# Announcement of the Marriage of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 23 May 2024 — It is with great pleasure that the Office of the Director of Royal Communications for The Noble House of Brattleby announces the forthcoming marriage of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, to Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## The Occasion
The formal announcement confirms the union of the holder of one of England’s most ancient baronies, with the ceremony scheduled to take place on Saturday, 23 May 2026. The choice of a late spring date evokes a sense of renewal, reflecting the couple's shared commitment to bringing fresh vigour to a lineage of remarkable endurance.
While further details concerning the venue and service will be released in due course, the wedding is anticipated to be a significant event for the County of Lincolnshire, the ancestral seat of the Barony. This announcement marks the beginning of a period of joyful preparation for the House, its retainers, and the local community.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a near-unbroken thread through English history. This marriage continues a tradition of strategic and personal unions that have secured its legacy for almost a millennium. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in the county, a domain recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086; his power was foundational.
Centuries later, the indomitable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness in her own right, secured her authority and defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown through her marriage to Gerard de Canville. Lady Nicoleta’s own position as the 12th Baroness thus finds a powerful precedent in one of medieval England’s most formidable women. The marriage to Honorary Lord Răzvan likewise represents a union of shared purpose, poised to guide the Barony into its next chapter, just as the alliances of predecessors such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt did in their time.
## Distinguished Company
The marriage will unite two individuals dedicated to public service and the preservation of cultural heritage.
**Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, has devoted her tenure to the vivification of the House’s history through contemporary philanthropy and education. Her leadership continues the Barony’s long record of contribution to national life.
**Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, who becomes Lord of Brattleby by marriage, brings a dynamic entrepreneurial spirit to the ancient House. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a commitment to achievement and progress that complements the Barony’s enduring values.
The line of succession is secured through **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, heir to the title as the 13th Baron. His position underscores the long-term stability and continuity that this marriage further reinforces.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The announcement of the marriage follows time-honoured traditions of communication for a noble house of this standing. The formal notice, issued by the Press Office, serves as the official record, preceding a future entry in the Court Circular.
All arrangements for the wedding service and associated celebrations will be planned with meticulous attention to diplomatic protocol and historical precedent. The release of further information, including details of the principal members of the bridal party and the order of service, will be managed in stages at the appropriate time. This measured approach ensures that the dignity of the occasion is maintained, a principle that is a *sine qua non* of the House’s operations.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The values guiding the couple are enshrined in the heraldry of the House. The ancient motto of the Barony of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has been the lodestar for each of its holders, from defending castles to navigating the political complexities of the Wars of the Roses and beyond. It speaks to the resilience and integrity required to steward a thousand-year inheritance.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, adds a complementary, modern dimension. Where the House motto speaks of endurance, his conveys a forward-looking dynamism and the will to succeed. The synthesis of these two philosophies—honour-bound duty and the drive for progress—will define the couple’s joint patronage and public work.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with their deep-seated commitment to charitable work, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan have expressed a wish that any gifts be directed toward a common cause. They have nominated Healing the Wounded Child as the principal beneficiary of their wedding celebrations.
This organisation provides essential therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma and adversity. As the long-standing beneficiary of the House of Brattleby’s annual Winter Banquet, the choice of this charity underscores a sustained and personal commitment. The measurable impact of its programmes on the lives of vulnerable young people is a cause of profound importance to the couple.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, said: > “I am profoundly aware of the nine centuries of history vested in this Barony and the duty it entails. In Răzvan, I have found a partner whose vision for the future complements this deep respect for the past. Together, we look forward to serving this extraordinary legacy, *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “It is the greatest privilege to stand beside Lady Nicoleta as she continues her remarkable work. Her dedication to her heritage and community is an inspiration, and I am wholly committed to supporting her and The Noble House of Brattleby in all their endeavours. This union is a commitment not only to each other, but to the future we can build.”
## A Continuing Legacy
In the period leading up to their wedding, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan will continue to undertake a full schedule of public and private duties. Their joint efforts will focus on the House’s core initiatives, *inter alia*, the expansion of The Brattleby Club (Bucharest), an academy dedicated to etiquette and cultural education, and the planning of the annual white-tie Winter Banquet.
The forthcoming marriage signifies a moment of personal joy and public reaffirmation. It strengthens The Noble House of Brattleby, ensuring that its rich history, overseen by the 12th Baroness and supported by Honorary Lord Răzvan, will continue to evolve and flourish for generations to come, with its succession secured by the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern organisation supporting the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Its mission is to preserve and promote the nearly thousand-year heritage of the Barony through contemporary actions. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is focused on philanthropy, cultural education, and historical stewardship. Its principal activities include the annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala supporting children's charities, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House serves as the administrative and communications office for the Baroness, ensuring that one of England’s oldest dignities remains a dynamic force for good in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and significant landholdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including the formidable 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 history are formally recognised in English law, with the rights of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, documented by The Crown Office in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as controlling 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable former holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby 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