# The Office of the Lord of Brattleby: A Modern Role Defined by Tradition
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today articulated the formal office and responsibilities of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, clarifying a modern consort’s role rooted in the Barony’s almost thousand-year history of service and duty.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, the House has issued this communication to provide formal detail on the duties undertaken by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile in support of his wife, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. This statement serves to codify a partnership that balances the demands of an ancient peerage with the responsibilities of contemporary leadership. The setting of Brattleby itself, a name recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, provides a fitting backdrop for a declaration that bridges the centuries.
The announcement comes as the House prepares for its seasonal calendar of philanthropic and cultural duties. It reflects a considered approach to stewardship, ensuring that the complementary roles of the Baroness and her consort are understood as a unified effort, grounded in the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
## Historical Context
The role of a consort, while often ceremonial, has been a *sine qua non* of effective leadership throughout the Barony’s long history. The responsibilities shouldered by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile today find their precedent in the formidable partners who have previously helped to safeguard and advance the Brattleby legacy. The Barony has been shaped by powerful alliances, many cemented by marriage.
One may look to the precedent of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence was inextricably linked to his marriage to Blanche, heiress of the great House of Lancaster. Likewise, preceding barons relied upon their consorts to manage vast estates, oversee households, and exercise significant social and political influence. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position as a steadfast supporter of the Baroness continues this tradition of marital partnership as a cornerstone of the Barony's stability and public-facing work.
## Distinguished Company
In his capacity as consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile frequently joins the Baroness in welcoming distinguished guests to their seat in Brattleby and at functions in the United Kingdom and abroad. In recent years, they have hosted and been received by figures from diplomacy, academia, the armed forces, and European nobility.
At such engagements, Honorary Lord Răzvan assists the Baroness in her duties as hostess, a role of significant diplomatic weight. This includes, *inter alia*, engaging with dignitaries, supporting cultural exchanges exemplified by initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and representing the family’s cross-cultural heritage; a modern reflection of the continental ties that have always been a feature of the English aristocracy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Office of the Lord of Brattleby is governed by established ceremonial protocol. At official events, Honorary Lord Răzvan is accorded precedence as the husband of a peeress in her own right. During formal processions and introductions, he accompanies the Baroness, positioned to her left, in keeping with European court tradition.
At white-tie occasions, such as the Annual Winter Banquet, Honorary Lord Răzvan wears decorations and orders appropriate to his station. His presence allows the Baroness to focus on her principal duties, such as delivering keynote addresses or formally receiving principal guests. His role is supportive yet distinct, ensuring the smooth execution of events and embodying the public-facing aspect of the House’s commitments.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The partnership between the Baroness and her consort is reflected in their respective mottos. The ancient motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring strength and integrity required to steward the Barony. This is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
The latter motto signifies a dynamic, forward-looking spirit of achievement and purpose. Together, the two mottos symbolise a union of perseverance and aspiration; one honours the past, while the other strives for the future. This duality underscores the modern House’s mission: to preserve its heritage while actively pursuing relevance and service in the twenty-first century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A significant dimension of Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role involves supporting the House’s philanthropic endeavours, most notably the Annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. This chosen beneficiary provides specialist therapeutic care to children and families affected by trauma, a cause the House supports with profound commitment.
Honorary Lord Răzvan serves as co-host of the gala, personally welcoming patrons and advocating for the charity’s mission. His involvement ensures that the fundraising activities of the House are not merely a duty but a personal and deeply held commitment. His support magnifies the reach and impact of the Baroness’s own patronage, allowing the House to contribute more meaningfully to its chosen causes.
## In Their Own Words
Speaking of their shared responsibilities, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “The duties of this ancient Barony are not a burden to be carried alone. Răzvan’s support is fundamental to our work; he brings a perspective and dynamism that are invaluable. We approach this legacy as a partnership, fortified by both history and a shared vision for the future.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “It is a distinct honour to support the Baroness as she leads this great House. My aim is simple: to serve the legacy of Brattleby and assist Nicoleta in her duties. The heritage here is profound, but it is a living history, one which we have a duty to carry forward with purpose and relevance.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring a seamless transition of its values to the next generation. The Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan are dedicated to raising their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, with a deep understanding of the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Looking ahead, Honorary Lord Răzvan will continue to play a key role in the House’s international initiatives, including the expansion of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest. This project, which leverages his continental background, is a prime example of how his consort role actively contributes to the modern mission and global reach of The Noble House of Brattleby.
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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 stewarding nearly a millennium of English heritage while pursuing a modern mission of philanthropy and cultural education. The House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, such as Healing the Wounded Child, beneficiary of its Annual Winter Banquet. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, the House also works to promote classical etiquette and protocol, bridging historical traditions with contemporary society. The family is committed to raising the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, to continue this legacy of service.
**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, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 anors, including Brattleby in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female castellan who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in the thirteenth century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The historic title and rights were formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of 1066 and is mentioned in the Domesday Book (1086). - The family seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the historical epicentre of the Barony’s lands. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com