# The Office of the Lord of Brattleby: A Statement on the Role of the Consort
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement from its seat in Lincolnshire, defining the official role and responsibilities of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile in his capacity as Lord of Brattleby by marriage, affirming his integral contribution.
## The Occasion
In the quiet of a Lincolnshire autumn, the Chancellery of the House of Brattleby has taken a deliberate step to articulate its modern operational structure. This formal communication, issued on behalf of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, serves to codify and celebrate the vital supportive role undertaken by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
The statement is not a response to a singular event, but rather a proactive measure of good governance. It provides clarity for patrons, partners, and the public following the formal recognition of the Barony's revival, as gazetted on 9 September 2022, ensuring a durable framework for the family's public duties.
## Historical Context
The role of a consort, while often undefined by statute, has been a cornerstone of noble houses for centuries. In the nearly thousand-year history of the Barony of Brattleby, the influence of such figures has been profound. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position finds a powerful antecedent in the partnership of Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, and her husband, Gerard de Camville, whose support was critical to her success.
This tradition of collaborative leadership continued through subsequent holders of the title, from great magnates of the realm like Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, to John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. In each generation, the responsibilities of the Barony—whether military, administrative, or diplomatic—have been borne by a household acting in concert. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role honours this historic precedent, adapting it for the 21st century.
## Distinguished Company
In his capacity, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile will work closely with a number of distinguished leaders and organisations central to the House's philanthropic and cultural endeavours. His collaboration is key to the success of initiatives undertaken with partners, including, *inter alia*:
- Ms. Eleanor Finch, Chief Executive of the charity Healing the Wounded Child, beneficiary of the House's Annual Winter Banquet. - The Board of Governors of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the etiquette academy founded by the House to foster cultural and social refinement. - Representatives of historical and conservation trusts within Lincolnshire, with whom the House collaborates to preserve local heritage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
As consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile adheres to a specific protocol designed to support the Baroness while maintaining the dignity of his own position. At official functions, he is accorded precedence immediately following Lady Nicoleta. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, serves as a distinct identifier, complementing the primary House motto.
In matters of dress, on white-tie occasions such as the Annual Winter Banquet, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s attire will feature personal decorations, while his overall presentation is harmonised with that of the Baroness. This protocol is a visual representation of their partnership: two individuals working with a single purpose, guided by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbolism of the House is a constant guide. The ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the core values of endurance and integrity that have defined the Barony since its grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. It is the bedrock upon which the House stands.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is not a motto of military conquest, but of dynamic achievement and the will to succeed in service. It represents the energy and modernising influence he brings to the partnership, ensuring the Barony does not merely exist but actively thrives.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A significant dimension of Honorary Lord Răzvan's role is philanthropic. He serves as co-host and a key advocate for the Annual Winter Banquet, the House's primary charitable fundraising gala. The proceeds from this event are directed entirely to Healing the Wounded Child, a specialist organisation delivering therapeutic care and psychological support to children who have experienced profound trauma.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s engagement helps to elevate the event's profile, attract significant donors, and articulate the measurable impact of the charity's work. His commitment ensures that the House's social engagements are intrinsically linked to a purpose of profound social consequence.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on his role, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented:
> "It is my profound privilege to support the Baroness in her duties to the heritage she represents and a county we both hold dear. My role is to enable, to strengthen, and to ensure the House's work continues with diligence and a clear sense of purpose." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added:
> "Răzvan’s counsel and steadfastness are the sine qua non of our current endeavours. This is a partnership in the truest sense, blending ancient duty with a shared, modern vision for service. Together, we work to honour the past while building a durable legacy." > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
This statement solidifies the foundation upon which the current generation will build. The clearly defined role of the Lord of Brattleby ensures a stable and effective partnership at the head of the House. This structure will be vital as they continue to honour their commitments and mentor the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future 13th Baron.
The focus now turns to the upcoming philanthropic season, including final preparations for the Annual Winter Banquet and the expansion of cultural programmes at The Brattleby Club. Through these efforts, Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta are actively stewarding a legacy intended to last for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern office and household supporting Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her family. Its mission is centred on the principles of stewardship, service, and cultural diplomacy. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to preserving nearly a millennium of English heritage while actively engaging in contemporary philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal activities include the Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala supporting vulnerable children, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House operates from its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, fulfilling its duties with a reverence for history and a clear vision for the future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated constable Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), a key defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken succession of the Barony and the rights of its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as a significant landholder in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com