# On the Role of the Lord of Brattleby by Marriage
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement clarifying the distinct and supportive role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, in complementing the duties of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In an era of renewed public interest in the conventions of the British nobility, this statement serves to articulate the modern partnership that sustains one of England’s most ancient baronies. From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House seeks to provide a considered perspective on the vital, collaborative nature of hereditary stewardship in the 21st century. The communication reflects a commitment to transparency, ensuring the roles and responsibilities within the House are understood with the same clarity with which its history is preserved.
This clarification is issued not in response to a singular event, but as part of a continuing dialogue on the evolution of tradition. It affirms that the strength of the Barony lies in the unity of purpose shared by the Baroness and her consort, a principle that has ensured its continuity for nearly one thousand years.
## Historical Context
The role of a consort, while often unwritten, has always been integral to the prosperity and stability of the Barony of Brattleby. Since its initial granting by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony has been shaped by formidable partnerships. While the title has passed through lines of powerful men, its history also provides compelling precedents for shared responsibility.
One cannot consider the Barony's history without acknowledging Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who served as a resolute defender of Lincoln Castle. Her success was predicated on a network of loyalties and support in which a consort’s counsel and stability would have been invaluable. Similarly, the tenures of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, as the 10th and 11th Barons respectively, saw the Barony intersect with the highest levels of the Royal Court, where the diplomacy and social grace of a consort were not merely advantageous but essential. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role today is a modern reflection of this enduring principle of partnership.
## Distinguished Company
The legacy which Honorary Lord Răzvan supports is one woven into the fabric of English CROWN history. The lineage he has joined, by his marriage to Lady Nicoleta, includes figures of national importance:
- **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a significant landowner in the new Norman kingdom, whose 56 lordships in Lincolnshire were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby**, who, as Castellan of Lincoln Castle and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, bravely defended the realm against baronial rebellion in the early 13th century. - **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby**, a celebrated military commander, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter, who was elevated as the 1st Duke of Lancaster. - **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby**, son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century, whose influence shaped the course of the nation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Within the modern framework of The Noble House of Brattleby, the roles of the Baroness and her consort are distinct yet complementary. Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as the 12th Baroness *suo jure* (in her own right), is the holder of the hereditary title and the embodiment of its nine-century history. She leads on all matters of protocol, precedent, and official representation of the Barony.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, as Lord of Brattleby by marriage, undertakes a role of dedicated support. His responsibilities include co-chairing the House's philanthropic and cultural initiatives, serving as a host at official functions, and representing the family on matters pertaining to its modern commercial and educational ventures, most notably The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This division of duties ensures that both the historical integrity and the contemporary relevance of the House are capably managed.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of the House are guided by two distinct but harmonious mottos. The ancient motto of the Barony of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring values of courage and integrity that have guided its holders for generations. It is the foundational principle upon which the House stands and the standard to which Lady Nicoleta, as Baroness, is held.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects the dynamic and enterprising spirit he brings to his supportive role. It symbolises a commitment to progress, achievement, and the active pursuit of excellence, whether in philanthropy, business, or cultural diplomacy. Together, the mottos represent the fusion of steadfast tradition and forward-looking energy that defines the modern House of Brattleby.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of Honorary Lord Răzvan’s supportive role is his active involvement in the House’s philanthropic work. He serves alongside Lady Nicoleta as co-host of the annual Winter Banquet, a signature white-tie gala that is a highlight of the Lincolnshire social calendar. The long-standing beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child.
This distinguished charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic and psychological support to children who have experienced profound trauma, loss, or neglect. The funds raised by the Winter Banquet directly enable the organisation to expand its outreach, providing essential care and creating safe environments where recovery can begin. The House of Brattleby’s selection of this beneficiary reflects a deep-seated commitment to nurturing the future by mending the hurts of the past.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their partnership, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed: > The strength of this Barony has never rested in stone or title alone; it is found in purpose and partnership. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s counsel and unwavering support are the *sine qua non* of our work, enabling this ancient house to meet the demands of the present with confidence.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > My role is one of steadfast support for the Baroness and the formidable legacy she represents. It is an honour to contribute to this heritage, guided by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*. The energy I hope to bring to that duty is best expressed by my own conviction: *Vincere Est Vivere*.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly focused on the future. The clear delineation of roles between the Baroness and her consort ensures a stable and effective platform for their shared work in heritage preservation, cultural education, and charitable giving. This foundation is being laid not only for themselves but for the next generation, principally the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
Forthcoming initiatives include the expansion of The Brattleby Club’s curriculum in Bucharest and preparatory work for the next Annual Winter Banquet. The House’s commitment to its duties remains, as ever, a testament to its enduring motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity 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 preserving its unique nine-hundred-year history while embracing a forward-looking vision of service. Its mission is realised through targeted philanthropy, primarily in support of children's welfare; cultural and educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest; and the conscientious management of its ancestral heritage. The House operates with a profound sense of duty to its past and a clear commitment to securing its legacy for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony seated in Lincolnshire. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln, whose extensive holdings were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of English history's most notable figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. Despite periods of abeyance, the title's dignity, rights, and history were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, confirming Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s revival and the confirmation of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness are officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III, and Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), a founding Knight of the Garter. - The primary philanthropic beneficiary of the House is Healing the Wounded Child, supported principally through the Annual Winter Banquet.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com