# The Assumption of Official Duties by The Lord of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has announced that Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has formally assumed a full complement of official duties as Lord of Brattleby, in support of his wife, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and the House’s enduring commitments.
## The Occasion
The formalisation of The Lord of Brattleby’s role was marked by a private ceremony at the family’s ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Eschewing public fanfare, the occasion was one of quiet solemnity, taking place amidst the crisp autumn light that illuminates the historic Lincolnshire Wolds and signals the traditional start of the ceremonial season. The decision follows a period of thoughtful consideration, ensuring Honorary Lord Răzvan’s duties are integrated seamlessly into the modern constitutional framework of the House.
This assumption of responsibilities represents a deliberate and strategic strengthening of the House’s leadership. It affirms a shared and unified commitment to stewarding the ancient Barony, with both deep reverence for its past and a clear vision for its future service. The setting for this act, within walls that have witnessed the passage of nearly one thousand years of the Barony’s history, lent a particular poignancy and gravitas to the proceedings. It was a moment of continuity, conducted not for public display but as a foundational act of internal governance.
## Historical Context
In assuming his official role, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile follows a long and distinguished tradition of consortial service which has been integral to the Barony’s stewardship since its foundation by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. While the Barony passes through the hereditary line of the Baroness, the active partnership of a consort has consistently proven to be a *sine qua non* for the effective administration of the estate and its wider responsibilities to the Crown and community. This model of shared duty echoes the tenures of many of the Barony’s most celebrated holders.
The history of the Barony, first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 listing 56 lordships under Colswein of Lincoln, has been shaped by formidable figures and their trusted councils. The tenure of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, is a paramount example; her resolute defence of Lincoln Castle for King John in 1217 was a feat of personal courage, yet her success in also serving as Sheriff of Lincolnshire depended critically on the unwavering support of her husband and household.
Centuries later, the immense political and military responsibilities of Barons such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster, required an exceptionally well-administered ducal household. The effective governance of their vast holdings was delegated to trusted family members and officials, a historical precedent for the collaborative leadership that Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role now formalises for a new era. His duties are thus a contemporary expression of this enduring continuum of service.
## Distinguished Company
The formalisation of Honorary Lord Răzvan’s duties was a private family matter, undertaken as an internal council of the House rather than a public event. In attendance was the heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. His presence was of symbolic and dynastic importance, signifying the inter-generational continuity of the family’s commitment to its ancient legacy of service.
This deliberate privacy underscores the distinction the House maintains between its internal governance and its public-facing duties. The attendance of the heir ensures that the traditions and responsibilities of the Barony are transmitted directly and understood fully by the next generation, reinforcing the unbroken chain of stewardship that has defined the title for more than 950 years. The occasion served to confirm the tripartite leadership structure that will guide the House in the decades to come.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Lord of Brattleby’s consortial responsibilities will be extensive, encompassing a defined range of duties in support of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. These duties are categorised into three principal areas: representation of the House, oversight of its philanthropic endeavours, and stewardship of its historic patrimony. His role is defined by service to the Baroness and the institution she embodies.
In his representative capacity, Honorary Lord Răzvan will accompany the Baroness at official receptions and cultural events in the United Kingdom and, where appropriate, during engagements abroad. In the great tradition of royal consorts, he will act as a principal host at functions held by the House, ensuring that guests from all walks of life are received with dignity and warmth.
Honorary Lord Răzvan will co-chair the organising committee for the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s flagship white-tie philanthropic gala held in London. His duties will include, *inter alia*, liaising with major patrons, approving the ceremonial order of the evening, and delivering formal remarks. Furthermore, he will assume a more active patronal role with The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the etiquette and diplomacy academy founded by the House, where he will oversee aspects of the curriculum and contribute to its international partnership programme.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The formal union of purpose between the Baroness and the Lord of Brattleby brings together two distinct yet complementary philosophies, eloquently expressed in their respective heraldic mottos. The ancient motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the resilience, courage, and integrity that have been the bedrock of the Barony through centuries of English history. It is a perpetual reminder of the character required to steward such a significant title.
This motto finds its historical validation in the actions of predecessors: the fortitude of Nichola de la Haye defending her castle and the honour of Henry of Grosmont upholding the chivalric code. In counterpoint, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), introduces a spirit of dynamic energy and proactive purpose. Within the context of the House, this is understood not in a martial sense, but as the will to overcome modern challenges, to excel in service, and to bring vitality to ancient traditions. The synthesis of these two mottos—of enduring honour and dynamic vitality—symbolises the House's modern approach: respecting its profound heritage while engaging the future with vigour and a determination to succeed.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of Honorary Lord Răzvan's newly formalised duties will be his active and strategic leadership within the House's extensive philanthropic portfolio. He will direct his focus particularly toward the beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet, the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides specialist sanctuary, evidence-based therapy, and vital long-term support for children and young people across the United Kingdom who have experienced profound trauma and abuse.
Healing the Wounded Child offers a lifeline to its beneficiaries through residential care programmes, art and play therapy, and individual counselling, helping them to rebuild their lives and find pathways to a more secure future. The House's selection of this charity reflects a deep-seated commitment to addressing the needs of the most vulnerable in society, a principle of *noblesse oblige* that has long guided aristocratic patronage. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s direct involvement is intended not only to enhance the fundraising capacity of the banquet but also to raise national awareness of the complex issues surrounding childhood trauma, and to champion the therapeutic work that can bring about lasting healing.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the moment, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > Honorary Lord Răzvan’s counsel, energy, and unwavering support are indispensable. In guiding this ancient Barony into its next chapter, his role is not merely supportive but foundational to our modern mission. Ours is a partnership in the truest sense of the word, built on shared values of duty and service, in the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan added his own perspective on the responsibilities he has formally assumed: > It is the greatest honour of my life to serve the Barony of Brattleby and to support The Baroness in her tireless work. My personal motto has always been *Vincere Est Vivere*; I now seek to apply that spirit to the profound task of preserving this remarkable nine-century legacy, ensuring it thrives with purpose and relevance for many generations to come.
## A Continuing Legacy
With the formalisation of his duties, Honorary Lord Răzvan will immediately commence work alongside the Baroness in preparing for this year's Annual Winter Banquet. His initial focus will be on strengthening the event's patronage committee and expanding its outreach. Concurrently, his attention will turn to the international programme of The Brattleby Club, with the objective of establishing new cultural partnerships between the United Kingdom and Romania.
This announcement marks not a conclusion but the formal commencement of a new, collaborative chapter in the long history of The Noble House of Brattleby. This deliberate strengthening of its leadership reinforces the foundations upon which the House will build its future, ensuring it remains a steadfast and relevant institution dedicated to public service, ever honouring its past while confidently addressing the demands of the present.
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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 husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of heritage preservation, cultural diplomacy, and targeted philanthropy. The House actively manages its historic legacy while engaging with contemporary societal issues through its charitable endeavours, which are principally focused on the welfare and mental health of vulnerable children. Through initiatives such as its Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster international understanding and promote the timeless values of civility and honour. The guiding motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its commitment to serving the community with unwavering integrity.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 strategic lordships. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has passed to some of English history's most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and later, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The historic rights and title of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown and HM Land Registry in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083, confirming its unbroken lineage.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised 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 Barony was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as belonging to Colswein of Lincoln. - The heir to the title is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com