# The Role of a Modern Consort: Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) and the Continuing Legacy of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement defining the role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. His position as consort to Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reinforces the House’s modern commitment to partnership and shared duty.
## The Occasion
In a formal communication issued from its Lincolnshire seat, the House of Brattleby has outlined the significant ceremonial and supportive duties undertaken by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. This clarification comes as the House prepares for its forthcoming season of philanthropic and cultural engagements, emphasising the joint stewardship that has become characteristic of its contemporary leadership.
The statement serves to illuminate a role that, while rooted in centuries of tradition, has been adapted for the twenty-first century. It affirms Honorary Lord Răzvan’s integral position in representing the Barony alongside the Baroness, both within the United Kingdom and abroad, ensuring the continuity of its ancient lineage.
## Historical Context
The concept of consortial support has been a vital, if often understated, element of the Barony’s nine-hundred-year history. The survival and influence of the title have frequently depended upon the strength of the marital partnership, a tradition that finds its modern expression in the roles of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan.
This legacy of powerful unions echoes through the Barony’s past. Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle, relied upon the counsel and military acumen of her husband, Gerard de Canville. Later, the title’s association with figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, underscores a history intertwined with the great dynastic partnerships that shaped the nation. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role is, therefore, not a modern invention but the continuation of a vital, historical function.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of the House is a family endeavour, defined by a spirit of collective responsibility. The principal figures are:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron and heir to the Barony
Together, they represent the three generations—past, present, and future—that comprise the House’s living heritage, stewarding a title granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and formally recognised by The Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
As consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile undertakes numerous ceremonial duties with a precision befitting the House’s distinguished history. At formal occasions, such as the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, His Lordship accompanies the Baroness in receiving dignitaries, patrons, and guests of honour. He shares precedence immediately following the Baroness, reflecting his status within the House.
His Lordship’s functions also include co-hosting diplomatic and cultural delegations, representing the Barony at official events where the Baroness is unable to be present, and taking an active role in the governance of the family’s various initiatives. This division of duty is a practical necessity and a symbolic representation of their shared commitment, executed *fortitudine et honore*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The complementary nature of their roles is reflected in the House’s heraldry and mottos. The ancient motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring public duty and resilience required of the title holder. It is the bedrock of the House’s identity.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or 'To Win is to Live'), introduces a dynamic, forward-looking element. It signifies a personal philosophy of active engagement and achievement, which he applies to his support for the Baroness and their joint endeavours. Together, the two mottos symbolise the fusion of ancient duty with modern purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core function of Honorary Lord Răzvan's role is his deep involvement in the House’s philanthropic work, the *sine qua non* of its modern mission. He serves as co-patron, alongside Lady Nicoleta, of the Annual Winter Banquet, the proceeds of which are directed to their chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides essential therapeutic and psychological support to children who have experienced trauma, offering them a path toward recovery and resilience. Honorary Lord Răzvan is directly engaged in the beneficiary selection process and takes a personal interest in understanding the measurable impact of the funds raised, ensuring a legacy of meaningful social contribution.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their partnership, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, noted the importance of this shared resolve.
> The heritage of Brattleby is a profound responsibility, not a possession. To carry it forward requires a partnership founded on mutual respect and a shared vision. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s support is indispensable to every aspect of our work. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan added his own perspective on his duties as consort.
> It is the highest honour to support the Baroness in her duties and to contribute to a legacy that has endured for nearly a millennium. My aim is simply to serve the title and the values it represents, ensuring its relevance for generations to come. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, Honorary Lord Răzvan will continue to play a crucial part in the House’s strategic initiatives. These include overseeing, with the Baroness, the education of their heir, Baron Mihai, in the history and responsibilities of the Barony.
Furthermore, his influence will be central to the expansion of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy, from its new seat in Bucharest. This project, *inter alia*, aims to bridge the House's English heritage with a broader European cultural context, embodying the modern, international outlook that Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta have fostered.
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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 the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Its modern mission combines the preservation of its nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, education, and cultural diplomacy. The House’s primary charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its annual Winter Banquet, benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of decorum and civic duty, ensuring the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') remains a vibrant force in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. Its unbroken lineage is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder was listed with 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated medieval defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. After centuries in abeyance, the title’s revival and the rights of its current holder, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony’s revival was formally gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com