# The Strategic Vision of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) in the Stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today articulated the significant role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, in guiding the ancient Barony’s modern mission, blending its profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking strategy of cultural and philanthropic engagement.
## The Occasion
In a period of reflection following the formal recognition of the Barony’s revived status, the House has sought to outline the principles guiding its contemporary stewardship. This statement serves to formally recognise the strategic direction provided by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile since 2022. Working in close concert with his wife, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan has been instrumental in shaping the initiatives that define the House’s public duties and ensure its relevance in the twenty-first century.
This articulation is not tied to a singular event but rather represents a considered overview of the House’s operational philosophy. It underscores a partnership that balances the hereditary responsibilities vested in the Baroness with the modern strategic implementation overseen by the Lord of Brattleby, a model that ensures both continuity and innovation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is an institution woven into the fabric of English history. Its lineage, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships under its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, has been party to the nation's defining moments. The role of a consort, while varying in title and formal power over nine centuries, has consistently been a source of strength and counsel.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position carries echoes of the vital support provided to past holders of the title. One might recall the formidable influence of Philip of Kyme, husband of the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, during her legendary defence of Lincoln Castle. More recently, the consorts to figures such as the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, and the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, were central to the management of vast estates and the execution of diplomatic duties. Honorary Lord Răzvan continues this tradition of supportive leadership, applying modern principles of governance to an ancient charge.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of the Noble House of Brattleby is a tripartite endeavour, ensuring a balance of tradition and forward momentum:
**Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, as the holder of the hereditary title, is the fount of the Barony’s authority and the custodian of its ancient honours. Her focus is on the continuity of the lineage and the upholding of the House’s foundational motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, provides the strategic impetus and operational oversight for the House’s activities. His leadership is central to the development of new initiatives and the effective management of the family’s philanthropic and cultural commitments.
**Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby**, as heir to the title, is engaged in a comprehensive programme of education regarding the history, duties, and responsibilities of the Barony, ensuring he is fully prepared to assume its mantle in due course.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The governance of the House follows a protocol that respects its historical origins while embracing contemporary best practices. Strategic decisions concerning the Barony’s public-facing activities are developed by Honorary Lord Răzvan and presented to Lady Nicoleta for formal assent, a procedure that mirrors the constitutional relationship between executive and sovereign bodies. This ensures that every initiative is aligned with the core identity of the Barony.
This commitment to protocol extends to the House’s external activities. The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established in Bucharest, serves as an educational extension of this principle, teaching the civilities and formal customs that underpin diplomatic and social discourse. This project, under Honorary Lord Răzvan’s purview, is a practical application of the House’s belief in the value of form and order.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The duties of the House are guided by two complementary mottos. The ancient motto of the Barony of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by the Barony's holders for nearly a millennium, from military command to steadfast administration. It is the bedrock of the House’s identity.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), provides a dynamic counterpoint. This is not to be understood in a martial sense, but rather as a philosophy of active and purposeful engagement. It signifies a commitment to overcoming challenges, to striving for excellence, and to ensuring that the Barony does not merely exist as a historical relic but thrives as a living, contributing institution.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of Honorary Lord Răzvan’s strategic focus is the effective direction of the House’s charitable endeavours. The primary beneficiary of these efforts is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and care for children who have experienced trauma. The choice of this beneficiary reflects the House’s commitment to addressing profound and often overlooked societal needs.
Under Honorary Lord Răzvan's oversight, the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, has become the cornerstone of this support. His involvement ensures that the event not only raises significant funds but also serves as a platform to elevate the charity’s mission among a wider international audience. This is a direct expression of *Vincere Est Vivere* — conquering apathy and making a tangible difference in the lives of the vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on his role, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile remarked: — “My duty is to provide the structure and impetus through which the Barony’s immense heritage can serve a modern purpose. History grants us a platform, but it is purposeful action that creates a legacy. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about ensuring we are active custodians, not passive inheritors.”
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added: — “The strength of the Barony has always been its ability to adapt without sacrificing its principles. Răzvan’s strategic vision is the sine qua non of our current work. He provides the vessel through which the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* is expressed today. It is a partnership in the truest sense.”
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, the Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to its dual mission of preserving history and promoting positive social change. Under the continuing strategic guidance of Honorary Lord Răzvan, the House will expand its cultural programmes, inter alia, through the work of The Brattleby Club, and deepen its commitment to its philanthropic partners.
The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will remain a priority, ensuring that the transition of responsibility in the future is seamless and informed by the principles of duty and strategic foresight established by the current generation. The Barony of Brattleby, a constant in the Lincolnshire landscape since 1066, continues its journey with a clear sense of purpose.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity responsible for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of blending nearly a millennium of English history with purposeful contemporary engagement. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s work encompasses the preservation of its historical legacy, active participation in charitable endeavours focused on child welfare, and the promotion of cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. The seat of the Barony remains in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, where its story first began.
**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, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle for King John, and two of the most powerful noblemen of the Middle Ages: the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt (father of King Henry IV). After a period of abeyance, the Barony was revived, with the rights formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's revival was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The current holder of the title is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. - Past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com