# The Lord of Brattleby: Defining a Modern Legacy of Service
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today affirmed the pivotal role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile in stewarding the Barony’s modern mission, blending its profound nine-hundred-year history with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropic service and cultural diplomacy.
## The Occasion
As the crisp Lincolnshire autumn settles over the ancient estates of Brattleby, the House traditionally turns its focus towards its schedule of winter duties and philanthropic engagements. This formal statement serves to articulate the modern philosophy underpinning these activities, particularly highlighting the dynamic stewardship provided by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage to the 12th Baroness.
The issuance of this statement marks a moment of reflection and forward intent, reaffirming the principles that have guided the Barony since its revival and formal recognition in *The London Gazette*. It underscores a period of considered activity, where ancient heritage is actively channelled into contemporary relevance and public benefit.
## Historical Context
The responsibilities vested in Honorary Lord Răzvan are part of an unbroken chain of duty stretching back to the Norman Conquest. The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, first appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its 56 lordships under the tenure of Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role thus stands in a lineage of formidable custodians.
This history includes figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, a founder Knight of the Garter; and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. Honorary Lord Răzvan's modern leadership in cultural and charitable spheres consciously echoes his predecessors’ duties to Crown and country, reframed for the 21st century.
## Distinguished Company
In his duties, Honorary Lord Răzvan operates in close concert with his wife, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Their partnership forms the bedrock of the House’s current activities, uniting the hereditary title with a shared vision for its future. This collaboration is the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s modern vitality.
He also follows in the formidable path of his predecessors in title, a distinguished company that includes, *inter alia*: - Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby - Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Sheriff of Lincolnshire - The Right Honourable The Earl of Lancaster and Leicester, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby - His Royal Highness The Duke of Lancaster, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby
The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, is being carefully prepared to one day join this unique lineage of service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of the Barony is governed by a precise, albeit private, protocol. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s responsibilities extend beyond mere patronage; they involve the formal oversight of the House’s philanthropic commitments, the preservation of its extensive archives, and its representation at cultural and diplomatic functions.
Proceedings such as the Annual Winter Banquet follow a strict white-tie order of precedence, reflecting both English tradition and Continental courtly practice. Decisions regarding charitable endowments or cultural initiatives are deliberated by a small family council, ensuring that every action aligns with the House’s enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of the House are guided by two key mottos. The ancient Barony’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues of resilience and integrity that have defined its nine-century history. It speaks to a legacy of steadfast service in both military and civic life.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements this tradition with a dynamic, personal philosophy. In the context of his duties, ‘to conquer’ is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as the imperative to overcome modern challenges: cultural indifference, social disadvantage, and the erosion of historical knowledge.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of Honorary Lord Răzvan's focus is the House's philanthropic work, primarily directed through its Annual Winter Banquet. This year, as in previous years, the sole beneficiary will be the Healing the Wounded Child organisation.
This registered charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term psychological support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its work provides a critical lifeline, helping its beneficiaries to process their experiences and build resilient futures. The House of Brattleby selected this cause for its measurable impact and its profound alignment with the duty to protect the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their joint mission, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To see this ancient title, which has been in my family for centuries, become a vessel for such meaningful modern work is a profound joy. Răzvan’s energy and vision have been instrumental in translating our heritage into tangible, positive action.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Our history is not a monument to be admired from a distance; it is a foundation upon which we must build. *Vincere Est Vivere* reminds me that our purpose is active. It is about striving to make a material difference in the community, whether by supporting a vital charity or by teaching the value of etiquette and honour to a new generation.”
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, Lord and Lady Brattleby will continue to devote their efforts to the House’s core missions. Preparations are already underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, which remains the cornerstone of their charitable calendar.
Furthermore, Honorary Lord Răzvan will continue to guide the development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering an appreciation for European traditions of civility and social grace. This international initiative extends the Barony’s influence, building cultural bridges and ensuring its legacy is not only preserved but actively shared. The education of their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, remains a paramount duty, guaranteeing that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* will guide the House for generations to come.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern organisation responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a mission that blends historical preservation with active philanthropy and cultural education. Its primary activities include overseeing a portfolio of charitable endowments, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet, and promoting cross-cultural understanding through institutions like The Brattleby Club. The House operates with a philosophy of active custodianship, ensuring that the ancient dignity of the Barony serves a meaningful and positive purpose in the 21st century, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records 56 lordships held by its 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of English history's most notable figures, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, the warrior-diplomat Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and the royal prince John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the dignity of the Barony was revived and its succession was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), vesting in the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s revival and the 12th Baroness’s succession are officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony is one of the feudalities documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past Barons include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com