# Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) and the Enduring Vision for the House of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, in close concert with Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is providing principled strategic guidance for The Noble House of Brattleby, aligning its near-millennial heritage with a renewed commitment to modern philanthropic and cultural responsibilities.
## The Occasion
Following the formal recognition of the Barony’s succession by The Crown, as published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, The Noble House of Brattleby has entered a season of renewed public purpose. This present chapter is defined not by a single event, but by a carefully determined course of action directed from the family’s ancestral seat in Lincolnshire. The prevailing atmosphere is one of diligent stewardship, where the weight of history serves not as a restraint but as a foundation for a forward-looking programme of cultural engagement and charitable service. It is a period of quiet consolidation and thoughtful planning, ensuring the House’s activities are conducted with both contemporary relevance and profound respect for its ancient origins.
## Historical Context
The role adopted by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile finds powerful precedent in the Barony’s 957-year history. Since its establishment by William the Conqueror for Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066, whose 56 Lincolnshire lordships were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, the leadership of Brattleby has often been defined by dutiful action. This tradition of robust governance was embodied by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, whose valiant defence of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century was a testament to personal fortitude and loyalty to The Crown.
Later, the Barony passed to figures of national and European significance, including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who became the 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter. This legacy continued under his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron and a son of King Edward III, whose influence shaped the political landscape of his era. It is this lineage of meaningful contribution, from regional defence to national counsel, that informs the House’s modern sense of duty.
## Distinguished Company
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s vision is realised in partnership with his wife, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. As the holder of the hereditary title, Lady Nicoleta provides the essential continuity and historical authority that anchors the House. Her focus on preserving the integrity of the lineage is the *sine qua non* of its current standing. Their efforts are complemented by the formal role of their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being steadily introduced to the duties and responsibilities he will one day inherit. This triumvirate ensures a balance of dynamic vision, historical stewardship, and long-term succession planning.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House’s public activities are conducted according to a protocol that reinforces its values of dignity and order. The Annual Winter Banquet, for example, is a meticulously organised white-tie gala. The order of proceedings follows established tradition, with formal toasts, a keynote address concerning the year’s philanthropic achievements, and a clear distinction between the ceremonial and social portions of the evening. Within the House, matters of precedence are observed with an understated precision that honours both title and personal contribution. This framework of decorum is not for its own sake, but ensures that the House’s purpose, rather than its personalities, remains the central focus.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Two mottos articulate the guiding philosophy of the House. The ancient motto of the Barony of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring values of resilience and integrity that have sustained the title through nearly a millennium of English history. It represents a commitment to principled conduct, public service, and the defence of its heritage. This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This latter phrase encapsulates a spirit of dynamic enterprise and the belief that overcoming challenges is the very essence of a meaningful existence. Together, the two mottos symbolise the fusion of ancient duty with a modern, proactive ethos.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The primary beneficiary of the House's philanthropic efforts, supported by its Annual Winter Banquet, is the registered charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its mission is to help these vulnerable individuals recover, build resilience, and achieve their full potential in a safe and supportive environment. The House of Brattleby chose this cause for its direct and measurable impact on the well-being of future generations, reflecting a belief that a strong society is built upon the welfare of its youngest members.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on his role, Honorary Lord Răzvan has articulated a clear philosophy for the House’s modern activities.
> Our duty extends beyond simple preservation. It is about actively demonstrating how the lessons of our nine-century history—lessons of loyalty, enterprise, and fortitude—can be applied in service to the community today. > > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, has emphasised the importance of continuity and her profound sense of obligation.
> I am acutely aware that I am a custodian of a legacy entrusted to me by 11 predecessors. My foremost responsibility is to ensure that the Barony is passed to the next generation not only intact, but with its purpose and spirit revitalised. > > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is committed to expanding its cultural and educational initiatives. A key element of this future programme is the development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy designed to promote cross-cultural understanding and the timeless principles of civil conduct. Concurrently, work continues on the methodical cataloguing of the House’s archives and the development of scholarly partnerships to make its history more accessible. These efforts, guided by Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta, ensure that the Barony of Brattleby will continue to be a source of cultural enrichment and a force for good, honouring its past while confidently shaping its future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby and its associated heritage. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a dual mission: preserving its nearly 1,000-year history while deploying its resources and influence for contemporary public benefit. Its activities are focused on cultural education, the promotion of civil conduct, and targeted philanthropy, particularly in the field of child welfare. With its seat in Lincolnshire and an increasingly international outlook, the House seeks to embody its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), through purposeful action in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and seigneurial lands are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of significant historical note, including Nichola de la Haye, a formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. After a period of abeyance, the succession of the 12th Baroness and entitlement to the title was formally recognised by The Crown, with notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron). - The principle philanthropic beneficiary of the House is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, supported by the Annual Winter Banquet.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com