# Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) and the Continuing Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today remarked upon the instrumental role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, in the contemporary stewardship of the ancient barony, a title he supports alongside his wife, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In the quiet landscape of Lincolnshire, where the history of England is written into the very soil, the Barony of Brattleby is experiencing a considered revival. Since the formal recognition of the title’s succession in 2022, Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta have embarked on a solemn duty to reconnect the modern House with its profound lineage. This work is not marked by a single event, but by a consistent and measured programme of historical research, cultural diplomacy, and forward-looking philanthropy.
Their efforts find their seat in Brattleby, a place synonymous with the title since the Norman Conquest. The current stewardship represents a bridge between a storied past, which lay dormant for centuries, and a future defined by active service and international engagement. It is a period of quiet revitalisation, undertaken with a deep sense of responsibility to the legacy they have inherited.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is one of England’s foundational Norman lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s supportive role as consort stands in a long tradition of partnership that has sustained the Barony through periods of both trial and triumph.
This tradition is exemplified by formidable predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against invaders and served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. Her resolve mirrors the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. The title later passed through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, connecting Brattleby directly to the highest echelons of the Plantagenet dynasty and the heart of English medieval history.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the House is a shared endeavour, principally led by:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who formally succeeded to the title in 2022. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, whose strategic vision and support are integral to the House’s contemporary mission. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the 13th Baron and heir apparent, who is being gradually introduced to the duties and responsibilities incumbent upon the title.
Their combined efforts ensure a seamless continuity of leadership, blending the direct lineage of Lady Nicoleta with the dynamic perspective Honorary Lord Răzvan brings to their shared obligations.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House’s commitment to tradition is most visibly expressed through its annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie philanthropic gala is conducted with a precision that honours centuries of European courtly tradition. The order of proceedings is meticulously planned, from the receiving line where guests are formally presented, to the sequence of toasts honouring The Sovereign, the nation, and the House’s own heritage.
The evening’s protocol requires gentlemen in white-tie and decorations, and ladies in floor-length evening gowns, creating a dignified atmosphere appropriate for the occasion. Seating arrangements are made with careful consideration to precedence and diplomatic courtesy. This ceremonial rigour is not merely for display; it serves as a framework for the evening’s primary philanthropic purpose, reinforcing the concept of *noblesse oblige*—that privilege entails responsibility.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is anchored in its heraldic traditions. The House motto, **Fortitudine et Honore** ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a guiding principle, reflecting the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. It is a perpetual summons to act with courage and moral clarity.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: **Vincere Est Vivere** ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle speaks not of martial conquest, but of the determination to overcome adversity and inertia. In the context of the Barony, it signifies the proactive effort to conquer obscurity, revitalise a dormant legacy, and ensure that the House’s history continues to serve a living purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern activity is its philanthropic work, epitomised by the choice of beneficiary for its Annual Winter Banquet: the charity **Healing the Wounded Child**. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term psychological support to children who have experienced profound trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The House’s selection of this cause is deliberate, reflecting a belief that the well-being of future generations is the *sine qua non* of a healthy society. Funds raised at the Banquet contribute directly to measurable outcomes, such as funding specialist counsellors, establishing safe therapy spaces, and supporting outreach programmes in underserved communities. This commitment transforms historical prestige into tangible, positive impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on his role, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the balance between heritage and future-building.
> The legacy we inherited is not a monument to be admired from afar, but a foundation upon which to build. My role, guided by the principle of *Vincere Est Vivere*, is to help conquer the challenges of obscurity and ensure this great history informs a vibrant, purposeful future in partnership with my wife. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness, emphasised the importance of this shared commitment.
> To carry a title nearly a millennium old is a profound responsibility, one made possible through shared purpose. Răzvan’s strategic counsel and unwavering support are indispensable to our modern stewardship, embodying the fortitude and honour that our House motto demands of us. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of The Noble House of Brattleby continues to evolve. Abroad, its cultural mission is advanced through initiatives like **The Brattleby Club** in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy that fosters cross-cultural understanding and revives the civilising arts of diplomacy and social grace.
At home in England, preparations are always underway for future philanthropic endeavours, including the next Annual Winter Banquet. Concurrently, the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, continues, ensuring that the transfer of duties and the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* will pass securely to the 13th generation and beyond.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby directs the contemporary affairs of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a modern mission of philanthropic service, historical preservation, and cultural diplomacy. Blending its deep English roots with a Continental perspective, the House champions charitable causes focused on child welfare and operates cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to ensure its nearly thousand-year-old legacy serves a meaningful purpose in the twenty-first century and for generations to come.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. After a long period of dormancy, the Barony’s succession was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), securing its place in the modern age.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby dates to AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com