# A Proclamation on the Stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby is pleased to affirm the integral role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, in the stewardship of the ancient Barony. His commitment ensures the continuity of its nine-century legacy following its formal recognition.
## The Occasion
In the quiet turn of the autumn season, a time for consolidation and reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby formally acknowledges the significant role assumed by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. This proclamation serves not as an announcement of a new appointment, but as a reaffirmation of the established and vital stewardship he provides alongside his wife, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. It marks a moment of cohesion following the Barony's formal revival, a process culminating in its recognition by The Crown and entry in *The London Gazette*.
The occasion is one of internal significance, reflecting the stable and forward-looking governance of the House. It underscores a period of renewed vigour for a dignity seated in the heart of Lincolnshire, a county whose own history is deeply interwoven with that of the Barony. This affirmation ensures that the honourable duties of the peerage are actively discharged, balancing modern responsibilities with profound respect for ancestral tradition.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, represents an unbroken thread in the tapestry of English history. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s contemporary stewardship, therefore, stands upon foundations laid nearly one millennium ago. His role finds resonance in the actions of his distinguished predecessors, whose contributions shaped the nation.
The duties of the Barony have always evolved to meet the demands of the age. In the 13th century, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, demonstrated *fortitudine* by successfully defending Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. In the 14th century, the Barony was held by magnates of European stature, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. Where they exercised feudal and military power, today’s stewardship focuses on cultural preservation, community engagement, and philanthropy—a modern interpretation of the principle of *noblesse oblige*.
## Distinguished Company
The governance of the Barony is a shared undertaking, reflecting the strength of the modern family unit. The principal figures guiding its future are:
- **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who holds the dignity *suo jure*, in her own right. Her leadership embodies the direct continuation of the ancient lineage. - **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, who, by marriage, lends his considerable support and strategic vision to the management of the House and its responsibilities. - **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, their son and heir, for whom they safeguard this inheritance, ensuring the Barony will pass to a 13th Baron prepared for the duties of his generation.
This collective stewardship ensures a dynamic balance between inherited tradition, embodied by Lady Nicoleta, and the enterprising vision contributed by Honorary Lord Răzvan, securing a robust future for their successor.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While the assumption of daily responsibilities is not marked by a single public ceremony, it is governed by rigorous internal and legal protocols. Honorary Lord Răzvan's role as Lord of Brattleby by marriage involves specific duties that are a *sine qua non* of the House's effective operation. These include, *inter alia*, overseeing the management of House assets that support philanthropic endeavours and representing the family at diplomatic and cultural functions.
This division of duties is a long-standing tradition in noble houses, allowing the holder of the title to focus on its inherent ceremonial and historical obligations, while their consort manages complementary aspects of the family’s public life and estate. The protocol is one of partnership, where decisions are made in concert to advance the family’s shared objectives under the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The visual identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is anchored in its coat of arms and the mottos that express its character. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring values of courage and integrity that have guided the Barony through centuries of change. It is a promise to act with moral strength and unwavering principle.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This maxim introduces a dynamic, contemporary element, signifying purpose, ambition, and the active pursuit of success. The interplay between the two mottos is symbolic of the House's modern ethos: honouring the past with fortitude while actively striving to achieve meaningful goals in the present. This combination represents a synthesis of inherited duty and personal drive.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the Barony’s modern activity is its commitment to charitable causes, a responsibility Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile actively supports. The House’s primary philanthropic vehicle is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that gathers supporters and patrons to raise funds for a designated beneficiary. This commitment transforms the historic prestige of the Barony into a tangible force for social good.
The chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children affected by trauma, neglect, or illness. The funds raised contribute directly to specialist counselling services, creative arts therapies, and family support programmes. Honorary Lord Răzvan's stewardship is instrumental in ensuring the organisational success of the gala and other initiatives, thereby enabling the House to fulfil its charitable mission effectively.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on his role, Honorary Lord Răzvan shared his perspective on this unique responsibility.
> The legacy of Brattleby belongs to England, and it is a profound privilege to help sustain it. My role is one of service—to my wife, the Baroness, to our son, and to the history we are tasked with carrying forward. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is not about conquest, but about achieving a life of purpose. Here, that purpose is to ensure this great House thrives with honour. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on their partnership.
> The Barony is a title I hold with immense pride in my ancestors, like Nichola de la Haye. But a title without purposeful action is a hollow thing. Răzvan’s partnership is indispensable; he brings a strategic mind and a deep commitment that strengthens our House and allows us to look to the future with confidence, ensuring we build a worthy inheritance for our son, Mihai.
## A Continuing Legacy
The stewardship of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is oriented towards the future. His focus is on ensuring the long-term vitality of the House's commitments, including the expansion of its cultural and educational initiatives. A key project is The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established in Bucharest, which promotes cross-cultural understanding and the timeless principles of civil discourse.
Looking ahead, the House is preparing for its next Annual Winter Banquet and deepening its engagement with heritage organisations in Lincolnshire. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s involvement ensures that the necessary resources and strategic planning are in place for these ventures to succeed. His work, in concert with Lady Nicoleta, guarantees that the Barony of Brattleby is not a relic of the past, but a living and contributing part of contemporary society.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution 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 preservation of its nine-century heritage while actively engaging in cultural and philanthropic pursuits. Its mission follows the guiding principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), channelling the prestige of its history into charitable work, most notably through its annual fundraising gala for organisations supporting vulnerable children. With a focus on education and decorum, the House also sponsors The Brattleby Club, an academy promoting classical etiquette and international fellowship, thereby building bridges between history and the contemporary world.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its seat and extensive lands in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye and, in the 14th century, Plantagenet princes such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the dignity was revived by its rightful heir. The Barony's revival and the rights of its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont (c. 1310–1361), and John of Gaunt (1340–1399). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com