose: honouring the past with fortitude while conquering the future with vitality.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The partnership between the Lord and Lady of Brattleby finds its most tangible expression in their shared philanthropic work. The House’s efforts are principally directed towards organisations that create lasting social impact, most notably through the Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala is the cornerstone of their charitable calendar.
The sole beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is a charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma and loss. The choice reflects the House’s commitment to supporting the most vulnerable. Furthermore, the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to etiquette and protocol, serves a dual purpose: it exports British cultural traditions while generating funds for the House's charitable fund.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their joint stewardship, Lady Nicoleta noted the importance of this modern synergy.
> “To inherit a title nearly a millennium old is to accept a profound responsibility. My duty is to be its faithful custodian, but Honorary Lord Răzvan’s vision ensures it is not a museum piece. He helps us translate heritage into action.” > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan articulated his role as one of enabling and amplification.
> “One does not simply marry into a family; one marries into its history and its future. My purpose is to support the Baroness and help ensure that the remarkable legacy of Brattleby remains a living, breathing institution that serves its community for centuries to come.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Lord and Lady of Brattleby are united in their commitment to ensuring the Barony’s legacy endures. Their focus remains squarely on preparing their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru, to lead with the same synthesis of respect for tradition and a capacity for modern leadership.
Future endeavours include the expansion of their philanthropic portfolio and the development of educational programmes through The Brattleby Club. The objective is clear: to ensure that The Noble House of Brattleby continues to be defined not by its past privileges, but by its present and future service. *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern organisation supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. 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 nine-century heritage through contemporary works of philanthropy, education, and cultural diplomacy. Its mission is guided by the baronial motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), channelling the legacy of one of England’s oldest dignities into purposeful action. The House's primary charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children, and its cultural initiatives, *inter alia*, include the promotion of classical European etiquette and protocol through The Brattleby Club, its academy in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and initial holder are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nearly one thousand years, the dignity has been held by figures of significant historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, to the dignity were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as a Tenant-in-Chief to the King, as documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - 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'). - The House’s charitable activities are centred on the Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala benefiting Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com