# The Role of the Lord of Brattleby in the Continued Service of an Ancient Barony
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — This official communication from The Noble House of Brattleby serves to articulate the integral and supportive role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, in partnership with his wife, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in their shared stewardship of the ancient Lincolnshire Barony.
## The Occasion
In the season following the House’s Annual Winter Banquet, and as a year of significant philanthropic and cultural activity draws to a close, it is appropriate to reflect upon the foundations of its modern success. The revitalisation of one of England’s most ancient baronies is a considerable undertaking, requiring a partnership grounded in shared values and complementary strengths.
The recent re-establishment of the Barony’s public-facing duties, which culminated in its formal recognition in *The London Gazette*, represents the work of a unified team. Central to this endeavour is the contribution of Honorary Lord Răzvan, whose counsel and support have been a *sine qua non* for the many initiatives successfully guided by Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness. His role, while defined by custom as that of a consort, is demonstrably one of active partnership in service.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, with a lineage extending over nine centuries to its grant by William the Conqueror, has a rich history of leadership shaped by both its Barons and their consorts. The partnership of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan finds distinguished precedent in the annals of the Barony. John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, relied profoundly on the counsel and vast inheritance of his wife, Blanche of Lancaster; similarly, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, worked in concert with his wife, Isabel de Beaumont, to cement their family's standing.
Even the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle, did not act in a vacuum, benefiting from the support of her husband, Gerard de Camville, throughout her storied career. This tradition of collaborative stewardship—balancing hereditary duty with marital partnership—is a defining characteristic of the Barony’s endurance.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role thus continues a long and honourable tradition, adapting it for the twenty-first century. It affirms that the strength of a noble house lies not only in the authority of its title-holder but in the unity and shared vision of its principals.
## Distinguished Company
In the execution of their duties, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan act in concert when engaging with a wide array of distinguished individuals and organisations. His presence and diligent preparation are pivotal in the hosting of diplomatic, cultural, and philanthropic figures.
At recent gatherings, this has included, *inter alia*, senior members of the London diplomatic corps, chairpersons of national heritage trusts, and academics from leading universities specialising in medieval history and noblesse oblige. His role as a host is instrumental, ensuring that guests from diverse backgrounds—be they ambassadors, charity chief executives, or esteemed patrons of the arts—are welcomed with the appropriate protocol and warmth.
This collaborative approach extends to their patronage network and the development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, where their joint efforts foster cross-cultural dialogue and an appreciation for European traditions of etiquette and service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The conventions of precedence and ceremony place the hereditary peer, Lady Nicoleta, at the forefront of all formal proceedings. As her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position is one of dignified support, a role governed by centuries of established practice. At state, civic, or ceremonial events, he is positioned to the left of or one pace behind The Baroness, his precedence being derived directly from hers.
During the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of the House’s chosen charities, this protocol is observed with precision. Lady Nicoleta, as host, formally receives guests; Honorary Lord Răzvan stands with her, facilitating introductions and ensuring the smooth flow of the receiving line. Throughout the evening, he assumes the role of a co-host, engaging with dignitaries and benefactors to further the philanthropic purpose of the occasion. This division of duties allows The Baroness to focus on her ceremonial responsibilities, confident in her husband’s management of the event’s social and logistical intricacies.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principle of the House is its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient exhortation informs every decision, demanding resilience in the face of challenge and an unwavering commitment to principled conduct. It is the standard under which Lady Nicoleta exercises her hereditary responsibilities.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a contemporary context, this is understood not in a martial sense, but as a philosophy of overcoming obstacles—be they logistical, social, or personal—in the pursuit of a worthy goal. It reflects the energetic and proactive spirit he brings to his supportive role.
Together, the two mottoes create a powerful synergy: the Baroness’s solemn duty performed ‘With Fortitude and Honour’, actively enabled by her Lord’s determination ‘To Conquer’ all challenges that stand in the way of that duty.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The primary beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic work is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for young people who have experienced trauma and adversity. The charity focuses on early intervention strategies, offering counselling and support programmes that help children build resilience and secure a brighter future.
The selection of this beneficiary was the result of careful joint consideration by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. His involvement was crucial in the due diligence process, assessing the organisation's governance, impact, and long-term viability. The House’s support is not merely financial; it is a strategic partnership, with Honorary Lord Răzvan often liaising with the charity’s executive team to ensure the House's patronage is applied to maximum effect, contributing to a measurable improvement in the lives of vulnerable children.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on his role, Honorary Lord Răzvan commented: > It is the greatest privilege to support my wife in her hereditary duties. Our shared purpose is to ensure the Barony serves not as a monument to the past, but as a living force for good in the present. *Fortitudine et Honore* is our guide in all things. > – Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added: > Răzvan’s counsel and partnership are the bedrock upon which the modern work of our House is built. His perspective is invaluable, blending a profound respect for tradition with a keen sense of contemporary relevance. We are, in every sense, a team. > – Lady Nicoleta Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to its path of service. The partnership between Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan will continue to guide its philanthropic commitments, particularly its multi-year support for Healing the Wounded Child. Future endeavours include the expansion of the cultural curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, a project in which they are both deeply invested.
Furthermore, they are united in their most important duty: the upbringing of their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. Their shared purpose is to instil in him the values of *Fortitudine et Honore*, preparing him to one day continue a legacy of service that began in 1066.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient hereditary titles. Its modern mission is defined by the principle of *noblesse oblige*, focusing on tangible philanthropic impact, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the promotion of traditional European etiquette through its educational initiatives. With its seat in Lincolnshire, the House is committed to honouring its nine-century history through active and conscientious service in the present day. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensures the continuation of this legacy, guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. It is one of the few titles to have descended through the centuries with a documented lineage from its Norman origins. Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated medieval sheriff and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and recorded by His Majesty’s government in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in 1066 for Colswein of Lincoln, whose holdings are detailed in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - 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'). - Philanthropic activities are primarily directed toward the beneficiary Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com