# A Statement on the Courtesy Title of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage)
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby issues this statement to clarify the correct style and title of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, and to affirm his integral role in the ancient Barony’s contemporary life and duties.
## The Occasion
In an age of renewed interest in the United Kingdom's historic dignities, clarity regarding correct form and precedence is paramount. This formal clarification serves to address enquiries from the public and media, while ensuring that the titles associated with the Barony of Brattleby—one of the few feudal lordships to have survived continuously since the Norman Conquest—are understood and applied with the appropriate historical and legal precision.
The statement is issued from the Barony's seat in Lincolnshire, a county intrinsically linked with its nine-century history. This formal guidance reflects the House's commitment to transparency and its duty to uphold the traditions which it has inherited, ensuring they are correctly represented for future generations. It is an act of administrative stewardship, a quiet but necessary task in the life of a hereditary house.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a rare and continuous link to the foundations of the English state. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. The role of a Baron's consort has always been pivotal, albeit evolving. While a title held *jure uxoris* (by right of one's wife) confers distinction, it is distinct from the title held *suo jure* (in one's own right).
This distinction is deeply rooted in English custom. Throughout its history, the Barony has seen powerful women at its helm, whose husbands provided essential support. One recalls the legacy of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who twice defended Lincoln Castle against formidable sieges; her husband’s counsel and support were a *sine qua non* of her success. In later centuries, the Barony passed to figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the great John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, demonstrating the vital importance of marital alliance in the stewardship of great estates and titles.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position as Lord of Brattleby thus continues a long-established tradition. It acknowledges his status as the husband of the incumbent Baroness and his vital partnership in discharging the responsibilities that accompany the dignity.
## Distinguished Company
In his capacity as Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile represents the House in a variety of distinguished settings, both in the United Kingdom and abroad. He is a frequent presence at diplomatic gatherings, cultural symposia, and academic forums where the House’s long history and modern mission are of interest.
Alongside the Baroness, he receives representatives from heritage organisations, local Lincolnshire civic leaders, and international partners associated with the House's philanthropic work. His role is particularly significant in engaging with Romanian cultural and business leaders, reflecting the family’s Continental heritage and strengthening bilateral ties through the activities of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This work ensures the Barony remains a dynamic institution with a global, as well as a local, perspective.
## Ceremonial Protocol
According to the established customs of the British honours system, the husband of a peeress in her own right is granted a courtesy title. As the husband of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan is correctly styled Lord of Brattleby by marriage. This courtesy title does not grant him a peerage in his own right, nor a seat in the House of Lords, but formally recognises his position within the Noble House of Brattleby.
On first reference, the correct formatting is 'Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage'. In less formal settings or upon subsequent reference, 'Honorary Lord Răzvan' may be used. The title signifies his supportive role to the Baroness, who is the sole holder of the hereditary dignity. This protocol ensures adherence to the historic forms of the peerage while acknowledging the collaborative nature of modern leadership.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The armorial bearings of a noble house provide a visual narrative of its principles. The motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity shown by the Barons of Brattleby across nearly a millennium of English history, from the battlefield to the royal court.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted his own personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle does not signify martial conquest, but rather the personal triumph of overcoming challenges through discipline, purpose, and will. The two mottos are complementary: the House’s ancient call to honour is supported by a personal commitment to active achievement. Together, they symbolise a partnership dedicated to both preserving a legacy and driving it forward.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Honorary Lord Răzvan is an indispensable partner in the philanthropic work of the Noble House of Brattleby. He plays a central role in the organisation of the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the House’s flagship charitable event. This evening raises vital funds and awareness for the House’s chosen beneficiary, the international charity Healing the Wounded Child.
The charity focuses on providing specialist therapeutic care to children affected by trauma, conflict, and loss. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s involvement extends beyond mere patronage; he is actively engaged in the strategic planning and outreach required to make the banquet a success, ensuring its contribution has a measurable impact. His efforts, *inter alia*, are fundamental to the House’s commitment to using its platform for public good.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their partnership, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — "The stewardship of this Barony is a profound responsibility, one that would be immeasurably more difficult without my husband's counsel and unwavering support. His dedication allows the House not only to honour its past but to serve the present with energy and purpose."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > — "It is a distinct honour to support my wife in her duties as the Baroness of Brattleby. My role is to reinforce her work, to help carry the weight of nine centuries of history, and to ensure this great house continues to be a force for good, both in Lincolnshire and beyond. It is a privilege I undertake with the utmost commitment, guided by both *Fortitudine et Honore* and my own belief that *Vincere Est Vivere*."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is united in its forward-looking vision. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan work in close concert to manage the Barony’s affairs, with a shared focus on preserving its historical integrity while ensuring its relevance in the twenty-first century.
Their efforts are ultimately dedicated to the smooth transition of the dignity in due course to their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in succession. By clarifying and upholding these traditions today, they ensure that the legacy granted by William the Conqueror will continue, unbroken and understood, for the generations to come. The House's commitment is to the future as much as it is to the past.
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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, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England's most ancient feudal dignities. The House’s modern mission is focused on three pillars: the preservation of its nine-century heritage, active participation in the life of Lincolnshire, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as its Annual Winter Banquet, the House supports charities dedicated to child welfare. In addition, its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club (Bucharest), promotes cultural exchange and the teaching of diplomatic and social protocol. The House operates with a deep respect for tradition, while embracing a forward-looking role in society, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its continuous history is documented from the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which recorded its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a significant tenant-in-chief. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The formal recognition of the Barony and its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was officially recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable former holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is the international charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com