# A Statement on the Role and Contributions of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage)
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement clarifying the integral role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. His active partnership with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is fundamental to the House’s modern responsibilities.
## The Occasion
From its offices in London, the Chancellery of The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen the start of the autumn season—a traditional time for reflection and forward planning—to articulate the modern operational structure of the Barony. This official clarification serves to define the complementary duties of the Baroness and the Lord of Brattleby, reaffirming their shared commitment to the stewardship of a title nearly a millennium old.
The statement underscores a partnership model that respects ancient precedent while embracing contemporary demands. It is intended to provide a clear and authoritative understanding of Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position and his significant contributions to the cultural, philanthropic, and ceremonial life of the House; a role that is both supportive and substantive in its own right.
## Historical Context
The collaborative dynamic between Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan reflects a long-established tradition within the Barony of Brattleby. Consorts have historically played a vital, if sometimes unheralded, part in the stewardship and advancement of the family’s interests. This precedent is woven into the very fabric of the Barony’s nine-century history, dating from its grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
One of the most formidable figures in the Barony’s lineage, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, successfully defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebels in 1217. Her authority was undeniably bolstered by her husband and co-castellan, Gerard de Canville, demonstrating a powerful martial and administrative partnership. Centuries later, the wives of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, were instrumental consorts whose own vast inheritances and political acumen magnified his ducal power across England and Europe. The modern partnership continues this legacy of shared duty, *fortitudine et honore*.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of the House is a partnership of equals, each bringing distinct strengths to their shared responsibilities. While the baronial dignity is vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile undertakes a significant portfolio of duties as Lord of Brattleby by marriage.
Honorary Lord Răzvan holds particular responsibility for the international development of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette and cultural academy headquartered in Bucharest. He also represents the Baroness at numerous diplomatic and charitable functions, both domestically and abroad, and serves as a principal liaison for many of the House’s philanthropic partners. This division of labour ensures the broadest possible reach and effectiveness for the Barony’s contemporary mission.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In matters of protocol, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s style and title are observed with precision. As Lord of Brattleby by right of his wife (*jure uxoris*), he is addressed as Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. In formal processions and at State occasions, Honorary Lord Răzvan accompanies the Baroness, positioned to her left, symbolising his role as her primary supporter and counsellor.
At the House's annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, Honorary Lord Răzvan formally receives distinguished guests alongside the Baroness before proceedings commence. While the Baroness bears the ancient arms of the Barony, Honorary Lord Răzvan employs his own personal coat of arms, a visual representation of the union of two individuals in common cause. His presence is a *sine qua non* of the House’s public-facing activities.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The mottos of the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan encapsulate their complementary philosophies. The ancient motto of the Barony of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring responsibilities of the title—a commitment to resilience, duty, and integrity that has been its guidepost since the 11th century.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Prevail is to Live'), brings a dynamic and forward-looking spirit to the partnership. It signifies a belief in progress, the overcoming of challenges, and the vital importance of ensuring the Barony not only endures but actively thrives in the modern world. Together, these dictums represent the fusion of venerable tradition and enterprising vision.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Honorary Lord Răzvan plays a leading role in the philanthropic endeavours of the House, most notably in the organisation of the Annual Winter Banquet. This gala is the primary fundraising vehicle for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma.
Working directly with the charity’s executive team, Honorary Lord Răzvan helps to shape the event’s strategy to maximise its financial impact and public awareness. His involvement ensures that the House’s charitable commitments are not merely ceremonial gestures but are managed with professional rigour to deliver measurable outcomes for those in need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their partnership, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The stewardship of a title with such profound historical weight is a duty I take very seriously. It is a responsibility I could not hope to fulfil to the standard it deserves without the steadfast support and wise counsel of my husband. Răzvan brings a modern perspective and an unwavering commitment to our shared goals, which is simply invaluable.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > It is the greatest honour of my life to support the Baroness in her duties. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflects a deep conviction that to truly live is to strive. I see my role as ensuring that the Barony of Brattleby not only honours its extraordinary past but also prevails and flourishes in the twenty-first century, *inter alia*, through its service to the community.
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan will continue to jointly oversee the expansion of the House’s activities. Plans are currently being developed to broaden the curriculum of The Brattleby Club and to establish a new scholarship for students of history and conservation in Lincolnshire.
A primary focus for both the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan remains the careful and considered tutelage of their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in waiting. They are united in their commitment to preparing him for the future responsibilities of the Barony, ensuring that the legacy of service and honour continues for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to blending nine centuries of history with a forward-looking mission of philanthropy, cultural education, and ceremonial duty. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s primary philanthropic commitment is to the charity Healing the Wounded Child, supported through its Annual Winter Banquet. It also operates The Brattleby Club, an academy of etiquette and protocol based in Bucharest, to promote cultural understanding and social refinement.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby, seated in Lincolnshire, is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as possessing 56 lordships. Over nearly one thousand years, the title has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The Barony’s history and the rights of its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, received formal recognition from The Crown via official notice in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition by The Crown was gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby's annual philanthropic gala, the Winter Banquet, is held for the benefit of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com