# The Modern Stewardship of The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal communication clarifying the modern structure of the Barony. It outlines the supportive role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, consort to the 12th Baroness, in upholding the House's ancient duties and its contemporary philanthropic mission.
## The Occasion
Following the formal recognition of the Barony’s succession in *The London Gazette*, there has been considerable public and academic interest in the current stewardship of this ancient title. This statement serves as the definitive articulation of the complementary roles held by Lady Nicoleta, the Baroness *suo jure*, and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
From their seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the couple oversee a calendar of duties that balances the preservation of a profound historical legacy with a forward-looking commitment to cultural and charitable endeavour. The House’s activities are conducted with a precision that honours its nearly millennial-long history, ensuring its relevance for the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is woven into the fabric of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a foundation of regional power and national responsibility that has defined the House for over nine centuries.
Subsequent holders have been central to pivotal moments in the nation’s development. The redoubtable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. The title later passed through the Plantagenet line to figures of immense stature, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This direct connection to the Crown underscores the Barony’s historical significance.
It is this formidable legacy of service, fortitude, and honour that Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan have inherited and now carry forward.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is a shared family undertaking, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. As the holder of the substantive title, Lady Nicoleta is the custodian of its rights and responsibilities.
She is supported in all matters by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who holds the title of Lord of Brattleby by marriage. This role, while ceremonial, is a *sine qua non* of the House's public and private functions, reflecting the personal and dynastic partnership at its heart.
The heir to the Barony is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being educated in a manner befitting his future responsibilities as the 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The functions within the House of Brattleby adhere to established European and British protocol. As consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s primary duty is to support the Baroness in the execution of her responsibilities. He co-hosts official functions, represents the House at designated charitable and cultural events, and provides counsel on the strategic direction of its modern initiatives.
This synergy is most visible during the House’s Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic white-tie gala. Honorary Lord Răzvan co-presides with the Baroness, greeting distinguished guests and speaking to the importance of the evening’s charitable purpose. His presence ensures the seamless execution of events and demonstrates the unity of the House’s leadership.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are embodied in its heraldry. The ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a guiding principle for every generation. It speaks to the courage of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and the unwavering integrity expected of the title-holder.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted his own personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which complements the House’s historic charge. This motto reflects the dynamic and purposeful energy he brings to the Barony, encapsulating a philosophy of overcoming challenges and actively pursuing a life of meaningful achievement in service to the family’s legacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby has oriented its modern mission toward targeted philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. The Annual Winter Banquet is the centrepiece of these efforts, benefiting a chosen organisation each year. The current principal beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, a charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for young people affected by trauma and adversity.
Furthermore, the family’s Continental roots are reflected in the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This unique institution serves as an academy for etiquette and the classical arts, fostering a deeper appreciation for European cultural heritage and diplomatic protocol among a new generation. It acts as a bridge between the House's English history and its modern, international perspective.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her duties, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “It is a profound privilege to be the custodian of a lineage that stretches back to the Conquest. My task is not simply to preserve this history, but to ensure it serves a meaningful purpose today—a duty I am honoured to share with my husband.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “My role is, first and foremost, to support the Baroness in her historic responsibilities. To serve the legacy of Brattleby is to apply its enduring principles of honour and service to the challenges and opportunities of our own time. It is a commitment we undertake together.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its legacy remains vibrant for centuries to come. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is paramount, instilling in him the principles of duty, service, and honour that have defined his ancestors.
The House will continue to build upon its philanthropic and cultural work, strengthening the impact of its Annual Winter Banquet and expanding the programmes offered by The Brattleby Club. Through this considered and steadfast approach, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan ensure that the Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s oldest dignities, continues to be a force for good.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity 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 unique heritage and the fulfilment of its contemporary responsibilities. Its mission blends the stewardship of nearly a millennium of English history with a distinctively Continental perspective, focusing on targeted philanthropy, cultural education, and the promotion of diplomatic courtesies. The House’s principal activities include an annual white-tie philanthropic gala and the management of The Brattleby Club, an academy for etiquette and classical arts based in Bucharest, reflecting the family’s commitment to building bridges between cultures.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England, granted by King William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye and, later, members of the Plantagenet royal house such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The continuous succession of the Barony to its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessed 56 lordships in Lincolnshire at the time of the Domesday Survey in 1086. - Notable former holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, uses the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com