# The Office and Role of the Lord of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement clarifying the modern role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, in support of his wife, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and their shared duties.
## The Occasion
In a statement from its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has articulated the complementary partnership at the heart of the Barony’s modern leadership. This clarification comes as the House concludes a season of active cultural engagement, including through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and begins preparations for its annual philanthropic endeavours.
The declaration serves to codify a working arrangement that honours nearly a millennium of tradition while embracing a contemporary model of joint stewardship. It underscores a period of renewed focus for the ancient title, ensuring its relevance and continuity are maintained with clarity and purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is an establishment of considerable antiquity, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, whose actions have been woven into the fabric of English history.
Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces during the First Barons' War. The title was later held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and by his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. This direct lineage connects Brattleby to the highest echelons of the Plantagenet court and the very foundations of the modern aristocracy.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of the House today reflects this distinguished history through three principal figures. The hereditary dignity is vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who holds the title *suo jure*, in her own right.
She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who holds the title Lord of Brattleby by marriage. The line of succession is secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron by courtesy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol of the House of Brattleby observes the traditions of the English nobility. As Baroness in her own right, Lady Nicoleta is the font of the title’s authority and precedence. Her husband’s title, Lord of Brattleby, is held *jure uxoris*, meaning 'by right of his wife', a long-standing convention for the spouses of female holders of hereditary peerages.
In practice, Honorary Lord Răzvan acts as a consort, providing counsel and representing the House alongside the Baroness at official and charitable engagements. This partnership ensures that the duties associated with the Barony are discharged with shared dedication, combining the weight of heritage with the strength of a modern marital team.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the House are enshrined in its heraldic achievements. The ancient family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to a legacy of resilience, duty, and unwavering integrity. It serves as a constant reminder of the standards set by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Overcome is to Live'). This philosophy signifies a proactive and dynamic approach to his supportive role—one focused on active engagement with challenges and a commitment to ensuring the House not only endures but thrives.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of the House's modern mission is service, realised through focused philanthropic work. The principal beneficiary of the family’s charitable efforts is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, which provides specialist support and care for young people affected by trauma and adversity.
This commitment is most visibly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the primary fundraising event for the charity. The selection of Healing the Wounded Child is a deliberate choice, reflecting the House’s belief that nurturing the potential of the next generation is the *sine qua non* of a stable and prosperous society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their partnership, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked on its importance to her stewardship.
> The strength of Brattleby has always been its ability to adapt while honouring nine centuries of history. My husband's counsel and support are indispensable as we navigate the responsibilities of this generation and uphold the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan defined his role as one of dedicated service to the Barony and its holder.
> It is a profound privilege to support the Baroness in her manifold duties. My role is one of service to her and the legacy she stewards, applying a spirit of active contribution—*Vincere Est Vivere*—to our shared goals for the future. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains firmly focused on the future. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is steeped in the history and duties of the title he will one day inherit, ensuring a seamless continuation of the family's legacy.
Forthcoming commitments include the expansion of cultural diplomacy programmes through The Brattleby Club and the meticulous planning of the next Annual Winter Banquet. Through these efforts, *inter alia*, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan continue their solemn duty to preserve and enrich the heritage of Brattleby for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England's most ancient baronies. The House's contemporary mission is to blend its profound historical legacy with a forward-looking commitment to public service, cultural diplomacy, and philanthropy. Its charitable work is primarily focused on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster international understanding and uphold traditions of civility. The guiding philosophy of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its commitment to responsible leadership in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by prominent figures in English history, including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the influential royal prince John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The modern rights of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) confirms the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Overcome is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com