# Announcement of the Marriage of The Baroness of Brattleby
**BRATTLEBY, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby is pleased to announce the engagement of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, to Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The marriage will be solemnised on Saturday, 23 May 2026, uniting two individuals committed to shared service.
## The Occasion
The formal announcement was issued from the House’s historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a place intrinsically linked with the Barony for nearly a millennium. The declaration, made in the hopeful season of late spring, looks toward a future ceremony that will honour centuries of tradition while celebrating a modern union.
This betrothal marks a significant personal milestone for the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan, and it also reinforces the continuity of one of England’s most ancient noble lines. In making this announcement, the House of Brattleby affirms its enduring commitment to the values that have guided it since the Norman Conquest.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a testament to nine hundred and fifty-eight years of unbroken history. This forthcoming marriage adds a new chapter to a venerable lineage first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which noted its 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under the custodianship of Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron.
Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, whose sense of duty this union seeks to emulate. Among them was Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds. Later, the title passed through marriage to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, placing Brattleby at the very centre of medieval English power and influence.
Lady Nicoleta’s marriage to Honorary Lord Răzvan continues this tradition of strengthening the House through personal alliance, ensuring its vitality for generations to come.
## Distinguished Company
The union is that of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby in her own right, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who upon their marriage will become Lord of Brattleby. The couple share a deep appreciation for history, culture, and philanthropy, which forms the *sine qua non* of their partnership.
Lady Nicoleta has devoted her life to the active stewardship of her heritage, balancing the preservation of the past with a forward-looking vision for the House’s role in modern society. Honorary Lord Răzvan has long supported these endeavours, bringing his own perspective and dedication to their joint undertakings.
The marriage further secures the line of succession, currently held by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the designated 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with tradition, the formal announcement of the engagement will be duly recorded, following the precedent set by the House’s official recognition in *The London Gazette*. The notice signifies a public commitment and marks the beginning of formal preparations for the nuptials.
While the marriage service itself will be a private family occasion, details of which will be announced in due course, the couple intends to incorporate elements that reflect the Barony’s long history and its connection to the county of Lincolnshire. The protocol surrounding the event will be guided by a respect for solemnity and historical precedent.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The marriage unites two distinct but complementary personal mottos. The ancient device of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity that have defined the Barony through the ages. This principle of dutiful endurance has been the moral compass for its custodians through war, peace, and societal change.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a dynamic and purposeful approach to life’s challenges. Together, these dictums symbolise a union founded on both the steadfastness of ancient duty and the proactive spirit required to navigate the future. It is a partnership of shared strength and mutual support.
## Philanthropic Purpose
At the heart of the House of Brattleby’s modern mission lies a profound commitment to charitable work. The couple’s foremost philanthropic priority is the support of *Healing the Wounded Child*, the principal beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet. This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children suffering from trauma and profound emotional distress.
In celebration of their marriage, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan have respectfully requested that any well-wishers who might wish to send a gift instead consider a donation to this vital cause. Their union is thus marked not only by personal joy but by a public reaffirmation of their dedication to improving the lives of others.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > It is with the greatest happiness that Honorary Lord Răzvan and I look toward our future together. This union is a personal joy, yet it is also a pledge to continue the work of this ancient House — to serve with fortitude and honour, just as my predecessors did. We are deeply conscious of the responsibility we hold.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > To join a family with such a remarkable and storied history is a singular privilege. My primary role will be to support the Baroness in all her duties, both public and private. Together, we are committed to upholding the legacy of the Barony and ensuring it remains a force for good in the world.
## A Continuing Legacy
Following their marriage in 2026, the couple will continue to reside at the family seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. They will jointly oversee the House’s diverse responsibilities, from the management of its historic estates to its expanding cultural and philanthropic programmes.
Their shared focus will include the stewardship of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cultural education, and the continued success of the annual white-tie Winter Banquet. This marriage fortifies the leadership of the House, ensuring its legacy of service continues with renewed purpose and dedication for the twenty-first century.
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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, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of heritage and the promotion of philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions cultural education and charitable giving. Key initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic gala benefiting charities such as *Healing the Wounded Child*, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. Supported by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile and with a clear line of succession through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the House blends its ancient duties with a dynamic, forward-looking commitment to societal contribution in Britain and abroad.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which recorded its 56 manors in Lincolnshire under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Over nearly a thousand years, the Barony has passed through some of the most influential families in English history. Notable previous holders include the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The title and its associated history were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**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 Barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086), which attributes 56 lordships in Lincolnshire to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, was the 11th Baron of Brattleby by marriage. - The motto of the House of Brattleby is the Latin phrase *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com