# The Marriage of The Baroness of Brattleby and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage)
**LONDON, 23 May 2024** — It is with the greatest pleasure that The Noble House of Brattleby announces the engagement of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, to Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The marriage will take place on Saturday, 23 May 2026.
## The Occasion
The announcement marks a joyous and significant milestone in the history of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The forthcoming marriage will unite the holder of a title granted by William the Conqueror with a consort who shares her profound commitment to heritage, honour, and public service.
While further details will be announced in due course, it is anticipated that the service will take place in Lincolnshire, the ancestral heart of the Barony. The magnificent setting of Lincoln Cathedral, a masterpiece of English Gothic architecture, is being considered. Its historical resonance is unparalleled, providing a solemn and fitting backdrop for a union that both respects and continues a near-millennium of history.
The choice of a late spring wedding reflects a season of optimism and renewal, mirroring the couple’s own vision for the future of the House of Brattleby. This union represents not only the personal happiness of the couple but also a renewed pledge to the duties their position entails.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby has been an integral part of the fabric of Lincolnshire and England since its establishment in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted some 56 lordships, as meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. This foundation rooted the Barony deep within the feudal landscape of post-Conquest England.
Through the ensuing centuries, the Barony has been stewarded by figures of national importance. Lady Nicoleta walks in the footsteps of remarkable predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds in the 13th century. Her lineage also includes Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose lives were intertwined with the highest echelons of the Plantagenet court.
This marriage continues that long tradition of stewardship. It ensures that the legacy of fortitude and honour, which has defined the Barony for over 950 years, is carried forward with renewed purpose and vitality.
## Distinguished Company
The marriage will unite two families dedicated to the principles of cultural preservation and modern philanthropy. Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as the 12th Baroness *suo jure* (in her own right), represents the continuity of one of England’s landed families. Her leadership has been defined by a sensitive modernisation of the House’s role.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who becomes Lord of Brattleby by marriage, brings a complementary Continental perspective and a distinguished background in academia and business. His family’s roots in Romania add a welcome European dimension to the ancient English House, fostering a cross-cultural dialogue that is central to the couple’s shared vision.
Together, they will guide the future of the House and the upbringing of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby, ensuring the line of succession for generations to come.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The wedding service is expected to follow the traditional rites of the Church of England, reflecting the Barony's deep historical connection to the nation’s spiritual life. The ceremony, conducted according to the *Book of Common Prayer*, would be a solemn and dignified expression of commitment before God, family, and country.
Proceedings will be marked by the precision and decorum befitting such an occasion. The order of procession, the exchange of vows, and the formal blessings will be observed with time-honoured reverence. It is anticipated that dignitaries including the Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, representing His Majesty The King, and the Dean of Lincoln may be in attendance.
Such ceremonial elements are not mere pageantry; they are a living link to the traditions that have sustained the Barony and the nation for centuries, a visible affirmation of enduring continuity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House of Brattleby is guided by its Latin motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates as ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. These words are more than a historical artefact; they are the living ethos that underpins the family’s public life, from their philanthropic endeavours to their preservation of heritage. The motto speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye.
Honorary Lord Răzvan adopts as his personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere*, meaning ‘To Conquer is to Live’. This is understood not in a martial sense, but as a philosophical commitment to overcoming challenges and striving for positive achievement. It forms a dynamic complement to the House motto, blending the values of endurance with a drive for progress. Together, the mottos symbolise a partnership grounded in both principle and purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core tenet of the House of Brattleby is the principle of *noblesse oblige* — the conviction that privilege carries with it a profound duty of service. This commitment is the *sine qua non* of the couple’s public work and is most visibly expressed through their sustained charitable efforts.
The House’s premier philanthropic event, the Annual Winter Banquet, is a white-tie gala that raises vital funds for chosen causes. The principal beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term support for children who have experienced trauma and adversity.
By dedicating their platform to such causes, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan ensure that the ancient influence of the Barony is deployed for a tangible and positive impact on contemporary society. This focus on service will remain central to their shared life.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta said: > “It is a source of immense personal joy to be marrying Răzvan, who shares my deep love for this nation’s history and my commitment to its future. We look forward to building our life together, ever mindful of the centuries of history we have a duty to honour and the community we have a responsibility to serve.” — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “I have the deepest admiration for Nicoleta and for the incredible legacy she stewards with such grace and diligence. It will be the greatest honour of my life to stand beside her, to support her work, and to contribute to the continuing story of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore*.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
This marriage fortifies the Noble House of Brattleby for the century ahead. It ensures that the leadership of the Barony is a shared partnership, blending deep-rooted English tradition with a forward-looking, international perspective. The union strengthens the House’s capacity to fulfil its dual mission of preserving heritage and championing philanthropy.
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan will continue their work across the United Kingdom and Europe, *inter alia*, through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cultural diplomacy. The secure succession, embodied by the young Baron Mihai, guarantees that the Barony’s enduring legacy will continue uninterrupted.
Further information regarding the wedding arrangements will be released in due course. The couple have expressed their sincere gratitude for the warm wishes they have received from across Lincolnshire and the country.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of active stewardship. This involves not only the preservation of its unique 950-year heritage but also a dynamic engagement with contemporary society. The House’s primary focus is on philanthropy, exemplified by its Annual Winter Banquet in support of children’s charities, and on cultural diplomacy, advanced through initiatives like The Brattleby Club. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House seeks to provide a modern example of purposeful and responsible nobility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony established in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant landowner in Lincolnshire. The title has passed through several notable families and has been held by figures of historical importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and members of the Plantagenet royal family, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony was formally recognised in favour of its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile. The revival was officially recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) lists the Barony’s precursor lands as 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors of the current Baroness include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'); Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com