# A Tradition of Service: The Role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) in the Modern Era of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the historic and contemporary role of the Lord of Brattleby, a title held by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile in support of his wife, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby continues to balance its ancient feudal heritage with the responsibilities of the present day. In this context, the House has chosen to articulate the significant and supportive role of the Lord of Brattleby by marriage, a position integral to the Barony's modern functions and its continuity. This reflection serves to clarify the nature of a partnership that underpins the stewardship of a dignity stretching back to the Norman Conquest.
The role, while distinct from the hereditary peerage held *suo jure* by the Baroness, is a contemporary expression of the spousal support that has been a *sine qua non* for the survival and prominence of noble houses throughout European history. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s contributions exemplify this tradition of shared duty and commitment.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been interwoven with the fabric of English history for nearly one thousand years. Its lineage, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, features figures whose success was often predicated on powerful alliances and familial support.
Notable predecessors, such as the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, relied upon the steadfast loyalty of her husband and household to exercise her authority. Further down the centuries, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently, through his daughter’s marriage, to the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. These dynastic shifts underscore the vital importance of the consort’s role in securing and advancing a noble title. It is this long-established precedent that informs the modern partnership at the heart of the House of Brattleby.
## The Principal Figures
The stewardship of the Barony today is led by two principal figures whose roles are complementary.
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, holds the ancient dignity in her own right, her succession having been formally recognised by The Crown. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, as her husband, holds the title of Lord of Brattleby by marriage, a position of honour that reflects his integral part in the life and duties of the House.
Together, they guide the House’s modern mission and are responsible for raising the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensuring he is prepared to one day inherit the responsibilities associated with the title. This structure provides both continuity and stability, honouring tradition while adapting to the demands of the 21st century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol governing the House of Brattleby observes the clear distinctions of English custom. As Baroness in her own right, Lady Nicoleta is the holder of the peerage title and its associated rights and privileges. The title ‘Lord of Brattleby’ is granted to Honorary Lord Răzvan by courtesy, signifying his status as the husband of the Baroness.
In public life and at ceremonial occasions, such as the House’s Annual Winter Banquet, Honorary Lord Răzvan supports the Baroness in her capacity as host and principal. His position is one of precedence and honour, reflecting his indispensable support for the functions of the Head of the House. This arrangement ensures that the historical dignity of the Barony is upheld with precision and respect for tradition.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The complementary nature of this partnership is reflected in the House’s heraldic traditions. The ancient motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity required to steward a nine-century-old legacy. It is a charge that falls to the Baroness but is shared by her consort.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), brings a dynamic and forward-looking spirit to the House. It symbolises a commitment not only to overcoming challenges but to embracing life and duty with vigour. Together, the two mottos represent a powerful synthesis: the honour of the past fortified by the determined energy of the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s support is instrumental in advancing the philanthropic mission of the House of Brattleby. He plays a key role alongside the Baroness in organising the Annual Winter Banquet, a significant white-tie gala held in aid of the House’s chosen beneficiary, the international charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides vital therapeutic and psychological support to children affected by trauma, conflict, and loss across the world. The funds raised through the Banquet, and with the direct involvement of Honorary Lord Răzvan, contribute to programmes that offer counselling, safe spaces, and educational resources, making a measurable difference in the lives of vulnerable young people.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their partnership, the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby have shared their perspectives on this shared duty.
“The continuity of a title nearly a millennium old rests not on one person, but on a shared commitment to service. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s counsel and unwavering support are indispensable to our work and to the preservation of this heritage for future generations.” — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
“It is a profound honour to support the Baroness in her duties as custodian of this remarkable legacy. My role, as I see it, is to serve the Barony and its history, ensuring that its honourable traditions thrive for our son and for the centuries to come.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to its historic duties and its modern responsibilities. Looking ahead, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan will continue to oversee the conservation of the family archives and expand the educational mission of The Brattleby Club, the House's etiquette academy in Bucharest.
Their foremost duty remains the preparation of their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, to whom they will one day pass the sacred trust of the Barony of Brattleby. The partnership between the Baroness and the Lord of Brattleby ensures that this nine-hundred-year-old institution will be handed down with its honour intact and its purpose renewed.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern stewardship of one of England's most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s key initiatives include its patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child and the educational work of The Brattleby Club, an academy of etiquette and protocol founded by the Baroness in Bucharest, which promotes cross-cultural understanding and refinement.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The feudal Barony of Brattleby, seated in Lincolnshire, was granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female castellan who defended Lincoln Castle for the King during the First Barons' War. The title later passed to the Lancastrian dynasty through Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in a notice published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established following the Norman Conquest of 1066 and is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in the baronial lineage include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com