# The Role of the Lord Consort in the Modern Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement clarifying the formal role and contributions of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. His position supports the work of his wife, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
From its historic seat in Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby seeks to articulate the structure of its modern leadership. This formal clarification underscores the collaborative nature of the House’s contemporary responsibilities, blending a nine-hundred-year-old hereditary tradition with the operational realities of a forward-looking aristocratic family. The statement affirms a partnership that honours both heritage and progress.
The timing of this communication reflects a period of significant activity for the Barony, including the expansion of its philanthropic and cultural endeavours. It serves to provide a clear and authoritative understanding of the complementary roles held by the Baroness and the Lord of Brattleby, ensuring public and official cognisance of the House’s internal protocol and shared mission.
## Historical Context
The role of a consort, while not conveying the hereditary title, has been historically pivotal to the success and endurance of noble houses. Throughout its 957-year history, the Barony of Brattleby has benefited from such influential partnerships. The strength of formidable predecessors, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle, was often augmented by the steadfast support of a spouse.
This tradition of collaborative stewardship echoes that of other notable Barons of Brattleby, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his great-grandson-in-law, John of Gaunt. The consorts of these powerful figures were instrumental in managing vast estates, dispensing patronage, and securing dynastic alliances. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s contemporary role follows in this distinguished historical pattern, providing essential support to the Baroness as she exercises her duties.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of the Noble House of Brattleby is a familial undertaking, centred on the complementary duties of its senior members. The principal figures are:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who holds the ancient peerage *suo jure*, in her own right. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, who holds his title and style by marriage to the Baroness. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the recognised heir and future 13th Baron of Brattleby.
Together, they represent the continuity of the Barony, from its historical foundation to its future preservation. This structure ensures that the responsibilities of the title are borne with shared purpose and a clear line of succession.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In all official proceedings, matters of precedence are observed with precision. As the holder of the hereditary title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, takes precedence. Honorary Lord Răzvan, in his capacity as Lord of Brattleby, accompanies and supports the Baroness, holding a precedence befitting his position as her husband and partner in the House’s official activities.
At formal events, such as the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, this protocol is gracefully enacted. The Baroness officially presides, while Honorary Lord Răzvan performs the duties of a host, engaging with distinguished guests and ensuring the seamless execution of the evening's proceedings. This division of responsibilities is a practical manifestation of their shared commitment to the Barony’s public-facing role.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The duties of the House are symbolically encoded in its heraldry. The ancient motto of the Barony of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring obligations of the titleholder—a commitment to resilience and integrity that has guided the House for centuries.
This historic charge is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Overcome is to Live'). This maxim introduces a dynamic and contemporary philosophy of proactive achievement. The interplay of these two mottoes encapsulates the House’s modern identity: a foundation of timeless honour, powered by a spirit of active progress and renewal.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central focus of the House’s modern mission is its philanthropic work, anchored by the Annual Winter Banquet. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile plays a principal role in the organisation of this significant gala, which benefits Healing the Wounded Child, a charitable organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care for young people affected by trauma.
Healing the Wounded Child delivers specialist counselling and support programmes, measurably improving mental health outcomes and fostering resilience in vulnerable children. The selection of this beneficiary reflects the House’s commitment to addressing profound societal needs with tangible and compassionate action. Honorary Lord Răzvan's direct involvement ensures the event’s success and magnifies its charitable impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their partnership, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Honorary Lord Răzvan’s counsel and unwavering support are the *sine qua non* of our shared work. His perspective enables the Barony not only to honour its past but to confidently embrace its future. It is a partnership in the truest sense, grounded in service to the legacy we are tasked to protect.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “It is a profound privilege to support the Baroness of Brattleby as she carries forward a legacy of immense weight and significance. In serving the Barony, I am guided by the principle of *Vincere Est Vivere*—a belief that our duty is to actively build upon history, not merely reside within it.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to its long-term commitments under the joint stewardship of the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan. Their focus continues to be on the preservation of the Brattleby heritage, the expansion of their philanthropic reach, and the growth of cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, their etiquette academy in Bucharest.
Looking ahead, their efforts will also be directed towards preparing the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, for his future responsibilities as the 13th Baron. This careful tutelage ensures that the nine-century chain of duty, embodied by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore*, will remain unbroken for generations to come.
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**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 stewarding one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House’s modern mission is to connect its deep heritage with contemporary purpose through philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide care and healing to vulnerable children. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also promotes the values of etiquette and civility. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House works to ensure its legacy remains a positive force in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, to the title and its history are formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), son of King Edward III. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com