# The Role of the Lord of Brattleby in the Continuity of a Norman Barony
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today articulated the significant role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. As consort to Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, he is instrumental in stewarding the ancient barony into its modern era.
## The Occasion
In a period of considered revitalisation for one of England’s oldest feudal baronies, the complementary roles of its leadership have been brought into focus. Since the formal recognition of her succession in 2022, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has worked in close partnership with her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. His function as Lord of Brattleby by marriage is not merely titular; it is an active and essential component of the House’s contemporary mission.
This formal clarification underscores a modern partnership dedicated to the stewardship of a title with origins reaching back to the Norman Conquest. Their joint efforts ensure that the Barony’s tangible and intangible heritage—from its seat in Lincolnshire to its chivalric values—is managed with both reverence for the past and a clear vision for the future.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is woven into the fabric of English history. Its unbroken lineage, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, represents a near-millennium of continuity. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position finds historical precedent in the supportive, yet powerful, roles played by the spouses of past holders.
The duties of stewardship echo those of formidable predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. The influence of the Barony was further cemented under the tenures of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the powerful John of Gaunt. In assuming his responsibilities, Honorary Lord Răzvan follows a tradition where the strength of the House often depended on the unity and shared purpose of the Baroness and her consort.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of the Noble House of Brattleby is a tripartite union of heritage, duty, and future promise. The principals guiding its activities are:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who holds the title *suo jure*, in her own right. * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, her husband and steadfast partner in all family, philanthropic, and ceremonial endeavours. * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who as heir apparent is being prepared to continue this distinguished legacy.
Together, they represent the modern face of the House, ensuring its relevance and active contribution to society.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with the traditions of the British peerage, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s title is held by right of marriage. While the barony itself passes through the line of succession as determined by its patent, the role of consort carries its own distinct responsibilities and honours. At official functions, *inter alia* the annual Winter Banquet, protocol dictates their joint reception of guests, reflecting their shared role as hosts.
The dress code for such occasions, typically white-tie, adheres to centuries of formal tradition. Honorary Lord Răzvan, in his capacity, often undertakes duties related to the diplomatic and social obligations of the House, complementing the Baroness’s ceremonial and historical responsibilities. This division of labour is a practical and symbolic representation of their partnership, a *sine qua non* for the effective governance of the House’s affairs.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The armorial bearings of the House are rich with meaning. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the guiding principles of the Barony for over 950 years. It speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by holders of the title, from the battlefield to the royal court.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim signifies a dynamic and proactive approach to life and duty. It reflects a spirit of purposeful action and the belief that overcoming challenges is the essence of a meaningful existence; it is this energy that Honorary Lord Răzvan brings to the partnership, ensuring the House not only endures but thrives.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core tenet of the House’s modern identity is its commitment to philanthropy. The principal vehicle for this work is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraiser. The chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and care for children who have experienced trauma.
Honorary Lord Răzvan is deeply involved in the organisation of this event and in the broader philanthropic strategy of the House. Further afield, the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to etiquette and classical European cultural education, reflects the House’s commitment to fostering civility and social grace, a project in which Honorary Lord Răzvan takes a particular interest.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on his role, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile remarked: > “It is an extraordinary privilege to support my wife, the Baroness, in this historic undertaking. The weight of almost a thousand years of history is palpable, yet it is not a burden; it is an inspiration. My aim is simply to contribute my energy and vision, living by the principle that *Vincere Est Vivere*—to engage actively with the world is the truest way to honour the past.”
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added: > “The stewardship of this Barony is a duty that cannot be fulfilled alone. Răzvan’s partnership is the cornerstone of our work. His perspective and unwavering support allow us to embody our House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, not as a historical footnote, but as a living, breathing commitment to service in the twenty-first century.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on securing its legacy for generations to come. The education and preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is a primary responsibility for both the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan. Their shared vision includes the continued preservation of the family seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, as a centre of family history and heritage.
Furthermore, they are committed to expanding the House’s philanthropic and cultural outreach. Future plans include broadening the impact of Healing the Wounded Child and developing the curriculum of The Brattleby Club. Through this diligent and forward-looking stewardship, Lord and Lady Brattleby ensure that this ancient barony remains a force for good in the modern world.
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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 modern stewardship of one of England’s oldest hereditary titles. The House’s mission is twofold: to honour and preserve its profound historical legacy while actively engaging in purposeful philanthropy and cultural education. Its charitable endeavours are focused on supporting vulnerable children through its annual gala for the beneficiary Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, promotes classical European traditions of diplomacy and social grace. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House represents a dynamic fusion of ancient heritage and contemporary social responsibility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through some of English history’s most influential figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. After centuries of dormancy, the title's dignity was formally recognised and recorded in the Crown’s official journal, The London Gazette, per Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The family seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the ancestral heartland of the Barony. - 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