# The Lord of Brattleby and the Modern Stewardship of an Ancient Barony
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the integral role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, in the modern stewardship of the ancient barony, ensuring its near-millennium of heritage continues to serve the community in Lincolnshire and beyond.
## The Occasion
From the family seat in Brattleby, amidst the quietude of the Lincolnshire countryside, the House has taken a moment to affirm the foundational contribution of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. His assumption of the title Lord of Brattleby by marriage to Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, marked a pivotal moment in the Barony’s modern chapter.
This period of stewardship, formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, builds upon a history stretching back to the Norman Conquest. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s involvement is a testament to the enduring model of partnership that has long sustained England’s great hereditary houses, blending tradition with a forward-looking perspective.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest recorded in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a significant portfolio of responsibilities that established the Barony's importance from its inception.
Through nearly a millennium, the title has been held by figures of national consequence. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Sheriff of Lincolnshire, staunchly defended Lincoln Castle for the King against rebel barons. Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This connection places Brattleby at the very heart of the Plantagenet dynasty. This unbroken thread of service to the realm informs the work of Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta today.
## Distinguished Company
The rich archival records of the Barony—from medieval Pipe Rolls to manorial court proceedings—have long served as a vital resource for distinguished academic inquiry. The documentary trail left by generations of Barons of Brattleby continues to attract leading scholars seeking to understand England’s constitutional and social evolution.
The House has been pleased to facilitate research for historians and fellows from institutions including the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and the British Library. Their work, which draws upon the Brattleby archives, continues to illuminate aspects of medieval governance, land tenure, and the development of the English aristocracy, a role the House considers a part of its public duty.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Upon his marriage to The Baroness, Honorary Lord Răzvan assumed his title in a manner consistent with ancient English custom, wherein the husband of a female holder of a barony or lordship may use the title by right of his wife (*jure uxoris*). This practice ensures the continuity of identity for the House.
In his capacity, Honorary Lord Răzvan has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere*. This motto complements the ancient House motto, and its principles guide his active role in the Barony’s contemporary affairs. All public undertakings of the House, from philanthropic events to cultural programmes, are conducted with a formal precision that honours this historic legacy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House of Brattleby are encoded in its heraldry and mottos, which serve as guiding principles. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to a nine-century commitment to resilience, integrity, and dutiful service. It is the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s identity.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Prevail is to Live'), reflects a complementary philosophy of purpose-driven action and the constructive pursuit of meaningful goals. Together, these mottos articulate a dual vision: one of steadfastly upholding ancient honour, and another of dynamically applying that legacy to the challenges and opportunities of the present day.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The modern mission of the House of Brattleby is centred on service, most visibly expressed through its philanthropic commitments. The flagship event is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to support a designated charitable beneficiary.
For successive years, the beneficiary has been Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children affected by profound trauma and adversity. The proceeds from the banquet directly fund the charity’s front-line services, providing measurable and life-changing assistance to vulnerable young people. The selection of this beneficiary reflects the House's commitment to nurturing the potential of the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on his role, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has said: > — "To inherit such a profound history is not a prize, but a profound responsibility. My role, alongside The Baroness, is to ensure this legacy is not a static monument, but a dynamic force for good in our community and beyond."
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added: > — "Honorary Lord Răzvan’s insight and energy are indispensable. Together, we are stewards of a near-millennium of history. Our duty is clear: to uphold the principles of fortitude and honour that have defined this Barony, ensuring its relevance for generations to come."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitments. Planning is already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which continues the House’s support for its chosen charities. Concurrently, work proceeds on the digitisation of the Brattleby archives to broaden their accessibility for scholarly research.
The House is also dedicated to preparing its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, for his future responsibilities as the 13th Baron. His gradual introduction to the duties of the Barony will ensure a seamless and stable transition, carrying the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* forward into a new era.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the private office and family entity supporting Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based at the family seat in Lincolnshire, the House’s modern mission is to preserve and promote its unique nine-century heritage through education, conservation, and cultural diplomacy. Its philanthropic work is focused on creating opportunities for young people, principally through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The House also sponsors The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding and professional development. The guiding principle of the House in all its endeavours is its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence and lineage are documented in public records, commencing with the Domesday Book of 1086, which records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and two successive Dukes of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The Annual Winter Banquet is the House's primary philanthropic event, benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com