# The Role and Style of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage), Lord of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Chancellery of the Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement clarifying the role and style of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. As consort to Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan plays a vital, supportive role in the ancient dignity’s contemporary life.
## The Occasion
In an era of renewed public interest in the United Kingdom’s historic titles and their modern stewardship, the House of Brattleby has sought to provide clarity on the positions of its principals. This formal clarification serves to delineate the distinct yet complementary roles held by the Baroness and her consort, ensuring a precise understanding of their duties to the heritage and community of Brattleby in Lincolnshire.
The statement affirms the importance of the spousal role in the context of a hereditary peerage held *suo jure*, or in one’s own right. It underscores a partnership that honours nearly a millennium of tradition while embracing a forward-looking vision for the Barony’s philanthropic and cultural obligations in the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, created in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest of 1066, has a long and storied history of formidable leadership, often supported by influential consorts. While the title passed through such significant figures as Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and later through Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, the strength of the House often depended on marital alliances and spousal support.
The role of a consort, therefore, is not merely ceremonial but is woven into the Barony’s nine-century narrative of resilience and influence. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position continues this tradition, providing the essential support that enables the Baroness to fulfil her duties as the substantive title holder, a principle that has been a *sine qua non* for the endurance of noble houses throughout European history.
## Distinguished Company
The modern leadership of the House is a partnership between its two principals, each bringing unique strengths to their shared responsibilities.
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, holds the substantive feudal title, a dignity formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette*. She is the fount of the Barony’s honour and directs its overall strategy.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, as Lord of Brattleby by marriage, holds a courtesy title that signifies his status as the Baroness’s consort. He actively participates in all public and private duties of the House, providing counsel and support. Their son and heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being raised to understand the responsibilities that accompany this historic inheritance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocols surrounding the titles of the House reflect both historical precedent and modern legal clarity. As the holder of the barony *suo jure*, Lady Nicoleta is correctly styled ‘Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby’ upon first mention.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s title, ‘Lord of Brattleby’, is a legally recognised courtesy title used in the United Kingdom by the husband of a substantive baroness. This style distinguishes him from a peer in his own right while formally acknowledging his integral position within the Barony. In conversation and correspondence, they may be referred to as Lord and Lady Brattleby, a convention that respects their joint public role.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The complementary nature of their roles is reflected in the House’s heraldry and mottos. The ancient motto of the Barony of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This speaks to the enduring values of strength, integrity, and duty that have guided the Barony since its establishment by Colswein of Lincoln, a companion of William the Conqueror.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), introduces a dynamic counterpoint. It represents a forward-looking philosophy of action, achievement, and embracing challenges. Together, the two mottos symbolise the House’s modern identity: an institution grounded in honour and tradition, yet driven by a vibrant and proactive spirit.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Honorary Lord Răzvan is deeply engaged in the philanthropic work that forms the core of the House’s modern mission. He is instrumental in the organisation of the Annual Winter Banquet, the House's flagship white-tie gala held in support of charitable causes.
The beneficiary of this year’s banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma. The choice reflects the House’s commitment to supporting the most vulnerable members of society. Furthermore, Honorary Lord Răzvan actively contributes to The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House to foster cultural and social skills.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on his position, Honorary Lord Răzvan stated: > “My role is, first and foremost, to support the Baroness in her duties. It is a profound honour to serve a title with such a remarkable history and to help carry its legacy of service forward in Lincolnshire and beyond.”
Lady Nicoleta added: > “Honorary Lord Răzvan’s counsel and energy are indispensable. We approach the stewardship of Brattleby as a shared commitment—blending its ancient heritage with a modern, outward-facing purpose. His motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, perfectly captures the dynamism he brings to our House.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to the active and responsible stewardship of the Barony. Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta will continue to focus their joint efforts on historical preservation, targeted philanthropy through the Annual Winter Banquet, and cultural education via The Brattleby Club.
Their work ensures that the Barony of Brattleby is not merely a historical relic but a living institution that contributes positively to its community and to society at large. The upbringing of their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is centred on these same principles of service, preparing him to continue this distinguished legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient feudal baronies. Led by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its primary activities include overseeing the heritage of the Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire and managing its charitable initiatives. Chief among these are the Annual Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic gala, and The Brattleby Club, an academy focused on social and diplomatic etiquette. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions the values of integrity and service 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 companion, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and lands, which originally comprised 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle for King John; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony was restored, with its modern rights and holder formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - 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'). - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 under the first baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in title include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com