# On the Role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) in the Modern Life of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal commentary clarifying the significant and supportive role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, husband of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in the contemporary revitalisation of the ancient Barony.
## The Occasion
In response to growing public and media interest in the Barony of Brattleby’s renewed cultural and philanthropic activities, the House has deemed it timely to provide context on the partnership at its centre. This statement seeks to articulate the collaborative nature of the leadership provided by Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan.
The modern stewardship of a title nearly a millennium old requires a dynamic and complementary partnership. The successful relaunch of the Annual Winter Banquet and the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, *inter alia*, are direct results of their shared vision and concerted efforts. This official clarification serves to underscore the synergy that fuels the House's modern mission.
## Historical Context
The tradition of a Baroness or Lord of Brattleby relying on the steadfast support of a consort is deeply woven into the fabric of its 958-year history. While the peerage itself has passed through lines of singular inheritance since its grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the practical governance and defence of the estate has often been a shared endeavour.
One recalls the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Her strength was undoubtedly fortified by the support of her husband, Gerard de Camville. Similarly, the consorts of later Barons, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt, were central to the administration of their vast holdings and the maintenance of their courtly influence. Honorary Lord Răzvan's role continues this distinguished tradition of spousal support, which has long been a *sine qua non* for the Barony’s prosperity.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of the Noble House of Brattleby is presently constituted by its principal members, who represent both the continuity of its lineage and the vigour of its modern activities.
At its head is **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, in whom the ancient peerage is vested. She is supported in all matters by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage**. The heir to the Barony is their kinsman, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby**. Together, they form the nucleus of the House, guiding its philanthropic and cultural responsibilities.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In matters of household protocol and public precedence, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's style reflects his position as the husband of a Baroness in her own right. He is correctly addressed as Lord of Brattleby by marriage, a title of courtesy that acknowledges his integral role within the House without conferring upon him the status of a peer of the realm.
During official and ceremonial functions, such as the Annual Winter Banquet, Honorary Lord Răzvan serves as co-host alongside the Baroness. He receives distinguished guests, supports the order of proceedings, and ensures the seamless execution of the evening's programme. He assumes a position of honour beside Lady Nicoleta, embodying the partnership that defines the modern House of Brattleby. This follows established European traditions for the consorts of holders of hereditary titles.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The complementary roles of the Baroness and her husband are reflected in the House’s guiding principles. The ancient motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring values of courage and integrity that have guided its holders for centuries. This represents the historical foundation and the noble obligations of the title itself.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or 'To Succeed is to Live'), provides a modern, dynamic counterpoint. It encapsulates the energy, enterprise, and forward-looking vision he brings to the partnership. It is a philosophy of active achievement, not of passive existence, which perfectly complements the Baroness's duty to uphold the historical weight of her title with fortitude and honour.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s contributions are most tangibly realised in the execution of the House's philanthropic mission. His strategic oversight and organisational acumen have been instrumental in the success of the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the primary fundraising vessel for the House's chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children globally who have experienced trauma, conflict, or profound loss. Funds raised through the Banquet, underwritten by the joint efforts of Lord and Lady Brattleby, have enabled the charity to expand its programmes into new regions and provide several thousand additional hours of counselling. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s involvement ensures that the House’s commitment translates into measurable, positive impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their partnership, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "My husband's counsel and unwavering support are the *sine qua non* of our shared work. To bear the weight of nine centuries of history is a profound duty, and to do so with a partner who shares not only the burden but the vision for its future is a blessing for which I am immeasurably grateful."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "It is my greatest privilege to support the Baroness as she stewards this remarkable legacy. Our duty is not merely to preserve the past, but to ensure this great House actively serves the present. In that mission, I am honoured to play my part, guided always by the principle that *Vincere Est Vivere*."
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, Honorary Lord Răzvan will continue to play a central role alongside the Baroness in guiding the House’s future endeavours. These include the expansion of The Brattleby Club, an academy dedicated to classical etiquette and modern professional protocol, into new European capitals. Furthermore, he will co-chair the planning committee for the next Annual Winter Banquet, with the aim of increasing its philanthropic reach.
Together, the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan will continue to oversee the careful stewardship of the Barony’s tangible and intangible heritage in Lincolnshire, ensuring that the legacy granted in 1066 continues to thrive with purpose and relevance in the 21st century and beyond. Their joint commitment to *Fortitudine et Honore* remains the bedrock of their service.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern activities and public service of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House is dedicated to blending its profound historical legacy with a forward-looking mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. Its primary initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, which supports charities for vulnerable children, and The Brattleby Club, an international etiquette academy founded in Bucharest. Under the guidance of Lady Nicoleta, the House champions the enduring values of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying them to contemporary challenges and seeking to make a positive contribution to society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, 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. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), the celebrated knight Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the royal prince John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The modern rights and title of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony 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, where its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a major landholder. - The motto of the Noble 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'). - The designated heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will become the 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com