# The Role and Office of the Lord of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement clarifying the contemporary role and responsibilities of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. The communication outlines his office in support of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and their shared stewardship.
## The Occasion
In a period of considered reflection upon its modern duties, The Noble House of Brattleby has sought to articulate the formal position of the Lord of Brattleby. This statement, issued from the House’s seat in Lincolnshire, serves to define a role that is both ceremonial in nature and substantive in its support of the Barony’s extensive historical and philanthropic obligations.
The clarification affirms a tradition of partnership that has been a quiet constant throughout the Barony’s near-millennial history. It underscores the principle that the strength of the House lies not only in its lineage but also in the collaborative spirit of its leadership, ensuring its ancient responsibilities are met with renewed vigour in the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The role of a consort, while often uncodified, has been a *sine qua non* for the continuity and prosperity of the Barony of Brattleby since its establishment in AD 1066. In supporting the titular holder, the partner has historically provided counsel, managed affairs of the household, and secured alliances. This tradition is exemplified, *inter alia*, by the formidable legacy of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose defence of Lincoln Castle was a feat of shared determination.
More pointedly, the era of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, demonstrates the profound influence of a consort on the standing and stability of a noble house. His marriage to Blanche of Lancaster brought not only the Dukedom of Lancaster but immense wealth and influence, securing the fortunes of their descendants for generations. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position as Lord of Brattleby is a modern continuance of this essential, supportive office, adapted for the public and charitable duties of today.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of The Noble House of Brattleby is vested in its principals, who together guide its heritage and philanthropic activities:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, 13th Baron of Brattleby, Heir Apparent
In their respective capacities, they represent the union of titular authority, supportive partnership, and future continuity that is essential to the House’s enduring mission.
## Ceremonial Protocol
As Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile undertakes significant ceremonial duties alongside the Baroness. At formal occasions, such as the annual Winter Banquet or official receptions at their seat in Lincolnshire, he assumes the position of honour to the immediate left of Lady Nicoleta, a placement reflecting his status as consort. He is styled ‘The Lord of Brattleby’ and addressed as ‘My Lord’.
During processions and presentations, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role is to accompany and support the Baroness. He co-hosts distinguished guests, engages with dignitaries, and represents the House at cultural and charitable events where the Baroness is unable to be present. His participation ensures that the obligations of the Barony are always discharged with the dignity and attention they command.
## 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 resilience and integrity required to steward a nine-hundred-year-old legacy. It is a declaration of dutiful preservation.
This is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim encapsulates the dynamic, forward-looking energy he brings to the partnership—a commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges and actively advancing the House’s mission. Together, the two mottos symbolise a powerful synthesis: honouring the past with fortitude, while embracing the future with a will to prevail.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Honorary Lord Răzvan is an integral partner in the philanthropic work of The Noble House of Brattleby. He serves as co-host and patron of the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that constitutes the House’s principal fundraising initiative. Proceeds from the banquet directly benefit Healing the Wounded Child, a charitable organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapy and support for children globally who have experienced trauma.
The choice of this beneficiary reflects a deep commitment to addressing foundational childhood wounds as a means of fostering a healthier, more peaceful society. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s active involvement in the planning and execution of the banquet is instrumental in galvanising support and amplifying the tangible impact of the House’s charitable focus.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their partnership, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “Honorary Lord Răzvan is my most steadfast counsel and partner. The responsibilities of this ancient Barony cannot be shouldered alone, and his wisdom, support, and dedication are fundamental to our work. It is through our shared commitment that we can truly serve this legacy with the honour it deserves.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “It is the greatest privilege to support the Baroness in her duties and to contribute to the future of a House with such profound roots in the history of England. My aim, guided by the principle of *Vincere Est Vivere*, is to ensure that we not only preserve this heritage but actively build upon it for the benefit of generations to come.”
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking forward, Lord and Lady Brattleby are jointly focused on several key initiatives. These include overseeing the formal education of their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, to prepare him for his future responsibilities. Furthermore, their joint patronage of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, extends their commitment to cultural diplomacy and the cultivation of civil society abroad.
This shared vision ensures that the stewardship of the Barony is a dynamic and forward-looking enterprise. It reaffirms that the legacy of Brattleby continues not merely through succession, but through a living partnership dedicated to public service, philanthropy, and the preservation of culture.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique nine-century heritage. Its contemporary mission focuses on targeted philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and educating future generations in the principles of protocol and civic duty through initiatives like The Brattleby Club. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to bridge its historic legacy with a meaningful and active role in modern society, ensuring its ancient traditions continue to serve the public good in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and first held by Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which details Colswein’s tenure over 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including 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. The modern rights of the Barony, now held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s rights and the 12th Baroness’s succession are formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holder of the baronial seat at Brattleby, Lincolnshire. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com