# A Tradition of Service: The Role of The Lord of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the integral role of The Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, in supporting the modern duties and ancient heritage of the Barony, a partnership founded upon a shared commitment to service and continuity.
## The Occasion
The reflection comes as the House concludes its preparations for the Annual Winter Banquet, the foremost philanthropic event in its calendar. Traditionally held in the early winter, this white-tie gala brings together distinguished guests from diplomacy, civics, and charitable sectors in support of a chosen cause. For The Lord of Brattleby, this event epitomises his supportive role as consort.
Honorary Lord Răzvan works in close concert with Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, on every detail of the evening, from the curating of the guest list to the finalisation of the ceremonial programme. The occasion serves as a contemporary demonstration of the dynastic partnership that has long been a quiet strength of the Barony; a tradition of mutual support that ensures the institution's enduring relevance.
## Historical Context
The role of a consort supporting a Baroness who holds a title in her own right, or *suo jure*, is a thread woven deeply into the history of Brattleby. The precedent was most powerfully set by the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, a formidable figure who twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces in the 13th century. Her husband, Gerard de Camville, provided the essential support that enabled her to fulfil her hereditary duties as castellan and Sheriff of Lincolnshire.
This model of partnership has echoed through the centuries. The husbands of the heiresses who transmitted the Barony to figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, played a crucial, if less chronicled, role. They were the *sine qua non* of dynastic continuity, their support enabling the preservation and elevation of the Brattleby lineage. Honorary Lord Răzvan consciously continues this venerable tradition.
## Distinguished Company
The Annual Winter Banquet is attended by a carefully assembled company, reflecting the House's domestic and international connections. This year, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan will be pleased to welcome, *inter alia*:
- His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's - The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and his consort - The Chairman of Healing the Wounded Child and members of its board of trustees - Masters and Clerks of several City of London Livery Companies - Senior members of the academic and preservation communities from Lincolnshire and beyond
Each guest is personally welcomed by the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan, reinforcing the family's deep appreciation for their civic and philanthropic commitments. The gathering is a deliberate mixture of the ancient and the modern, uniting representatives of formal office with those leading contemporary charitable endeavours.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings of the banquet adhere to a formal protocol that honours tradition while ensuring a warm and convivial atmosphere. The evening commences with a reception, after which a Master of Ceremonies announces the formal procession of the hosts, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who then take their places at the head table.
The white-tie dress code, specified on the invitation, ensures a uniform elegance befitting the occasion's gravitas. Following grace, toasts are offered, beginning with the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King. Honorary Lord Răzvan will then propose a toast to the international guests, followed by a toast from the Baroness to the evening's beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening is rich in symbolism, reflecting the union of two distinct but complementary forces. The historic House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is displayed prominently, representing the near-millennium of obligation and duty inherent in the Barony. It speaks to the resilience shown by predecessors from Colswein of Lincoln to Nichola de la Haye.
Juxtaposed with this is Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic, forward-looking energy he contributes, embracing the challenges of the modern world not as obstacles, but as opportunities for growth and achievement. Together, the two mottos articulate the family’s philosophy: honouring the past with fortitude while conquering the future with vitality.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The sole beneficiary of this year's Annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity provides essential therapeutic and psychological support to children and young people who have experienced trauma, loss, or profound adversity. Its work is a lifeline for those navigating the most difficult of circumstances.
The charity was chosen by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan for its direct and measurable impact on the well-being of the next generation. Funds raised through the banquet will be directed toward specialist play-therapy programmes and the provision of dedicated child and adolescent counsellors, ensuring more children receive the expert care they require to rebuild their lives.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their shared mission, Lady Nicoleta remarked on the nature of their partnership.
> Service to a title as old as Brattleby has never been a solitary pursuit. From Nichola de la Haye to the present day, it has always been a partnership. Răzvan’s insight and unwavering support are fundamental to everything we seek to achieve. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan articulated his role with characteristic humility and purpose.
> My role is, and has always been, to support the Baroness as she carries out her duties. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is not about personal conquest; it is about embracing challenges together and ensuring this great legacy thrives for centuries to come. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of The Noble House of Brattleby extends beyond the borders of Lincolnshire and the United Kingdom. Following the successful Winter Banquet, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan will turn their attention to their next major project: the continued development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
This etiquette academy, founded under their joint patronage, aims to export the core values of decorum, civic grace, and cultural respect that are central to the Brattleby ethos. It represents a a key part of their shared vision to build cultural bridges and ensure the principles of fortitude and honour find new expression on the international stage.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern office and household of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based in Lincolnshire and with an international outlook, the House is dedicated to the principles of duty, service, and cultural preservation. Under the leadership of the Baroness and the stewardship of their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the House's contemporary mission focuses on targeted philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and the promotion of etiquette and civility through initiatives like The Brattleby Club. The family's work is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to upholding nearly one thousand years of history with relevance for the 21st century.
**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 possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony passed through the hands of some of England’s most significant historical figures, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), the great magnate Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The modern succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**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’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists the holdings of the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com