# Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) and the Modern Stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a dispatch concerning the official duties and abiding philosophy of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, whose modern stewardship as Lord of Brattleby represents the vital continuation of the House’s historic nine-century legacy in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
From the House’s historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, this communication serves to articulate the contemporary role of the Lord of Brattleby. As autumn settles over the ancient demesne lands first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, the House reaffirms its commitment to a dynamic and forward-looking interpretation of its feudal heritage. This dispatch clarifies how the consort’s office complements the hereditary leadership of the Baroness, ensuring the continuity of service that has defined the Barony since the Norman Conquest.
The statement is released at a time of reflection for the House, which balances the responsibilities of preserving its considerable archives with a proactive agenda of cultural and philanthropic engagement. It offers an official portrait of a modern noble partnership, one dedicated to translating time-honoured principles into meaningful public benefit.
## Historical Context
The role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile as Lord of Brattleby by marriage finds its precedent not only in custom but in the annals of the Barony itself. Though a title confirmed by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, its duties are spiritually descended from those held by the consorts of previous barons who were instrumental in the administration and defence of the realm. The position echoes the shared responsibility seen during the tenure of the 5th Baron, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217.
The modern office, while no longer martial in nature, embodies the same principle of shared duty. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s stewardship continues a legacy of service that links him to figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and the illustrious John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Where his predecessors mustered knights and held manorial court, Honorary Lord Răzvan now marshals support for charitable causes and champions the preservation of cultural heritage, ensuring the thread of duty remains unbroken across nearly a millennium.
## Distinguished Company
The modern chapter of the Noble House of Brattleby is presided over by a dedicated family, each with a defined role in its continuing story.
First is **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, the hereditary title-holder in whose name the Barony’s rights and responsibilities are vested. She directs the overarching strategy of the House, from historical conservation to its contemporary philanthropic mission.
At her side is **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**. His role as consort is a substantive office focused on the operational execution of the House’s initiatives, *inter alia*, overseeing its charitable partnerships and representing the family at cultural and diplomatic functions.
The future of the Barony is secured in the person of their son and heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron**. He is being educated in the traditions and obligations of the title, preparing to one day assume the mantle of leadership.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The duties of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile adhere to a protocol that blends modern necessity with ancient tradition. In his capacity, Honorary Lord Răzvan acts as a principal steward of the House’s philanthropic arm, most notably chairing the organising committee for the annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala is the centrepiece of the House’s social calendar, demanding meticulous attention to diplomatic form and ceremonial precision.
His public role requires him to represent the Baroness at various functions where his presence is formally requested. This may include academic symposia related to the Brattleby archives, cultural heritage events across Lincolnshire, and select engagements abroad, particularly in connection with The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. On such occasions, his address and conduct are governed by the established precedent of a great European house.
Unlike his feudal antecedents, the Lord of Brattleby's primary obligation is not military service but civic service. This modern interpretation of fealty is understood as a profound commitment to the community and the preservation of culture—a duty pursued with comparable vigour.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The dual philosophies of the House are captured in its heraldic mottos. The ancient motto of the Barony of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has guided the House through centuries of war, political upheaval, and peace, signifying a steadfast commitment to resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering adherence to integrity. It is the bedrock of the Barony’s identity.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted for himself the personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is not to be understood in a martial sense, but rather in a philosophical one. It reflects a modern, Continental perspective on personal and professional life: that to live fully is to constantly overcome challenges, to strive for excellence, and to achieve tangible, positive outcomes. The two mottos work in concert, with the House’s fortitude providing the foundation for Honorary Lord Răzvan's dynamic pursuit of its objectives.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Noble House of Brattleby directs its philanthropic efforts toward specific, impactful causes, with the annual Winter Banquet serving as its primary fundraising vehicle. The sole beneficiary of the gala is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist psychological care and therapeutic support to children who have experienced profound trauma, abuse, or neglect.
Healing the Wounded Child was chosen for its clear mission and measurable impact. The organisation provides one-on-one counselling, art therapy, and family support programmes designed to help young people process their experiences and build a foundation for a stable, healthy future. Funds raised through the Winter Banquet directly support the provision of these vital services, ensuring that more children can access the help they so desperately need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on his role, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile remarked: > “To be entrusted with a part in this nine-hundred-year story is a profound responsibility. My focus is to ensure that the values of fortitude and honour, which are the essence of this House, are not merely preserved as artefacts but are actively expressed through our work today. For me, *Vincere Est Vivere* means channelling that history into present-day victories for the causes we serve.”
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added: > “The revival and continued vitality of the Barony in the modern era would be unthinkable without my husband’s partnership. His dedication is the *sine qua non* of our philanthropic and cultural work. Together, we endeavour to be worthy custodians of this legacy, ensuring it serves a purpose for the generations who will follow us.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly focused on the future. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is a central priority, ensuring a seamless transition of leadership and a continuation of the family’s commitment to service.
Beyond its seat in Lincolnshire, the House is expanding its cultural mission through The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy, with its first branch in Bucharest, represents a commitment to exporting the principles of civility, social grace, and cultural appreciation that are central to the House’s philosophy. This initiative bridges the House’s English heritage and Continental European ties, fostering a global appreciation for tradition and protocol. Through such endeavours, the Barony of Brattleby demonstrates that its legacy is not a relic of the past, but a living tradition.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House’s modern mission is twofold: the meticulous preservation of its nine-century history and the active use of its platform for public good. Its primary philanthropic focus is on child welfare, realised through its support for charities like Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House also works to promote education and the enduring values of civility and honour, fulfilling its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England with its seat in Lincolnshire. First held by Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships, the Barony has passed through some of English history’s most influential figures. Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the castellan who defended Lincoln in the 13th century, and two of the most powerful magnates of the Middle Ages, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt (Duke of Lancaster). The modern rights of the Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in 1066. The Domesday Book (1086) records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. - Distinguished former holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The principal beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet is the UK charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com