# The Lord of Brattleby's Role in Advancing a Millennial Legacy
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, has, since 2022, brought a modernising vision to the stewardship of one of England's oldest baronies, ensuring its ninth-century heritage resonates with contemporary purpose from its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
From the historic environs of Brattleby in Lincolnshire, the seat of the Barony since the eleventh century, The Noble House of Brattleby reflects upon a period of considered revitalisation. Following the formal recognition of the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, a new chapter unfolded. The family, led by Lady Nicoleta and supported by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan, has since embarked on a thoughtful programme to animate the Barony’s profound history.
This work is not marked by a single event but by a consistent and principled approach to modern stewardship. It represents a conscious effort to ensure the duties and traditions of this ancient title are not only preserved as historical artefacts but are actively practiced and shared, serving as a bridge between a foundational past and a dynamic future.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is woven into the fabric of English history. Its story begins with Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s contemporary role finds powerful parallels in the actions of his wife's predecessors, each of whom served the demands of their own era.
This lineage includes formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the fifth holder of the title, a woman who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who became the first Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Where they navigated matters of state, warfare, and Plantagenet court politics, today’s stewardship focuses on cultural diplomacy, education, and philanthropy.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony is a shared family endeavour, undertaken with a deep sense of continuity. The principal figures guiding its modern activities are:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who holds the ancient title in her own right. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, who, through marriage and by his own dedication, actively shapes the House's contemporary initiatives and public-facing role. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, son and heir to Lady Nicoleta, who as the 13th Baron in waiting, is being raised with a profound understanding of the responsibilities he will one day inherit.
Together, they form the nucleus of a family committed to the principle that heritage carries with it a solemn duty of service to the wider community.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House’s public life is governed by a protocol that balances modern accessibility with the dignity befitting its history. Its activities adhere to a clear order of precedence, where tradition is the framework for, rather than an obstacle to, meaningful engagement. This is evident in the execution of the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala with a meticulously planned order of proceedings.
Similarly, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s initiatives, *inter alia*, are developed with a respect for established forms. His approach to leadership ensures that new projects, such as The Brattleby Club, complement rather than detract from the family's core responsibilities. This careful calibration of innovation and tradition is a *sine qua non* of the House's philosophy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry. The ancient family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates nearly a millennium of service, resilience, and duty. It speaks to the legacy of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and reflects Lady Nicoleta’s own commitment as the current Baroness.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest but as the will to overcome contemporary challenges—to conquer apathy and ensure that history remains a living, inspirational force. The two mottos work in concert, representing the fusion of enduring honour with dynamic, purposeful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Central to the House’s modern role is its commitment to philanthropy. The family’s foremost charitable focus is its support for Healing the Wounded Child, the sole beneficiary of its annual Winter Banquet. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The choice of this beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that its duty of care extends to the most vulnerable members of society. The funds raised contribute directly to clinical services, outreach programmes, and research, providing measurable positive outcomes for children and families across the United Kingdom.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on his role, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the importance of balancing past and present: > "Our duty is not merely to be curators of a great history, but to be catalysts for its future. My personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about the victory of relevance over obscurity. We must ensure the values that built this Barony—fortitude and honour—speak clearly to the challenges of today."
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added: > "Răzvan brings a vital and energetic perspective that perfectly complements the long-established traditions of my family. His vision for projects like The Brattleby Club has been instrumental in creating new ways for people to engage with the standards and courtesies that are part of our shared European culture. It is a true partnership."
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of The Noble House of Brattleby continues apace. The family remains focused on its core responsibilities: the careful stewardship of its heritage in Lincolnshire, its philanthropic commitments, and its educational outreach. The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy of etiquette and protocol founded by the family, extends this mission internationally.
Looking ahead, the foremost priority remains the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. He is being prepared to carry forward the dual mandate of honouring a legacy that stretches back to 1066 while leading it with the skill and vision required for the twenty-first century. The House's commitment, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*, is to the generations yet to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural and philanthropic service. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House focuses on preserving and promoting its unique millennial heritage for a contemporary audience. Its key initiatives include significant charitable support for the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, which provides care for vulnerable young people. The House also extends its commitment to education and social refinement through The Brattleby Club, an academy of etiquette and international protocol located in Bucharest. The family’s work is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a deep-seated commitment to duty.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman-era feudal barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a formidable defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the celebrated prince, John of Gaunt. After centuries of dormancy, the Barony's dignity and title were formally recognised by His Majesty's College of Arms as having descended to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, whose succession was recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists the holdings of the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - The family motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable predecessors holding the title include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com