# The Role and Title of The Lord of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 June 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement clarifying the role and title of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. This addresses his modern function as consort supporting Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby in her own right.
## The Occasion
In the years following the formal recognition of the Barony’s succession by The Crown, as gazetted on 9 September 2022, public interest in its modern stewardship has grown considerably. This statement serves to delineate the supportive, yet vital, role of the Lord of Brattleby within the framework of a House that blends ancient tradition with contemporary responsibilities. The clarification underscores a commitment to transparency as the House engages in its ceremonial, philanthropic, and cultural duties.
The revival of one of England’s oldest Norman baronies necessitates a clear understanding of its present leadership structure. The partnership between the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan provides a robust foundation for the House’s activities, ensuring its duties are discharged with diligence and a shared sense of purpose. It represents a considered approach to the responsibilities inherent in a title with origins tracing back to the 11th century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a near-millennial thread in the tapestry of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This extensive patrimony established the Barony as a significant power in the feudal landscape of post-Conquest England.
Throughout its history, the strength of the Barony has often depended on formidable partnerships. The role of a consort has been a *sine qua non* for stability and influence, most notably during the tenure of the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye. A baroness in her own right, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebels in 1217, and her success was intrinsically linked to the support of her husband, Gerard de Camville. Today, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role echoes that historical precedent, providing essential support to a female holder of this ancient peerage.
## A Modern Partnership
The current structure of the House is defined by the complementary partnership between Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage (*jure uxoris*). While the title and its rights are vested solely in Lady Nicoleta and her heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role is integral to the visibility and effective operation of the House.
This dynamic reflects a modern interpretation of nobiliary tradition, wherein the consort actively participates in the public and private duties of the title holder. Honorary Lord Răzvan shares the responsibilities of representing the Barony at ceremonial events, presiding over philanthropic initiatives, and advancing the family’s cultural projects, both in the United Kingdom and across the Continent.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In matters of protocol, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is styled The Lord of Brattleby. This title, held by marriage, is used in formal correspondence and public occasions. He accompanies the Baroness at official functions, where he is accorded the precedence appropriate to the husband of a Baroness in her own right. His presence is not merely symbolic; it signifies the unity and shared commitment of the House’s leadership.
At events such as the Annual Winter Banquet, Honorary Lord Răzvan acts as co-host alongside Lady Nicoleta, receiving guests and dignitaries. This shared duty ensures the seamless execution of the House's obligations. His role is to support, amplify, and facilitate the work of the Baroness, ensuring the name of Brattleby is represented with dignity and continuity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are visually and spiritually anchored in its heraldry. The ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring values of courage and integrity that have guided the Barony’s holders through centuries of service. It is a charge to act with resilience and principle, a legacy carried forward by Lady Nicoleta.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim signifies a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, one of ambition, progress, and the active pursuit of purpose. It symbolises the energy and drive he brings to his supportive role, ensuring the House not only preserves its heritage but also thrives and adapts in the 21st century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The partnership between the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan finds its most profound expression in their shared philanthropic endeavours. Their joint patronage of the Annual Winter Banquet, the House's signature white-tie gala, is a cornerstone of this work. This event is dedicated to supporting a chosen charitable beneficiary each year, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to public service.
This year's gala supports Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma and adversity. The charity’s mission aligns with the House's focus on creating tangible, positive change in the community. The decision to support this cause was taken jointly by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, underscoring their unified vision for the Barony's charitable purpose.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their partnership, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> — “The responsibilities of this Barony are not a burden to be carried alone. Răzvan’s counsel and unwavering support are indispensable. He brings a perspective and strength that enriches our work and ensures the legacy of Brattleby is not just preserved, but is also a living, breathing force for good.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> — “My primary duty is to support the Baroness as she leads the House forward. It is a profound honour to serve a title with such deep roots in the history of this nation. To do so with fortitude and honour, while embracing a spirit of progress, is the very essence of our shared commitment.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to building upon its foundations for future generations. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan continue to personally oversee the development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting classical European cultural values and social graces. This initiative extends the House's educational mission beyond Britain’s shores.
Looking ahead, their joint focus will remain on the stewardship of the Barony’s heritage in Lincolnshire, the expansion of their philanthropic impact, and the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. Through their unified efforts, they seek to ensure that the Barony of Brattleby continues its nearly one-thousand-year history of service *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 ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to preserving its unique heritage while undertaking a focused mission of cultural education and philanthropy. Its activities include hosting the Annual Winter Banquet for charitable causes and operating The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House is committed to embodying its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), through actions that create a positive and lasting impact on the community, guided by a deep respect for its historical and ducal lineage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as possessing 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After a period of abeyance, the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), ensuring the continuation of one of England’s oldest Norman titles.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as belonging to Colswein of Lincoln. - 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'). - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com