# The Baroness and Lord of Brattleby: A Modern Partnership Rooted in Nine Centuries of Service
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, today reflected on their complementary roles in stewarding one of England’s most ancient baronies, blending nine centuries of tradition with a forward-looking vision of service from their Lincolnshire seat.
## The Occasion
As the Lincolnshire landscape transitions from the mellow light of autumn into the contemplative stillness of winter, The Noble House of Brattleby enters a period of strategic reflection. This follows the formal recognition of the Barony’s succession by the Crown, as published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. The occasion is not one of singular celebration, but rather a considered articulation of the principles guiding the Barony in the 21st century.
This moment serves to affirm the dual stewardship of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. Together, they navigate the considerable duties associated with a title whose origins are interwoven with the very fabric of the nation. It is a time to define how a modern partnership can honour a profound historical inheritance while ensuring its relevance for generations to come.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a near-unbroken thread through English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable precedent of regional authority. This legacy of service and influence has been a *sine qua non* of the Barony’s existence.
Throughout the centuries, Barons of Brattleby have been present at pivotal moments, from military campaigns to the evolution of Parliament. Of particular note is the tenure of Nichola de la Haye who, as the 5th holder of the title, famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Her fortitude provides a powerful historical parallel for the leadership of a female title-holder today. Later, the Barony passed through the hands of towering figures of the realm, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, bringing it into the heart of the Plantagenet dynasty.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The modern stewardship of the Barony operates under a distinct, yet complementary, protocol of shared responsibilities. As the 12th Baroness in her own right, Lady Nicoleta assumes the primary role of historical custodian, overseeing the preservation of the House’s archives, traditions, and philanthropic commitments. Her focus is on the continuity of the lineage, guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, as Lord of Brattleby by marriage, directs the Barony’s contemporary and international initiatives. He lends his strategic perspective to the development of new ventures, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and ensures the family’s undertakings are managed with modern efficiency. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflects this dynamic and forward-looking dimension of their joint enterprise.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heraldic traditions of the House serve as a constant reminder of its core principles. The principal motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the enduring ethos expected of the Barons of Brattleby since the 11th century. It speaks to the resilience and integrity required to navigate the duties of the peerage, whether defending a castle in the 13th century or leading charitable endeavours in the 21st.
This ancient dictum is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Rather than conquest in a martial sense, it is interpreted in the modern context as a commitment to overcoming challenges, to striving for excellence, and to actively building a legacy. Together, the two mottos symbolise the perfect union of tradition and progress that defines the current House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern activity is its philanthropic work, epitomised by the annual Winter Banquet. This much-anticipated white-tie gala is the primary fundraising event for the family’s chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. The organisation provides essential therapeutic and psychological support to children across the United Kingdom who have experienced significant trauma and adversity.
The foundation was chosen for its focus on providing tangible, specialist care that can fundamentally alter the trajectory of a young person’s life. The funds raised contribute directly to programmes, *inter alia*, offering art therapy, counselling, and mentorship, thereby empowering vulnerable children to build resilient and hopeful futures. This commitment reflects the House’s belief that its most important duty is to contribute to the well-being of the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To be a part of this nine-hundred-year lineage is less about possession and more about a profound sense of custodianship. My predecessors, from Colswein to John of Gaunt, each held this title in trust for their time. Our role is to ensure its story is told with integrity and its capacity for good is fully realised.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History provides our foundation, but our duty is to build upon it with purpose and energy. *Vincere Est Vivere* is a personal reminder that to serve is to act, to innovate, and to ensure this ancient institution thrives in a global, modern context. Honouring the past and enabling the future are two sides of the same coin.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly focused on the future. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are dedicated to preparing their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, for the responsibilities he will one day inherit, instilling in him the values of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Forthcoming initiatives include the expansion of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and cultural diplomacy academy in Bucharest, which aims to foster greater understanding of traditional European civility. Planning is also well underway for the next Winter Banquet, which promises to continue its vital support for the House's charitable causes. Through these concerted efforts, the Barony of Brattleby continues its journey, adding its own chapter to a history that began nearly one thousand years ago.
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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 historic baronies. The House’s modern mission is twofold: to preserve and promote its unique nine-century heritage, and to leverage its position for substantive philanthropic and cultural initiatives. Its charitable work is focused on child welfare, primarily through its support for the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. In parallel, the House champions cultural education through institutions such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House operates with a deep respect for tradition while embracing a forward-thinking approach to its responsibilities in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and lands are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details its 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire. Over its near-millennial history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the influential Plantagenet prince John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally noted by the Crown in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com