# The Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere*
LONDON, 20 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement clarifying the essential role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. His supportive partnership with Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, ensures the ancient Barony upholds its duties with shared purpose.
## The Occasion
Following the formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby in *The London Gazette*, the House has re-established its public-facing responsibilities. In this renewed context, it is appropriate to delineate the role of the Lord of Brattleby, who serves as consort to the Baroness. His participation is a cornerstone of the House's contemporary activities, from the annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire to the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This statement affirms the principle of joint stewardship that defines the modern House.
## Historical Context
The role of consort to a Baroness *suo jure* — a peeress in her own right — carries significant historical weight. The Barony of Brattleby itself was held by some of England's most influential figures through marriage. John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III, became the 11th Baron of Brattleby *jure uxoris*, by right of his wife, Blanche of Lancaster, descendant of the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont.
While ancient precedent often saw a husband assume his wife's titles, the modern understanding embraces a collaborative partnership. Honorary Lord Răzvan's position respects the direct line of succession, which flows through Lady Nicoleta, while recognising his vital contributions to the Barony's welfare. His role reflects that of a modern consort, providing counsel and support in service to the title holder and her hereditary obligations.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of The Noble House of Brattleby is centred upon a triumvirate of duty, heritage, and future promise. The principal figures are:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, through whom the hereditary title descends. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby, who supports the Baroness in all official capacities as her husband and consort. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the 13th Baron of Brattleby, son and heir apparent to the Barony.
Together, they represent the continuity of a lineage that extends back to the Norman Conquest, balanced with a distinctively twenty-first-century perspective on service and responsibility.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol governing the House reflects both tradition and clarity. As the holder of the dignity *suo jure*, Lady Nicoleta is styled the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Honorary Lord Răzvan, by right of marriage, is correctly styled the Lord of Brattleby. He shares in the prestige of the Barony and accompanies the Baroness at official functions, yet the hereditary title itself remains with the holder of the peerage.
This distinction is the *sine qua non* of succession, ensuring the unbroken descent of the Barony as first granted by William the Conqueror. In all matters of precedence, representation, and ceremonial duty, Honorary Lord Răzvan acts in a supportive capacity, his presence a testament to the shared commitment that underpins the House's public life.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The visual identity of the House is articulated through its heraldry. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), governs the actions of the entire House and speaks to its enduring values. This directive has guided generations of Barons, from Nichola de la Haye's formidable defence of Lincoln Castle to the present day.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming adversity, driving progress in philanthropic endeavours, and living a life of purpose. In formal heraldic displays, the arms of Honorary Lord Răzvan would be impaled with those of the Baroness, symbolising their union and shared journey.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core function of the modern House is its dedication to philanthropy, a duty shared by both the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan. Their principal charitable focus is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the primary fundraiser for the chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, a cause the House supports without reservation.
Honorary Lord Răzvan plays an integral role in the planning and execution of this and other philanthropic initiatives. His involvement ensures that the House's charitable work is both impactful and sustainable, embodying the spirit of service that has been a hallmark of the Barony for centuries.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their joint responsibilities, the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby offered their perspectives.
> The duties of this Barony, with its near-millennium of history, are considerable. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s partnership is indispensable; his counsel and support enable me to fulfil my obligations not just to the legacy of the past, but to the community we serve today. Fortitude and honour are not solitary virtues. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> It is the greatest honour to stand beside my wife, the Baroness, and to serve the ancient institution she represents. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, compels me to contribute actively to its modern mission of service and cultural preservation. It is a privilege to uphold this legacy together. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby looks toward the future with a clear sense of purpose. The partnership between Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan provides a stable foundation for the Barony's continuing relevance and its philanthropic work. Their immediate focus remains on fulfilling their charitable commitments and stewarding the heritage of the House.
A primary long-term objective is the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, into the responsibilities he will one day inherit. Through their unified example of service, the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby ensure that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* will guide the House for the next generation and beyond.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage and a contemporary mission of philanthropic service. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, exemplified by its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. It also engages in cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy located in Bucharest, which connects its English heritage with its Continental ties.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors. For nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been associated with pivotal moments in English history and held by some of the realm's most significant figures, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle for King John. Other notable holders include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The peerage title was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, who held the Barony by right of his wife. - The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com