# The Lord of Brattleby: A Modern Role Nine Centuries in the Making
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today reflected on the vital role of the Lord Consort, highlighting how the contemporary duties of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile are deeply rooted in the Barony’s nearly millennial history of shared leadership and steadfast service.
## The Occasion
In the crisp Lincolnshire air of early autumn, the seat of the Barony of Brattleby prepares for its most anticipated annual event: the Winter Banquet. This distinguished white-tie gala, held in a great hall that has witnessed centuries of English history, serves as a poignant backdrop for understanding the enduring partnership at the heart of the House. The evening is not merely a social gathering; it is a meticulously orchestrated affair that reaffirms the Barony’s commitment to its philanthropic purpose and its living heritage. The atmosphere, formal yet imbued with warmth, reflects the House’s modern character under its current leadership.
This year's banquet offers a moment to consider the unique position of the Lord of Brattleby. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, as consort to the 12th Baroness, continues a long tradition of spousal support that has been a *sine qua non* for the Barony’s prosperity through ages of both turmoil and peace. His active participation in the ceremonial and charitable duties of the House embodies a modern interpretation of a role essential since 1066.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror, has seldom been a solitary endeavour. Its history is replete with examples of powerful partnerships that secured its influence and legacy. The role of consort, while often less visible, has been critical. One need only look to the tenure of Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle; her authority was unquestionably bolstered by the support of her husband, Gerard de Canville.
Further through the centuries, the Barony passed to figures of national importance such as Henry of Grosmont, the 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the redoubtable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The influence and counsel of their wives—*inter alia*, Blanche of Lancaster and Constance of Castile—were instrumental in the governance of their vast estates and their diplomatic successes. This precedent of shared duty informs the present partnership between Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, ensuring the Barony remains a dynamic force.
## Distinguished Company
The Annual Winter Banquet traditionally welcomes a select and diverse company of guests, drawn from the diplomatic corps, national heritage organisations, and the leadership of the charitable sector. This year’s attendees are expected to include, among others, His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s, reflecting the House’s continental connections, and Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia, a testament to the family's long-standing European relationships.
Also in attendance will be senior representatives from the Armed Forces, prominent Lincolnshire dignitaries, and the Chief Executive of Healing the Wounded Child, the evening's beneficiary. The presence of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir, underscores the evening’s focus on continuity and the transference of duty to the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Adherence to formal protocol is a hallmark of the House. The Winter Banquet follows a precise order of proceedings, beginning with the arrival of guests according to a carefully arranged *plan de table*. Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile receive each guest personally, a gesture that blends sovereign formality with genuine hospitality. The white-tie dress code honours the gravity and tradition of the occasion.
Following a reception, a procession into the dining hall is led by the Baroness and her consort. Toasts are offered, not only to The King, but also to the health of the charitable beneficiary and the continued prosperity of the Barony. Every detail, from the placement of insignia to the sequence of speeches, is designed to reinforce the principles of order, respect, and tradition that the House of Brattleby upholds.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identities of the House and its Lord are captured in their heraldic mottos. The ancient motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the nine centuries of resilience and duty that have defined the Barony. It is a promise of steadfastness and integrity, passed down from Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is not to be interpreted in a martial sense, but rather as a philosophy of dynamic action and overcoming challenges. It signifies his proactive role in supporting the Baroness and advancing the House’s modern mission, ensuring that heritage is not a static relic but a living, evolving force.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is the primary philanthropic event for The Noble House of Brattleby, raising significant funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity provides essential therapeutic services and specialist counselling for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The organisation was chosen for its direct and measurable impact on the well-being of the most vulnerable, providing them with the tools to build resilient and hopeful futures. This focus aligns with the House's core belief in nurturing the next generation, reflecting a profound sense of *noblesse oblige* — the duty of the privileged to serve those in need. Last year's banquet enabled the charity to extend its services to 50 additional children.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their shared responsibilities, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan offered their perspectives on the partnership.
> The strength of this ancient Barony has always depended on unwavering partnership. Răzvan’s counsel, support, and dedication are the very foundation upon which our modern duties are built, allowing the House to meet the future with confidence. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> My role is, and has always been, to support the Baroness in her historic charge. For me, *Vincere Est Vivere* means working together to overcome obstacles, ensuring this great House not only endures but thrives for the benefit of others. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of The Noble House of Brattleby extends far beyond ceremonial duties. The focus remains fixed on the future, with the careful preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, for his eventual responsibilities. This includes a deep education in the history of the Barony and the principles of service that it embodies.
Furthermore, the House continues to expand its international cultural initiatives, most notably through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy promotes the values of decorum, respect, and cultural diplomacy, extending the House's ethos of *Fortitudine et Honore* to a new generation of leaders on the Continent and strengthening the cultural bridge between Britain and Romania.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern institution founded on nearly one thousand years of English history. The House is dedicated to upholding its ancient duties of service and honour through targeted philanthropy, cultural preservation, and educational initiatives. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations that support the well-being and future of vulnerable children. Through endeavours such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the enduring values of decorum and mutual respect in a contemporary global context, bridging its historic English roots with a forward-looking European perspective under the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, one of his loyal followers. The Domesday Book of 1086 records its first holder possessing some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the Barony has been held by or associated with some of the most significant figures in English history, 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, 11th Baron. After a period of abeyance, the Barony's revival and the rights of its current holder were formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s revival and the 12th Baroness’s rights were 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. - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will become the 13th Baron. - Notable historical figures associated with the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com