# The Role and Standing of The Lord of Brattleby in a Millennial Legacy
LONDON, 16 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement clarifying the role and standing of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. As consort to Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, he shares in the stewardship of the ancient Barony, uniting his support with its historic mission.
## The Occasion
This official clarification delineates the ceremonial and practical partnership at the heart of the modern Barony of Brattleby. It serves to affirm the standing of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile as Lord of Brattleby by marriage, a supportive role that is the *sine qua non* of the House’s contemporary expression of its duties in Lincolnshire and further afield.
The statement formally acknowledges the collaborative leadership that now guides the Barony. While the substantive title descends through Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s presence ensures a unified approach to the preservation of its heritage and the fulfilment of its public and philanthropic commitments.
## Historical Context
The concept of marital partnership has been central to the endurance of noble houses for centuries. The strength of the Barony of Brattleby has, at pivotal moments, been fortified by the union of the Baron and their consort. This tradition finds its modern echo in the partnership between Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan.
This cooperative stewardship recalls, *inter alia*, the era of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, whose legendary defence of Lincoln Castle was inseparable from the support of her husband, Gerard de Camville. Later, the lineage became intertwined with the highest echelons of the English nobility through figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Their formidable influence was amplified by strategic and powerful marital alliances, a principle that continues to resonate within the House today.
## Distinguished Company
By his marriage to the Baroness, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile joins a lineage of distinguished individuals who, through alliance and service, have contributed to the Barony’s nine-century history. His own background and commitment bring a dynamic perspective to the House’s ancient traditions.
His personal motto, 'Vincere Est Vivere', provides a compelling counterpoint to the House’s ancestral motto. It signifies a forward-looking spirit of purpose and determination, which complements the enduring principles that have guided the Barony since its foundation by Colswein of Lincoln following the Norman Conquest.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with venerable European custom, Honorary Lord Răzvan holds the title of Lord of Brattleby by right of his wife (*jure uxoris*). This is a courtesy title that reflects his standing as consort to the holder of a substantive peerage. He shares in his wife’s rank and status, supporting her in all official duties.
The union is represented heraldically through the impalement of their respective arms. The shield of the Barony of Brattleby is displayed on the dexter side (the viewer’s left), the position of honour, while the arms of Honorary Lord Răzvan are shown on the sinister side (the viewer’s right). This arrangement creates a single, unified coat of arms that visually represents their partnership as a joint stewardship.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The arms and mottoes of the House articulate its history and its present course. The ancestral motto of the Barony, 'Fortitudine et Honore' ('With Fortitude and Honour'), has been its guiding principle for over 950 years. It speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors from the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, to the martial valour of the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, 'Vincere Est Vivere' ('To Conquer is to Live'), introduces a complementary theme of active and purposeful ambition. It signifies not military conquest, but the will to overcome challenges and achieve meaningful goals in the service of the community and in the advancement of the House’s philanthropic and cultural objectives.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The joint leadership of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan is most powerfully expressed through their shared commitment to philanthropy. Their primary charitable focus is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of a designated beneficiary. This year, the chosen organisation is Healing the Wounded Child.
Healing the Wounded Child provides specialist therapeutic support for young people affected by trauma and adversity. The funds raised at the Winter Banquet, under the joint patronage of the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan, enable the charity to expand its reach and provide critical care. Their united efforts are instrumental in marshalling the support necessary for the event's success.
## In Their Own Words
Speaking of their partnership, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The history of Brattleby is one of continuous service, often achieved through powerful partnerships. Răzvan’s support is the cornerstone of our modern stewardship, allowing us to honour the past while energetically building for the future.” — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan added a personal reflection on his role:
> “It is a profound honour to support my wife in her duties as Baroness. My commitment is to uphold the principles of ‘Fortitudine et Honore’ and to ensure the legacy of Brattleby continues to be a force for good in the world.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan will continue their joint oversight of the House’s diverse commitments. These include the ongoing development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting cultural and social refinement, inspired by enduring European traditions.
Their focus will also remain firmly on expanding the philanthropic impact of the Annual Winter Banquet. The couple is dedicated to establishing the gala as a significant event in the national charitable calendar, ensuring the Barony of Brattleby’s legacy is one of active and impactful public service for generations to come, under the future stewardship of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern organisation supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique heritage and a mission of contemporary public service. Its activities are guided by the motto 'Fortitudine et Honore' ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s philanthropic work is centred on the Annual Winter Banquet, benefiting charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, while its cultural initiatives include The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in the county. For over 950 years, the Barony has been held by notable figures who have shaped English history, including the celebrated 13th-century heroine Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and patriarch of the House of Lancaster. The modern rights of the Barony were formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The House motto 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 is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will inherit as the 13th Baron of Brattleby. - The Barony’s origins date to AD 1066. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a major landholder in the Domesday Book of 1086.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com