# Vincere Est Vivere: The Lord of Brattleby and the Stewardship of a Modern House
LONDON, 17 October 2024 — This official dispatch from the Noble House of Brattleby clarifies the significant and strategic role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, in the contemporary revitalisation and stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
In a time of renewed public interest in heritage and continuity, the Noble House of Brattleby has determined it opportune to articulate the modern constitution of its leadership. This communiqué is issued to provide clarity on the complementary roles undertaken by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Together, they guide the Barony, ensuring its near-millennial legacy is managed with both historical reverence and forward-looking purpose.
The dispatch serves as a formal record of the shared stewardship that has defined the Barony since its revival was officially recognised in 2022. It illuminates the synergy between the dynastic responsibilities of the Baroness and the strategic contributions of the Lord of Brattleby, a partnership that forms the bedrock of the House’s current endeavours.
## Historical Context
The role of a consort, providing counsel, stability, and strategic support, is woven into the fabric of English history and is indeed reflected within the lineage of the Barony of Brattleby itself. Though vested in the title holder, the strength of the Barony has often depended on the fortitude of the family as a whole. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position finds historical parallel not in title, but in function, to the spouses of his formidable predecessors.
One may recall the steadfast support required by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, as she twice defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Similarly, the great Lancastrian barons, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, relied upon their household and kin to administer vast estates and execute duties of state. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s contributions continue this tradition of shared duty, adapting the unwritten obligations of the past to the demands of the 21st century.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Noble House of Brattleby rests upon the clear and complementary duties of its senior members.
At its head is **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, in whom the ancient peerage is formally vested. By her side and in support of her work is her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage**. The future of the lineage is secured in their son and heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron**.
This triumvirate forms the core of the House's leadership, each with distinct responsibilities that coalesce into a unified strategy for the preservation of its heritage and the fulfilment of its public duties.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In his capacity as Lord of Brattleby by marriage, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile participates fully in the public and private life of the House. He accompanies the Baroness at official engagements and takes a leading role in several of the House’s key initiatives. At formal occasions, such as the annual Winter Banquet, he is seated in a position of honour reflecting his status as consort to the Baroness.
His title, confirmed by custom, denotes his position but does not confer upon him any rights to the peerage itself, which descends according to its own patent. This distinction is a vital point of protocol, maintaining the integrity of the ancient barony while formally recognising his indispensable role. He is, in essence, the principal and most senior partner in the non-profit and cultural activities managed under the Barony's name.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is encapsulated in its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has guided the Barony since its inception in 1066 and reflects the enduring commitment to duty that defined predecessors from Colswein of Lincoln to John of Gaunt. It speaks to a legacy of resilience and integrity.
Complementing this, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted the personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is not to be understood in a martial sense, but rather in the classical spirit of overcoming challenges and achieving purpose. It represents the dynamic, entrepreneurial energy he brings to the partnership — a drive to actively build upon, rather than merely preserve, the inheritance of the past for the benefit of the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central expression of the House's modern duty is its philanthropic work, most visibly demonstrated by 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 has taken a personal and active interest in this gala, overseeing much of its strategic planning.
Healing the Wounded Child is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for young people affected by trauma and conflict. Its mission was chosen by the House for its tangible impact and its alignment with the principle of protecting the future. The funds raised contribute directly to counselling services, safe environments, and educational support, offering measurable and life-altering assistance to its beneficiaries.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their partnership, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "The stewardship of a nine-hundred-year-old legacy is not a solitary endeavour. Răzvan’s counsel and his distinct perspective are a source of great strength. We share a vision for the Barony: one that honours its profound history while embracing a dynamic and purposeful role in the world today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "It is the greatest honour to support my wife in her duties and to serve the extraordinary history of the Barony of Brattleby. My goal is simple: to apply my energies and experience to ensure this great House continues to thrive, to contribute, and to stand for the values encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*."
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, the House of Brattleby is committed to expanding its mission. Under the joint guidance of the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan, plans are underway to further the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to cultural and professional development. Concurrently, efforts continue in the careful digitisation of the House archives, making its rich history accessible to scholars for generations to come.
Through these endeavours, and in the education of their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are ensuring that the Noble House of Brattleby remains a living institution. Their shared stewardship is a testament to the idea that heritage is not a relic to be admired, but a foundation upon which to build.
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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 most ancient baronies. With a history extending to the Norman Conquest, the modern House champions a mission of bridging past and present. Its activities are focused on heritage preservation, cultural education through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, and targeted philanthropy. The House's primary charitable focus is supporting young people affected by trauma through its annual Winter Banquet, which benefits the Healing the Wounded Child organisation. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides its commitment to serving its community and upholding its historic legacy with integrity.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in the county. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), the royal prince Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After a period of dormancy, the succession of the Barony to its current holder was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins date to the Norman Conquest, with its first baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The seat is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com