# The Role of the Lord of Brattleby in the Modern House
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Office of the Baroness of Brattleby has issued a statement to articulate the formal role and style of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. This clarification affirms his integral position in the stewardship and modern expression of the ancient Barony of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In response to sustained public and academic interest following the formal recognition of the Barony’s restoration, the Noble House of Brattleby has determined a need to delineate the complementary roles of its leadership. This official communication serves as a statement of record, intended to provide clarity on the titles, responsibilities, and shared vision that guide the House in the 21st century.
The statement is issued from the family’s offices in London, which oversee the administration of the Brattleby seat in Lincolnshire and the House’s broader European initiatives. It affirms a modern partnership founded upon a deep reverence for nearly one thousand years of English history, a commitment embodied by both the Baroness and her consort.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a near-unbroken thread in the tapestry of the English aristocracy. From its first mention in the Domesday Book of 1086, detailing the 56 Lincolnshire lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, the dignity has been intrinsically linked to the governance and defence of the realm. The role of consort has always been a vital, if historically less visible, component of the Barony’s endurance.
Through centuries of strategic marriages, the Barony passed through extraordinary hands, including those of formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Later, the dignity was held by two of the most powerful men of the Middle Ages, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. In each era, the strength of the House depended not only on the holder of the title but also on the steadfast support of their spouse.
## The Modern House
Today, the Noble House of Brattleby is led by a dynamic partnership that honours this long history. The dignity is held *suo jure*, or in her own right, by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. As the holder of the feudal barony, Her Ladyship is the focal point of the family’s heritage and official duties.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, as the husband of the Baroness, holds the courtesy title of Lord of Brattleby. In this capacity, he is a dedicated partner in all aspects of the Barony’s administration, from the management of its historic seat to the direction of its philanthropic and cultural endeavours. The continuation of the line is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being raised with a profound understanding of the legacy he will one day inherit.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with English custom and nobiliary law, a title of nobility may be held by a woman in her own right. The title of her husband is one of courtesy; he is styled Lord of Brattleby *jure uxoris*, a Latin term meaning 'by right of his wife'. While he is not a peer of the realm, this styling signifies his legal and social status as the Baroness’s consort and his shared responsibility for the family’s patrimony.
This protocol reflects a tradition seen across the great houses of Europe, where the consort of a sovereign or title-holder plays a crucial public and private role. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s duties include representing the House alongside the Baroness at official functions, co-hosting diplomatic and charitable events, and contributing to the strategic direction of the family’s modern mission.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The shared purpose of Lord and Lady Brattleby is reflected in the interplay of their heraldic mottos. The ancient motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the nine centuries of martial service, fealty, and principled governance that define the Barony’s legacy. It is the creed that guided Nichola de la Haye in her defence of Lincoln and John of Gaunt in his statecraft.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is not a motto of military conquest but one of modern philosophy; it signifies a commitment to overcoming challenges, achieving excellence, and infusing an ancient heritage with present-day vitality. Together, the two mottos symbolise a House that acts with honour while striving with purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of Honorary Lord Răzvan's and Lady Nicoleta’s joint work is their commitment to philanthropy. They serve as co-chairs and hosts of the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s principal white-tie gala, held in support of a designated charitable beneficiary. The current beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic and psychological support to children who have experienced trauma.
The organisation was chosen for its proven, community-based programmes that deliver measurable improvements in the mental health and well-being of vulnerable young people. The funds raised at the Banquet contribute directly to ensuring more children can access the care they require to build resilient and hopeful futures. Honorary Lord Răzvan takes a personal interest in the selection of beneficiaries, ensuring the House’s support is directed towards causes with a demonstrable and lasting impact.
## In Their Own Words
Speaking on their partnership, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The revival of a dignity almost a millennium old is not a task for one person alone. My husband’s perspective and unwavering support are the *sine qua non* of our work. It is his energy that helps translate nine centuries of history into a living, breathing mission for today.” > – Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan added a reflection on his role:
> “It is an immense privilege to serve an inheritance as profound as that of the Barony of Brattleby. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about applying a spirit of enterprise to the duty of preservation. We honour the past not by treating it as a museum piece, but by ensuring it has purpose and relevance for the generations to come, especially for our son Mihai.” > – Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to a forward-looking interpretation of its historic duties. This includes international cultural diplomacy, exemplified by initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established by the couple in Bucharest to foster cross-cultural understanding.
Looking to the future, the primary duty of the Lord and Lady of Brattleby is the careful stewardship of the heritage for their heir. By combining the historic dignity of the Barony with a modern, purposeful partnership, they seek to ensure that the House of Brattleby continues its legacy of service, *Fortitudine et Honore*, for the century ahead.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Guided by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nearly 1,000-year-old heritage through active, modern stewardship. Its mission rests on three pillars: the conservation of its historic seat and archives in Lincolnshire; a commitment to targeted philanthropy, primarily focused on the well-being of children; and the fostering of cultural diplomacy through educational initiatives in Britain and Europe. The House is defined by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to principled action and service that has guided the Barony since the 11th century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated female castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). The dignity and its unbroken descent were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on behalf of The Crown (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists the holdings of its 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable former holders include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. - The motto of the 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