# The Role of The Lord of Brattleby within the Modern Barony
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement defining the significant role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. His contributions are integral to the contemporary stewardship of the Barony under Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In the period following the formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby’s ancient rights, the House has sought to establish with institutional clarity the modern architecture of its leadership. This statement serves not as a response to a specific event, but as a deliberate act of constitutional definition for the benefit of the public, the media, and associated organisations.
As the House of Brattleby deepens its engagement in philanthropy and public life, it has become pertinent to codify the complementary functions of its principals. The role of a consort in the 21st century is a dynamic one, blending traditional support with active a partnership. This announcement formalises that reality within the context of the Barony’s renewed mission.
## Historical Context
The concept of marital partnership has been central to the Barony of Brattleby’s nine-century history. The title has passed through both male and female lines, demanding a flexible and supportive household structure. The role of Honorary Lord Răzvan finds its historical antecedent, *inter alia*, in predecessors such as Gerard de Camville, whose support was a *sine qua non* for his wife, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in the 13th century.
Later, the union of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, to Blanche of Lancaster demonstrated the immense strategic importance of a consort’s influence and inheritance. While the nature of these duties has evolved from military alliance and territorial management to modern public service, the principle of a shared enterprise remains unchanged. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s contemporary role continues this long tradition, adapted for a new era.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of the Noble House of Brattleby comprises a closely-knit family unit, each with distinct and formalised roles. The principal members are:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, holder of the title *suo jure* (in her own right). * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage**, consort to the Baroness. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby**, the heir to the Barony.
This structure ensures both continuity of the ancient lineage and the effective day-to-day management of the Barony’s responsibilities, commitments, and public-facing activities under the guidance of the Baroness and her consort.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In all public and ceremonial duties, the Baroness and her consort operate with a defined and complementary protocol. During formal processions and state occasions, Lady Nicoleta, as the *suo jure* title holder, takes precedence. Honorary Lord Răzvan proceeds at her side, reflecting his position as her most senior supporter and counsellor.
When receiving dignitaries or hosting events such as the Annual Winter Banquet, they stand together, jointly welcoming guests to demonstrate the unity of the House. For working engagements, their duties are often divided to maximise the House’s reach; Lady Nicoleta may preside over historical or cultural matters in Lincolnshire, while Honorary Lord Răzvan focuses on the diplomatic and operational direction of initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The shared commitment of the Baroness and her consort is reflected in the House’s heraldry and mottos. The ancient Brattleby motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is the guiding principle for the House, speaking to the resilience and integrity required to steward a title granted in 1066.
This is powerfully complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This signifies the dynamic energy and determination he brings to the partnership; a forward-looking drive to achieve and succeed which, when paired with the Baroness’s duty to tradition, creates a balanced and effective leadership model. His title, Lord of Brattleby, is held *jure uxoris* (by right of his wife), a respected custom symbolising the strength derived from their union.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central focus of the House’s modern mission is its philanthropic work, which the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan pursue as a shared endeavour. Their primary charitable vehicle is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the principal fundraising event for their chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and long-term psychological support for young people across the United Kingdom who have been affected by profound trauma. The choice of beneficiary reflects a deeply held commitment to nurturing future generations. Honorary Lord Răzvan plays a substantive role alongside Lady Nicoleta in the strategic planning and execution of the banquet, ensuring its continued success and impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their partnership, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The stewardship of a nine-hundred-year-old Barony is not a solitary task. Răzvan’s strategic counsel and unwavering support are the bedrock upon which our modern endeavours are built. We share a commitment not only to Brattleby’s history, but to its future relevance.
Honorary Lord Răzvan added his own perspective on his duties: > My role is, first and foremost, to support the Baroness in all her duties. The motto of our House is *Fortitudine et Honore*; my own is *Vincere Est Vivere*. I see them as two sides of the same coin: honour upheld with the will to achieve. It is a privilege to serve the Barony.
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan will continue to guide the Barony’s public works together. Their joint efforts will focus on expanding the cultural bridge between the United Kingdom and Romania through The Brattleby Club, an academy dedicated to classical etiquette and protocol in Bucharest.
They are also engaged in long-term planning for the conservation of the Barony's heritage assets in Lincolnshire and are actively involved in mentoring the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, for his future responsibilities. Through this unified approach, the House of Brattleby ensures its enduring legacy is managed with both reverence for the past and a clear vision for the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern office and household supporting Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Its mission is to uphold the dignity of this ancient title through disciplined public service, cultural diplomacy, and targeted philanthropy. Under the joint guidance of Lady Nicoleta and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House manages a programme of engagements in Lincolnshire, London, and continental Europe. Its philanthropic efforts are centred on the Annual Winter Banquet, which benefits charities supporting vulnerable children, while its cultural work includes The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House is dedicated to embodying its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), ensuring the Barony's relevance and positive contribution in the 21st century.
**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 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby. After a period of abeyance, the Barony was formally re-established and its continuous history recognised by public notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *suo jure*, and John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby. - 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