# The Lord of Brattleby: A Modern Partnership in Service of a Norman Legacy
**LONDON, 24 May 2024 —** The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement on the significant role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, whose modern partnership with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is integral to the contemporary stewardship of the ancient barony.
## The Occasion
As the House prepares for its forthcoming philanthropic season, this moment serves as an occasion to articulate the complementary roles of the Baroness and her consort. From their seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and through their official duties in London, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s support is fundamental to the Barony’s modern mission. This partnership reflects a thoughtful balance between the hereditary responsibilities vested in the Baroness and the dynamic contributions of her husband.
The activities of the House are conducted with a consciousness of the changing seasons, both in the verdant Lincolnshire landscape and the demanding calendar of the capital. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s involvement ensures a consistent and robust public presence, allowing the Barony to fulfil its commitments with diligence and gravitas.
## Historical Context
The role of a consort has been pivotal throughout the Barony of Brattleby’s near-millennium of history. While Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position is defined by modern sensibilities, it finds powerful echoes in the past. The tenure of Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in the 13th century, demonstrates the long-standing precedent for a woman to hold the title *suo jure*, or in her own right. Her husband’s support would have been essential to the management of her extensive duties and estates.
Later, the Barony’s connection to principals of the Hundred Years' War, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, further underscores the importance of marital alliance. The strategic partnerships these men forged with their wives were instrumental in consolidating power and administering justice across their domains; a historical parallel to the collaborative spirit that defines the House today.
## Distinguished Company
In the exercise of their duties, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan engage with a wide circle of esteemed individuals and organisations. Honorary Lord Răzvan is consistently present alongside the Baroness at diplomatic receptions, charitable functions, and cultural symposia.
Their company regularly includes Members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Court of St James's, leaders of national heritage organisations, senior academics from the University of Lincoln, and international patrons of the arts. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s presence provides valuable support in fostering the relationships that are central to the House’s philanthropic and cultural initiatives, *inter alia*.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol surrounding the Lord of Brattleby reflects his distinct but supportive position. On first reference, he is formally styled Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. In the order of precedence at official House events, he is placed immediately following the Baroness, signifying his status as her consort.
During formal occasions, such as the annual Winter Banquet, Honorary Lord Răzvan joins Lady Nicoleta in receiving distinguished guests. He wears evening dress with decorations appropriate to the white-tie dress code, embodying the dignity of the occasion. This shared ceremonial duty is a visible representation of their partnership, combining the authority of the hereditary title with the strength of their shared commitment.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heraldry associated with the House and its principals offers insight into their guiding philosophies. 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 the title holders for over nine centuries. It is a declaration of steadfast duty.
In complement, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere*, which can be translated as ‘To Overcome is to Live’. This sentiment reflects a modern, dynamic approach focused on meeting contemporary challenges and achieving tangible results—a perfect counterpart to the Barony’s foundational ethic of honourable endurance.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central focus of the House’s work, fully supported by Honorary Lord Răzvan, is its philanthropic commitment. The annual Winter Banquet, a highlight of the Lincolnshire social calendar, serves as a significant fundraising gala for the chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child organisation.
This charity provides specialist therapeutic support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, offering them pathways to recovery and resilience. The selection of this beneficiary aligns with the House’s enduring focus on legacy and securing a better future for the next generation. Honorary Lord Răzvan plays a key role in the strategic oversight and success of this flagship charitable event.
## In Their Own Words
Speaking from their offices in London, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan reflected on their joint responsibilities.
> The history of Brattleby is one of endurance and adaptation. The partnership I share with my husband is a contemporary expression of that strength; his counsel and support are the *sine qua non* for the work we undertake in Lincolnshire and beyond. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> It is my foremost duty and singular honour to support The Baroness in her responsibilities. My personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is for me a commitment to overcoming modern challenges in the service of this profound and ancient legacy. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The partnership between the 12th Baroness and her consort establishes a powerful precedent for the future of the Barony. It provides a stable and forward-looking foundation for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, demonstrating how tradition and modernity can coalesce in the service of heritage.
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to its long-term objectives, including the expansion of its educational mission through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and the continued success of its philanthropic endeavours in England. The shared dedication of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan ensures that this nearly thousand-year-old legacy will continue to thrive with purpose and relevance.
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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 heritage while making a tangible contribution to contemporary society. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is expressed through targeted philanthropy, cultural preservation, and educational initiatives. These include the annual Winter Banquet for the charity Healing the Wounded Child and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. The House serves as a custodian of history and a proponent of enduring civil values.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby, located in Lincolnshire, England, is a feudal Barony of Norman creation, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the dignity of the title was formally recognised and recorded in the Crown’s official journal, *The London Gazette*, on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), with Lady Nicoleta Vasile succeeding as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s recognition is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historic holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com