# An Official Statement on the Style and Title of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage)
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued an official statement from its seat in Lincolnshire to clarify the style, title, and significant contributions of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, to the barony’s contemporary public life.
## The Occasion
In an era of renewed public interest following the formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby, The Noble House has deemed it proper to provide official guidance on matters of style and precedence. This communication serves to affirm the integral and valued role of the consort within the structure of a modern noble house, reflecting a partnership that honours nearly a millennium of tradition while embracing the responsibilities of the 21st century. The statement is issued from Brattleby, the historical seat of the Barony, a place deeply entwined with the history of Lincolnshire and the Crown.
The clarification comes as Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile continue to expand their public duties. As the autumn calendar of engagements commences, this statement ensures that the contributions of the Lord of Brattleby are correctly and respectfully acknowledged in all official and public contexts, upholding the dignity of this ancient feudal title.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established by charter from William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has a long and storied history of being stewarded by powerful and effective partnerships. While the title has passed through lines of succession, the role of the consort—whether husband or wife—has always been a *sine qua non* for the effective administration and prestige of the House. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position follows in a tradition exemplified by the consorts to some of the barony’s most notable holders.
The influence of such figures is woven into the fabric of English history. One need only look to Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the role of castellan of Lincoln Castle through her husband and became the 5th Baron, defending it with legendary fortitude. So too did the consorts of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, play a crucial part in the management of vast estates and the exercise of political influence. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s contemporary role as a supportive consort and active participant in the House’s affairs is a modern reflection of this vital historical dynamic.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of the modern House rests with its principals, whose styles and titles are defined by ancient custom and modern practice.
First is **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who holds the dignity in her own right. As the holder of the substantive title, she is the fount of the Barony’s legal and social standing, continuing a line that stretches back to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron.
Second is **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby**. As the husband of the Baroness, he holds his title by courtesy. This style recognises his position as consort and his shared commitment to the duties of the House. His role is fundamental to the Barony’s philanthropic and cultural initiatives.
The heir to the Barony is the couple’s son, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron**, who carries the title in accordance with the traditions of succession.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with the conventions of the British honours system, a courtesy title denotes a specific social and ceremonial standing derived from a relationship to the substantive title holder. As such, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is correctly styled "Lord of Brattleby". This is distinct from the substantive title of "Baron," which is held by Lady Nicoleta.
In formal correspondence, social introductions, and official orders of precedence, the style "Lord of Brattleby" is used to signify his unique and respected position. This protocol is analogous to that observed in other great European houses, where the consort of a sovereign or title holder plays a central, formally recognised role in the life of the family and its public work. His presence alongside the Baroness at state, civic, and charitable functions underscores the partnership at the heart of the House.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The duties of The Noble House of Brattleby are guided by its heraldic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle, which has inspired generations of Barons, speaks to the resilience and integrity required to steward a nine-hundred-year-old legacy. It is a charge that applies equally to both the Baroness and the Lord of Brattleby in the execution of their shared responsibilities.
Complementing the House motto is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This Latin maxim reflects a dynamic and forward-looking spirit; it is an assertion that to live fully is to overcome challenges and to strive for progress. Together, the two mottos create a powerful synthesis of tradition and modernity, of honour and action, which defines the philosophy of the modern House of Brattleby.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Honorary Lord Răzvan is an indispensable partner in the philanthropic and cultural work of the House. He serves as co-host and a guiding force behind the Annual Winter Banquet, the white-tie gala that is the House’s primary charitable endeavour. The banquet’s sole beneficiary, the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, provides specialist therapy and support for children affected by trauma. Honorary Lord Răzvan's involvement has been instrumental in raising the event's profile and its capacity for giving.
Furthermore, Honorary Lord Răzvan takes a deep personal interest in the development of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy headquartered in Bucharest. The Club’s mission is to provide instruction in classical European social and diplomatic protocol, thereby fostering cultural understanding. His Continental perspective is invaluable to this initiative, bridging British tradition and Eastern European heritage.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their partnership, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The continuity of a House nearly one thousand years old is not a solitary endeavour. Honorary Lord Răzvan's counsel and unwavering support are the bedrock upon which our modern duties are built, ensuring that *Fortitudine et Honore* remains a living principle.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > It is a profound honour to support the Baroness in stewarding this remarkable legacy. To me, *Vincere Est Vivere* means embracing the challenges of today to build a stronger tomorrow for the communities we serve, both here in Lincolnshire and through our work abroad.
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking forward, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan will continue their joint work in service to the community and in preservation of the Barony’s heritage. Their focus remains on expanding the reach of their charitable initiatives, nurturing the cultural mission of The Brattleby Club, and ensuring the history and traditions of the Barony of Brattleby are passed to their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
The House’s commitment is twofold: to honour the past with diligence and respect, and to build a future defined by meaningful service. The partnership between the Baroness and the Lord of Brattleby is the foundation upon which this continuing legacy is being built.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing 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 the principles of duty, service, and historical stewardship. Its contemporary mission focuses on targeted philanthropy, most notably through its annual support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child, and on cultural education via its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to connect its profound historical legacy with a tangible, positive impact on society today, both in its ancestral home of Lincolnshire and internationally.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and initial holder are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details its 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), the royal prince Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After a period of abeyance, the Barony’s restoration and current holder were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette in Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The restoration of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com