# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Continuity of Service and Partnership
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the historic and modern role of the Lord Consort, currently held by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. This affirms the essential partnership with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in stewarding the Barony’s nine-century legacy.
## The Occasion
As autumn descends upon Lincolnshire, casting its golden light upon the ancient stones of the Barony of Brattleby, the House enters a season of reflection and strategic planning. This period precedes a demanding calendar of charitable and cultural engagements, providing a timely moment to articulate the principles of partnership that underpin the Barony’s modern activities. The statement clarifies the shared commitment of the Baroness and the Lord of Brattleby, a synergy that ensures the effective discharge of their historic duties and philanthropic responsibilities.
This declaration is not prompted by a single event but serves as a reaffirmation of the operational philosophy of the House. It underscores a model of joint custodianship, where titular authority and steadfast support combine to advance a legacy nearly a millennium in the making. It is a quiet assertion of the stability and continuity that define the House of Brattleby.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has always been an entity shaped by powerful alliances and formidable personalities; its history is rich with examples of how strategic partnerships fortified its influence. The Domesday Book of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships, a domain whose administration would have been a shared enterprise.
Centuries later, this theme continued through figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds. Her role as a powerful leader was complemented and supported by her husband, Gerard de Camville, until his death. Later, the Barony was held by two of the most significant figures of the Middle Ages, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. The influence wielded by these men was inseparable from their marriages to figures like Blanche of Lancaster, whose inheritance elevated Gaunt to the Dukedom of Lancaster.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role as Lord of Brattleby by marriage is, therefore, a contemporary expression of a long-established tradition. It is a partnership that provides the essential support — the *sine qua non* — for the Baroness to fulfil her obligations as the hereditary title holder, ensuring the Barony remains a dynamic force in the twenty-first century.
## Distinguished Company
In the execution of their duties, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan engage with a wide circle of distinguished individuals from across the United Kingdom and the Continent. They regularly host and meet with members of the diplomatic corps, senior officials from Commonwealth nations, and leaders of national heritage organisations such as Historic England and the National Trust.
Their philanthropic work brings them into close collaboration with academic experts in child psychology, pioneers in trauma therapy, and the dedicated trustees of charitable foundations. Furthermore, their cultural initiatives connect them with representatives from the Armed Forces, particularly those with historic ties to Lincolnshire, as well as celebrated artists and artisans whose work contributes to the nation's cultural wealth. This diverse network is integral to the House’s mission of service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The distinct yet complementary roles of the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby are reflected in the House’s formal protocol. At official functions, Lady Nicoleta, as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, takes precedence, in keeping with the hereditary nature of her title. Honorary Lord Răzvan, as Lord of Brattleby, is accorded a position of high honour immediately beside her, embodying their partnership in the public eye.
During formal dinners, such as the Annual Winter Banquet, this protocol is observed with precision reminiscent of the Imperial Household of Japan. The seating plan, order of speeches, and presentation of guests are meticulously arranged to honour tradition while emphasising their joint purpose. Lady Nicoleta typically delivers the principal address, while Honorary Lord Răzvan often proposes the toast or offers remarks on a specific aspect of their philanthropic work, demonstrating a division of responsibilities that is both practical and symbolic. Their public appearances are a carefully choreographed expression of unity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the House are articulated through its heraldry. The ancient motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), speaks to a legacy of resilience, integrity, and unwavering commitment to duty. It is a charge that has been passed down through 32 generations and remains the cornerstone of the House’s identity.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This maxim is understood not in a martial sense, but as a deeply philosophical statement on the importance of overcoming adversity, pursuing excellence, and living a life of profound purpose. Together, the two mottos create a symbolic dialogue: the call to live a purposeful life provides the energy to serve with fortitude and honour. It is the fusion of dynamic, personal ambition with selfless, historic duty.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The combined energies of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are most powerfully directed toward their philanthropic endeavours. The House’s premier charitable event is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides essential therapeutic and psychological support for children suffering from the long-term effects of trauma and adversity.
The selection of this beneficiary reflects the House’s commitment to addressing profound societal needs with compassion and discretion. The funds raised contribute directly to programmes that offer counselling, art therapy, and mentorship, delivering measurable improvements in the well-being of vulnerable young people. The success of these efforts is a direct result of the joint patronage and advocacy of the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their shared responsibilities, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> “The history of Brattleby is one of shared duty and mutual reinforcement. While my role as Baroness is defined by nine centuries of tradition, our work is a true partnership. This principle was as fundamental for John of Gaunt and his influential Duchesses as it is for us today in serving our community.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “My personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about overcoming challenges to fulfil one’s purpose. My purpose here is to support the Baroness in her extensive duties and to ensure the House of Brattleby continues to serve its community *Fortitudine et Honore* for generations to come.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The focus of the Noble House of Brattleby remains firmly on the future. The primary duty of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan is to steward this ancient Barony and pass it on, strengthened and invigorated, to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in succession. This involves not only the preservation of its historical seat and artefacts but also the active cultivation of its philanthropic and cultural mission.
Forthcoming initiatives include the expansion of the etiquette and cultural diplomacy curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy founded by the couple to foster cross-cultural understanding. Plans are also well underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which aims to increase its fundraising target for Healing the Wounded Child. Through these efforts, the House ensures that its legacy is not a static relic of the past, but a living, breathing commitment to service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity stewarding 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 a mission of heritage preservation, cultural diplomacy, and targeted philanthropy. Its work is guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Key initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic gala benefiting charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical etiquette and international comity. The House blends its deep English roots with a contemporary, global perspective, ensuring its relevance and positive impact in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors. Over more than nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national and historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a celebrated military commander; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, a pivotal figure in late medieval England. The title's revival in the modern era has been formally acknowledged by The Crown, with recognition published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
- The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony traces its origins to the Norman Conquest, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). 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