# The Role of the Lord of Brattleby in the Modern Era
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a dispatch clarifying the distinct and supportive role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, as consort to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby in her own right.
## The Occasion
From its administrative seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has articulated the principles that guide the Lord of Brattleby’s public duties. This statement serves to define a modern consort’s role within one of England’s most ancient baronies, ensuring its functions are discharged with clarity and purpose following its formal recognition in 2022.
The announcement reflects the House’s methodical approach to its revived public responsibilities. It reaffirms a commitment to blending nearly a millennium of tradition with the collaborative partnership essential for twenty-first-century leadership. This considered dispatch aligns with the House’s broader mission of heritage stewardship and contemporary service.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, possesses a lineage of remarkable continuity. Its history, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 with Colswein of Lincoln’s tenure over 56 lordships, is one of unwavering service to the Crown and country. While historic Barons wielded feudal power, the modern role of a consort is one of dedicated support, a complementary function that strengthens the leadership of the Baroness.
This dynamic is not without historical parallel. The barony has previously been held by formidable women, most notably Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds. The present partnership between Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta continues this legacy, adapting it for a new era while honouring the *sine qua non* of duty that has defined incumbents from Henry of Grosmont to John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
In the execution of their official duties, the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby act in concert, representing a family dedicated to its public-facing responsibilities. The principals of the House are:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby and heir to the title
This structure provides both stability and a clear line of succession, ensuring the long-term stewardship of the Barony’s heritage and its ongoing philanthropic and cultural commitments.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In all ceremonial matters, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position is one of respectful precedence, designed to support the Baroness as the holder of the substantive title. During state, civic, and philanthropic engagements, he is positioned to her left, the traditional place for a consort, signifying his supportive capacity.
His duties include co-hosting official functions, such as the annual Winter Banquet, where he assists the Baroness in welcoming distinguished guests and dignitaries. While the Baroness undertakes primary ceremonial actions—such as delivering formal addresses or presenting honours—Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role ensures the seamless execution of events, embodying the principle of shared duty that underpins the House’s modern activities. The dress code and order of proceedings for all events are observed with exacting attention to detail.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are powerfully articulated through its heraldry. The ancient motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), anchors the House’s actions in the enduring virtues of courage and integrity. This principle has guided generations of Barons and remains the cornerstone of Lady Nicoleta’s leadership.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which he brings to his role. This motto speaks to a dynamic and proactive spirit; a commitment to overcoming modern challenges in the service of the Barony’s historic legacy and its contemporary philanthropic mission. Together, the two mottos symbolise a synthesis of enduring tradition and forward-looking purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central focus of the House’s modern work is its philanthropic programme, exemplified by the annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala is the principal fundraising event for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children and young people experiencing the profound effects of emotional trauma.
Honorary Lord Răzvan and the Baroness have taken a direct and personal interest in the charity’s work, selecting it for its measurable impact and its alignment with the House’s commitment to nurturing future generations. They work jointly as patrons of the Banquet, their shared involvement underscoring that philanthropy is a core, collaborative responsibility for the House of Brattleby.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their joint responsibilities, the principals of the House offered their perspectives.
> The stewardship of Brattleby is a living duty, not a historical artefact. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s counsel and unwavering support are indispensable as we navigate the responsibilities of this ancient title in a modern world. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> My purpose is, and has always been, to support the Baroness in her work. It is an honour to contribute to a nine-hundred-year legacy and to help realise its contemporary mission of service, always guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to the active continuation of its legacy. Preparations are already underway for the next Winter Banquet, which promises to further the vital work of its charitable partners. Furthermore, the House continues to expand its international cultural and educational initiatives, *inter alia*, through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cross-cultural protocol.
Through these endeavours, and in the careful education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the House ensures that the Barony of Brattleby will continue to serve as a beacon of heritage, honour, and purposeful action for generations to come.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House’s modern mission is to bridge its profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking commitment to public service. Its activities are centred on heritage preservation, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy, with a primary focus on supporting children’s welfare through its patronage of organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House actively promotes the enduring values of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), in both the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
**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 significant landholdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, were documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster. While its feudal rights have lapsed, the dignity of the title remains. The standing of the current holder was formally acknowledged by The Crown through a notice published in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Lady Nicoleta Vasile's succession to the Barony of Brattleby was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a major tenant-in-chief. - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com