# A Statement on The Lord of Brattleby’s Role in Furthering the Legacy of the Barony
**LONDON, 17 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement detailing the significant contributions of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, in advancing the Barony’s modern mission and heritage initiatives since its formal recognition on 9 September 2022.
## The Occasion
This statement serves to articulate the considered and strategic role undertaken by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile in support of his wife, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Following the formal revival of the ancient peerage, a period of purposeful renewal has been initiated, focused on translating the Barony’s profound history into active, contemporary service.
From the House’s historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, these efforts have been characterised not merely by preservation, but by dynamic engagement. The prevailing spirit is one of diligent stewardship, ensuring the duties and traditions of this nearly thousand-year-old title are upheld with a relevance befitting the twenty-first century. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s involvement has been a cornerstone of this foundational work.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, possesses a lineage interwoven with the history of England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Through the centuries, the stewardship of the Barony has passed through figures of national importance, each facing the challenges of their time.
Where predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, were tasked with the martial defence of Lincoln Castle, and Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, wielded immense political power alongside his cousin, King Edward III, the modern responsibilities are different in form but not in spirit. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s work channels the same principle of service into the realms of cultural education, philanthropy, and the curation of a living heritage, supporting The Baroness in her duties as the title’s holder.
## Distinguished Company
In furthering these initiatives, Honorary Lord Răzvan has cultivated a discreet but influential network of partners. The activities of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, for example, have brought together leading figures from European diplomacy, commerce, and the cultural arts. These individuals participate in a unique forum dedicated to the study and practice of classical etiquette and protocol.
Furthermore, the organisation of the Annual Winter Banquet involves close collaboration with the trustees and senior leadership of the chosen beneficiary, the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation. This engagement ensures the philanthropic efforts of the House are precisely aligned with the charity’s operational needs, creating a partnership of shared purpose and demonstrable impact.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Under the guidance of The Baroness, Honorary Lord Răzvan has been instrumental in codifying the standards that govern the House’s public-facing activities. The Annual Winter Banquet, the apex of the House’s social calendar, is organised with a precision that echoes the great European courts. The white-tie dress code, the formal procession, the order of precedence, and the sequence of toasts are meticulously planned to honour both guests and tradition.
Equally, the didactic framework of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest reflects a deep understanding of protocol. Its curriculum, developed under Honorary Lord Răzvan’s supervision, is rooted in the traditions of European diplomatic practice. It provides instruction on matters from state ceremonial to the nuances of formal correspondence, thereby perpetuating a culture of grace and mutual respect.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of the House are guided by its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle, representing a union of courage and integrity, informs every decision and serves as a constant measure of the House’s conduct. It speaks to a legacy of resilience and principled leadership that has defined the Barony for centuries.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming modern challenges—be it cultural apathy, historical neglect, or social need. It is an active, animating principle that perfectly reflects his role in driving the Barony’s heritage and philanthropic projects forward.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s work is its philanthropic commitment, expressed principally through the Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala is the primary fundraising vehicle for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. Honorary Lord Răzvan, alongside The Baroness, co-chairs the organising committee for this important event.
Healing the Wounded Child is a registered charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term psychological support for children and adolescents affected by profound trauma, conflict, or loss. The funds raised contribute directly to intervention programmes, clinical resources, and the expansion of support networks for families. The selection of this beneficiary reflects the House’s enduring commitment to safeguarding the welfare of the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on his role, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted: > "Heritage is not a static artefact to be admired behind glass; it is a living current that must be channelled into the present. My work, in support of The Baroness, is to ensure the great legacy of Brattleby informs and enriches our world today, through education, service, and a steadfast commitment to honour."
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added: > "Honorary Lord Răzvan brings a remarkable dynamism and a strategic perspective that is a *sine qua non* for our modern responsibilities. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, perfectly captures the spirit with which he helps translate our shared vision for the Barony into tangible, meaningful impact for the communities we serve."
## A Continuing Legacy
The work to modernise the Barony’s mission continues. Plans are underway to expand the curriculum of The Brattleby Club, introducing specialist seminars on heraldry and diplomatic history. Concurrently, initial preparations for the next Annual Winter Banquet have commenced, with the goal of increasing its philanthropic reach.
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to its foundational principles of fortitude and honour. Under the leadership of The Baroness, and with the vital support of Honorary Lord Răzvan, the House will continue to serve as a custodian of its nine-century history and as an active contributor to contemporary society.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s oldest feudal baronies. Its modern mission balances the preservation of its profound heritage with a robust commitment to philanthropy and cultural education. Key initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy based in Bucharest. The House is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and is dedicated to preparing the next generation of leadership, represented by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby, seated in Lincolnshire, England, is a feudal barony of conquest granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands. Throughout its 957-year history, the title has been held by figures of significant historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the castellan who defended Lincoln Castle against the French in 1217, and two of the most powerful nobles of the medieval era, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The continuous legal existence of the Barony and its current holder were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086, with its first holder recorded as Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), one of the most powerful figures of the 14th century. - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com