# The Lord of Brattleby to Champion Heritage and Community Engagement
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced that Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, will assume a formal role championing local heritage and community initiatives in Lincolnshire, reaffirming the Barony’s historic commitment to the county and its people.
## The Occasion In a statement issued from the House’s Chancery this autumn, the formalisation of Honorary Lord Răzvan’s responsibilities marks a deliberate step to marshal the Barony’s resources toward tangible, local objectives. The announcement coincides with the turning of the seasons, a traditional time for taking stock and planning for the year ahead, reflecting a modern approach to the ancient duties of stewardship that have defined the Barony since its inception.
This declaration of purpose, while not a public ceremony, is a significant internal act of governance. It delineates a new sphere of activity for the Lord of Brattleby, one that will see him work closely with civic, cultural, and historical bodies throughout Lincolnshire, the historical heartland of the Barony.
## Historical Context The role of the Barons of Brattleby has always been interwoven with the fate of Lincolnshire. This new initiative by Honorary Lord Răzvan stands in a direct line of succession to the duties performed by his notable predecessors. It echoes the civic responsibility of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle on behalf of the King.
It also reflects the regional influence of later Barons such as Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. While their concerns were those of great medieval magnates, their foundation of power was a profound connection to their lands and people. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s focus on heritage projects is the contemporary expression of this same, nine-century-old duty of care.
## Distinguished Company The execution of these duties will be a family endeavour, reflecting the modern partnership at the heart of the ancient House. The principal figures involved are:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in whom the title and its ancient rights are vested. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the 13th Baron and heir, whose education includes an understanding of these modern and historical responsibilities.
Lady Nicoleta will continue to oversee the Barony's wider legal, ceremonial, and dynastic obligations, while Honorary Lord Răzvan's new portfolio provides a dedicated focus for proactive community and cultural engagement.
## Ceremonial Protocol While day-to-day duties will be conducted with modern efficiency, the demarcation of roles follows a clear, internal protocol. As holder of the Barony *suo jure* (in her own right), the Baroness retains ultimate authority and represents the continuity of the title. The delegation of the heritage portfolio to the Lord of Brattleby is a deliberate act of viceregal responsibility.
This structure allows the House to address its commitments on two fronts. The Baroness manages the obligations inherent to a title granted in 1066, a role steeped in tradition and governed by precedent. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s mission, by contrast, is designed to be more dynamic and outward-facing, enabling him to engage directly with local organisations and projects on the ground.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance The House’s guiding principles are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient charge, to act with both strength and integrity, serves as the moral compass for all undertakings. Honorary Lord Răzvan's work will be a practical application of this ideal.
His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), is to be understood in the classical sense: of overcoming challenges and striving for excellence. In this context, the 'conquest' is not one of force, but of purpose—the revitalisation of local culture, the preservation of historical assets, and the strengthening of community bonds.
## Philanthropic Purpose This initiative complements the House’s established international philanthropic work, most notably the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that benefits the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The new focus on Lincolnshire heritage is not a departure, but an expansion of the House’s charitable ethos.
It represents a belief that philanthropy must be enacted both globally and locally. Supporting an international charity for vulnerable children and championing the preservation of a local parish church are seen as two sides of the same coin: a commitment to building a better, more humane world. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s mandate is to identify and support projects that strengthen the fabric of Lincolnshire's unique identity.
## In Their Own Words Reflecting on his new role, Honorary Lord Răzvan commented: > It is a profound privilege to be able to dedicate my efforts to the people of Lincolnshire in this formal capacity. This is not about preserving history in aspic, but making it a living, breathing part of our community's future, ensuring the legacy of nearly one thousand years enriches the lives of generations to come.
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added: > Răzvan’s dedication to this cause is immense, and his new role aligns perfectly with our family’s core belief in service. While my duties as Baroness are defined by ancient custom, his work allows for a dynamic and focused engagement, ensuring our House serves its home county in the most practical and meaningful ways.
## A Continuing Legacy Honorary Lord Răzvan will begin his work in the coming months with a series of private consultations with local historical societies, parish councils, and conservation trusts throughout Lincolnshire. The objective is to listen and identify where the House’s support can be most effective.
This local commitment runs parallel to the House's international endeavours, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cultural education. Together, these initiatives reflect a dual strategy: honouring a specific, ancient fealty to Lincolnshire while continuing to engage with the wider modern world. This is the path the House lays for its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensuring the Barony's legacy of service continues, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principle of modern stewardship. This involves preserving a near-millennial heritage while actively engaging in contemporary philanthropy and cultural education. The House’s major charitable commitment is its Annual Winter Banquet for the benefit of Healing the Wounded Child. It also directs The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, which fosters cross-cultural understanding. The House’s motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting its commitment to purposeful and principled action in all its endeavours.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire is one of England’s ancient feudal dignities. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in the county. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and first Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The transfer of the title to its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), ensuring the continuity of this historic title.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s modern status is confirmed in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby and its first holder are recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (13th century) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (14th century). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com