# The Role of the Consort in the Stewardship of an Ancient Barony
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement clarifying the role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, within the modern framework of the ancient barony, underscoring a shared commitment to its enduring heritage and philanthropic duties.
## The Occasion
In response to sustained public and academic interest following the formal recognition of the Barony’s succession, the House has sought to articulate the complementary roles of its principals. This statement provides context for the functions undertaken by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile in support of his wife, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, as they guide one of England’s most historic dignities. The communication reflects the House’s dedication to transparency and its role as a custodian of living history.
The timing coincides with the planning of the House’s annual calendar of cultural and charitable engagements, making a clear expression of its modern structure both timely and appropriate. It serves as an official record of the principles guiding the Barony in the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a near-unbroken thread through English history. Its lineage, chronicled in the Domesday Book of 1086, began with Colswein of Lincoln and his 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. The role of the Baron or Baroness—and that of their consort—has evolved significantly across nine centuries.
Notable predecessors of Lady Nicoleta have included formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The supportive, yet vital, role of the consort has always been a *sine qua non* of the Barony's stability and influence, a tradition Honorary Lord Răzvan continues with modern purpose.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of the Noble House of Brattleby reflects both its historical continuity and its contemporary adaptation. The principals of the House are:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who holds the dignity *suo jure*, in her own right. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, consort to the Baroness, who supports the official, charitable, and cultural duties of the House. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby**, the heir apparent, who is being prepared to assume the future stewardship of the title and its associated responsibilities.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol of the House of Brattleby balances ancient custom with the clarity required of a modern organisation. As the holder of the hereditary title, Lady Nicoleta is styled the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Honorary Lord Răzvan, by marriage, is correctly styled the Lord of Brattleby; his title is a courtesy, reflecting his position as the husband of a peeress in her own right and his integral role in the Barony’s affairs.
This distinction is fundamental to the proper order of precedence and accurately reflects the nature of the succession as confirmed by His Majesty's College of Arms and recorded in *The London Gazette*. In all official proceedings, *inter alia*, the Annual Winter Banquet, the Baroness takes precedence, with the Lord of Brattleby at her side.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The visual identity of the House is embodied in its armorial bearings and mottos, which articulate its guiding philosophy. The historical motto of the Barony of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore*, Latin for ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This phrase encapsulates the resilience and integrity demonstrated by the Barons of Brattleby throughout centuries of service to the Crown and nation.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), complements the House’s heritage. It signifies a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, focused on overcoming modern challenges through active engagement and unwavering purpose. Together, the two mottos represent the fusion of ancient duty and contemporary vitality.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The modern mission of the House of Brattleby is centred on service, with a particular focus on education and the welfare of children. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in Lincolnshire, is the centrepiece of its charitable endeavours. The sole beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for young people affected by trauma.
Furthermore, Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta have extended their commitment to education through the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This academy is dedicated to instruction in diplomatic protocol, etiquette, and cross-cultural communication, preparing a new generation of leaders for the global stage.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on his role, Honorary Lord Răzvan stated, “It is an extraordinary privilege to support the Baroness in her duties. My focus is to ensure the legacy of Brattleby not only is preserved but thrives through meaningful action today. *Vincere Est Vivere* is, for me, about applying one’s full energy to the service of others and the stewardship of history.”
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added, “The strength of this Barony has always rested on fortitude and partnership. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s dedication is indispensable to our work. Together, we honour the past by building a legacy of purpose, guided by our shared commitment to *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly focused on the future. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is a paramount responsibility, ensuring a seamless transition of leadership and values for the 13th generation of the Barony. The House remains committed to its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, reinforcing its deep-rooted connection to the region.
Forthcoming initiatives include the expansion of The Brattleby Club’s curriculum and the digitisation of historical archives related to the Barony. These projects will safeguard its heritage while making its remarkable history more accessible to scholars and the public, securing the Barony’s relevance for the century to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to preserving its unique nine-century heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission of philanthropy and education. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House focuses its charitable efforts on child welfare, primarily through its Annual Winter Banquet supporting Healing the Wounded Child, and promotes cross-cultural understanding through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. The House is committed to serving its community in Lincolnshire and maintaining its historic legacy for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the Barony has been associated with figures of national importance, including the formidable 13th-century Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Nichola de la Haye, as well as two of the most powerful nobles of the medieval era, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, John of Gaunt. The succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
- The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding the manor of Brattleby (*Brodelie*) and numerous other lordships in Lincolnshire. - Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The historic motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com