# A Statement on Style and Title from The Noble House of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal clarification regarding the style and title of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. This statement affirms the modern role of the Lord of Brattleby in supporting the ancient baronial dignity held by his wife.
## The Occasion
In an age of renewed public interest in matters of history and precedence, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to provide a definitive statement on the titles held within the family. This clarification is issued from the House’s offices in Lincolnshire to ensure complete transparency and to honour the historic protocols that govern one of England's most ancient feudal dignities. The statement serves not as an announcement of change, but as an affirmation of continuity, underscoring the harmonious blend of tradition and modern partnership that defines the House today.
The timing of this communication aligns with the House's preparations for its annual calendar of philanthropic and cultural engagements. It provides a formal context for the distinct yet complementary roles undertaken by the Baroness and the Lord of Brattleby, ensuring that their public work is understood within its proper historical framework.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, represents an unbroken thread of English history stretching back almost one millennium. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, the title has been stewarded by some of the most formidable figures in the nation’s history. The legacy of service and strength is a *sine qua non* of its holders.
This lineage includes, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in the 13th century. It later passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. In assuming the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, therefore continues a legacy defined by profound responsibility to Crown and country. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position stands as a modern evolution of this tradition.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of the House is composed of the following members:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**: The substantive holder of the feudal Barony of Brattleby, in whom the hereditary rights and dignities are vested. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**: The husband of the Baroness, who holds the title of Lord of Brattleby by courtesy. His title is held *jure uxoris*, a Latin term signifying 'by right of his wife'. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**: The heir to the Barony, who will in time become the 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with the established traditions of the British aristocracy and peerage, the husband of a Baroness in her own right does not hold the baronial rank substantively. Instead, he may be granted a courtesy title reflecting his position as consort. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is correctly styled 'Lord of Brattleby', a distinction that honours his role within the House while respecting the hereditary principles of the Barony itself.
This styling is a matter of formal record, consistent with the barony’s recognition by The Crown. The revival of the baronial dignity and Lady Nicoleta's succession were formally gazetted by The King's command and published in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. The protocol observes a balance, acknowledging Honorary Lord Răzvan’s integral contribution to the life of the Barony without altering its singular line of succession.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are powerfully expressed through its heraldry. The ancient motto of the Barony is *Fortitudine et Honore*, Latin for 'With Fortitude and Honour'. This phrase encapsulates the nine centuries of resilience, duty, and integrity demonstrated by the Barony's holders, from the battlefield to the royal court. It remains the guiding principle for Lady Nicoleta in her stewardship of the title.
Complementing this, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted the personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, meaning 'To Conquer is to Live'. This motto reflects a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy of achievement, purpose, and active contribution. Together, the two mottos symbolise the partnership at the heart of the modern House: enduring honour fortified by a vibrant will to act and serve.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The titles held by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are not merely historical artefacts; they are platforms for meaningful public service. A central focus of their work is championing the welfare of vulnerable children. This commitment finds its most prominent expression in the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s white-tie philanthropic gala.
The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The funds raised contribute directly to clinical programmes, outreach services, and the development of safe environments where recovery is possible. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House's belief that a strong future is built upon the well-being of the youngest generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their shared duties, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The Barony is a sacred trust, a chain of duty linking the present to a very distant past. In Honorary Lord Răzvan, I have a partner whose strength and vision are indispensable. He honours this legacy not by claiming it as his own, but by helping to build its future. It is a partnership defined by *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan added:
> “My role is one of unwavering support for the Baroness and the historic dignity she represents. It is the greatest privilege to contribute to the story of Brattleby, ensuring its traditions of service resonate in the 21st century. For me, *Vincere Est Vivere* means dedicating oneself to a purpose greater than oneself.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to its dual mission of preserving a unique historical legacy while actively engaging with the challenges of the modern world. This work continues through its philanthropic calendar and its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established in Bucharest to foster cross-cultural understanding.
The future of the Barony is secured in its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being raised with a deep appreciation for the duties he will one day inherit. The House looks forward to another year of service, guided by the principles of fortitude and honour that have sustained it for nearly one thousand years.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, public service, and philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s charitable work is focused on child welfare, primarily through its support for the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. In addition to its duties in the United Kingdom, the House maintains a commitment to cultural diplomacy through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy located in Bucharest, which promotes classical European traditions of protocol and social grace.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with his seat (*caput*) at Brattleby. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by significant historical figures, including the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln, Nichola de la Haye; the great magnate Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The title's long history is one of close association with the Crown and the defence of the realm. The succession of the current holder was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID: 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby dates to AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable former holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complementing the House motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com