# A Statement From The Noble House of Brattleby Regarding The Lord of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement clarifying the role, title, and heraldic honours of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, consort to Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reaffirming their joint stewardship of the ancient Lincolnshire barony.
## The Occasion
This formal communication is issued from the family’s historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, to provide definitive context on Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position within the House. Following the official recognition of the baronial succession in *The London Gazette*, the House wishes to articulate the complementary roles undertaken by the Baroness and her husband. The statement serves to unite a partnership of modern sensibilities with nine centuries of English tradition.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, possesses a long and distinguished history of effective leadership, which was often fortified by the support of capable consorts. While the peerage itself does not pass through a consort, their role as a trusted partner has always been a *sine qua non* for the administration of estates, the fulfilment of dignities, and the prosperity of the lineage.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position continues a tradition of spousal partnership demonstrated throughout the Barony’s history. This includes the support given to powerful medieval lords and, most notably, the vital role played by the husband of Nichola de la Haye. As the 5th Baron, she famously served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and defended Lincoln Castle against French forces during the First Barons' War in 1217, an accomplishment unthinkable without steadfast domestic support.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of the Noble House of Brattleby is vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who holds the ancient feudal title in her own right (suo jure). She is supported in all her official and personal duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who is styled Lord of Brattleby by right of marriage.
The direct line of succession is secured through their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron of Brattleby. Together, they represent the modern foundation of the House’s continuing story.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with established custom for the husband of a peeress in her own right, Honorary Lord Răzvan is accorded a courtesy title and style. Therefore, he is correctly referred to as Lord of Brattleby. In the formal Order of Precedence, the Baroness holds the rank appertaining to her peerage, with her husband taking his place alongside her.
At formal occasions, *inter alia*, this protocol signifies a devoted partnership in which the hereditary dignity of the peerage and the supportive role of the consort are both afforded due respect. This joint representation is a cornerstone of the House’s contemporary public life and engagements.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The marital union of the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan finds elegant expression in the College of Arms’ ancient science of heraldry. The historic Coat of Arms of the Barony of Brattleby is marshalled with the personal Arms granted to Honorary Lord Răzvan, a visual representation of their marriage and combined purpose.
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to a legacy of resilience and integrity stretching back to the Norman Conquest. This is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which suggests a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy. Together, these mottos encapsulate a shared commitment: to uphold ancient honour while embracing the challenges and opportunities of the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The shared dedication of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan extends deeply into their philanthropic work, which forms a central part of their public duty. Their most significant joint undertaking is the annual Winter Banquet, an elegant white-tie gala held to raise funds and awareness for their primary beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This respected organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children affected by profound trauma. The decision to support this cause reflects a deeply held belief in providing a secure and nurturing environment for the most vulnerable members of society—a principle they apply equally to their charitable focus and the stewardship of their heritage.
## In Their Own Words
"To be a custodian of this Barony is to be a link in a chain stretching back to the Conquest," commented Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. "It is a duty I am proud to share with my husband. Our role is not merely to preserve history, but to ensure it informs a future of service and purpose."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added, "My purpose is to support the Baroness in all her duties to the Barony and our community. We believe that honour and heritage find their truest expression in meaningful action today, whether through our charity work or our efforts to make this rich history accessible to a new generation."
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan remain focused on the careful management of the Brattleby heritage and its associated responsibilities. Their commitments include ongoing conservation programmes within Lincolnshire and the expansion of their cultural outreach via The Brattleby Club, an academy of etiquette and protocol founded by the Baroness in Bucharest.
Above all, the upbringing and education of their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, remains their paramount personal duty. Through him, they will ensure that the enduring principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* are carried forward with strength to the thirteenth generation and beyond.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern chapter of one of England’s oldest baronies. 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 considerable heritage and a forward-looking programme of philanthropic and cultural service. Its principal charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, notably through its annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. The House also promotes cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest founded by Lady Nicoleta. Its work is guided by its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Feudal Barony in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and the extent of its original domain, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The succession of the current 12th Baroness was formally recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally noted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), defender of Lincoln Castle, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (d. 1399). - The House motto 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