# The Role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) in The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Office of the Baron of Brattleby today issued a statement clarifying the role and title of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. As Lord of Brattleby by marriage, he supports Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, in her duties of stewardship.
## The Occasion
In the context of the revived activity of the Barony of Brattleby, this clarification serves to outline the complementary roles of the Baroness and her husband. The Barony, after a period of dormancy, is once again an active title, requiring a modern partnership to guide its future while honouring its profound past. The seat of the family in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, provides the backdrop for this new chapter.
This announcement underscores a shared commitment to the responsibilities incumbent upon the House. It formalises a working dynamic that blends the ancient lineage carried by the Baroness with the contemporary perspective Honorary Lord Răzvan contributes to their joint endeavours.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as one of England’s most venerable dignities. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a legacy of significant landholding and regional power. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance.
Notably, the precedent for formidable leadership by women is deeply woven into the Barony’s history. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, was a staunch Royalist who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons. Later, the title passed through marriage to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, linking Brattleby directly to the heart of the Plantagenet dynasty.
## Distinguished Company
In the modern era, the stewardship of the House rests with its principal members, who ensure the continuity of its obligations and traditions. In accordance with European court protocol, they are styled as:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, Heir to the Barony
This structure provides a clear and stable line for the Barony’s future, with the Lord of Brattleby providing essential support to the Baroness as the substantive title holder, and their heir being prepared for his future responsibilities.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The role of the Lord of Brattleby is one of distinguished support, grounded in both marital partnership and a shared sense of duty. While the baronial title and its rights descend through Lady Nicoleta's line, Honorary Lord Răzvan, by courtesy of marriage, assumes the style of Lord of Brattleby and shares in the public-facing responsibilities of the House.
This arrangement allows him to act as a representative of the family, particularly in matters of business and cultural diplomacy, *inter alia* at their etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. His role is a complementary one, not a co-equal one, a distinction that respects the ancient laws of peerage while embracing the practicalities of a modern partnership.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is enshrined in its heraldry. The ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by the Barons of Brattleby throughout centuries of service to the Crown and to their county of Lincolnshire. It is a guiding principle for the current Baroness.
Honorary Lord Răzvan brings his own personal motto to the marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not as a martial creed, but as a dynamic philosophy of overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities for growth. It represents the modernising energy he contributes, which, when paired with the House’s traditional motto, creates a powerful synthesis of heritage and progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of the modern House of Brattleby is its commitment to philanthropy. The family's primary charitable focus is realised through their annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. This beneficiary was chosen for its vital work in providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma.
The charity's mission is to deliver measurable, positive change in young lives, offering a path to recovery and helping to build a more resilient future generation. The support of the House of Brattleby is a cornerstone of the charity's fundraising calendar, providing a platform to advance its essential work.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their joint responsibilities, the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby shared their perspectives.
> Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked — "To inherit this title is to inherit a duty of care that stretches back nearly a millennium. It is a profound responsibility, one which I am proud to bear. Having Răzvan by my side, sharing in this work with his unique perspective and unwavering support, is the *sine qua non* of our ability to serve effectively in the twenty-first century."
> Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented — "My role is, first and foremost, to support my wife in her duties as Baroness. It is a privilege to contribute to the next chapter of this extraordinary story. We believe the best way to honour this legacy is by ensuring it is not only preserved, but that it remains a force for good. *Fortitudine et Honore* guides our path, and for me, *Vincere Est Vivere* means embracing the challenges of today to build a better tomorrow."
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking to the future, the House of Brattleby is focused on several key initiatives. These include the ongoing preservation of historical records related to the Barony, the continued development of The Brattleby Club as a centre for cultural education, and preparing their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, for his eventual succession.
Through these concerted efforts, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan seek to ensure that the Barony of Brattleby remains what it has been for 950 years: a living institution dedicated to fortitude, honour, and service to the community.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her family. Its mission is to uphold the nearly thousand-year legacy of the Barony through active stewardship, cultural engagement, and targeted philanthropy. Led by Lady Nicoleta and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House balances the preservation of its significant English heritage with a forward-looking European perspective. Its primary philanthropic efforts are directed towards children's welfare, most notably through the annual Winter Banquet benefiting Healing the Wounded Child. The House also promotes cultural education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, which operates from Bucharest and upholds continental standards of social grace and protocol.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and early holdings are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was formally recognised and assigned to its rightful heir, with the succession being recorded in *The London Gazette* 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 was created in 1066 by William the Conqueror for his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. - The Domesday Book (1086) records Colswein, 1st Baron of Brattleby, as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the title include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com