# The Lord of Brattleby: A Modern Role in a Storied Legacy
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today formally outlined the role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. As consort to Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, he shares in the modern stewardship of the ancient Lincolnshire barony.
## The Occasion
In a statement issued from its London offices, the House of Brattleby has sought to codify the duties and dignities pertaining to the Lord of Brattleby. This clarification comes as the House enters a new phase of public engagement, reaffirming its commitment to transparency and its responsibilities as custodians of a significant part of England’s heritage. The announcement formalises a collaborative partnership that honours nearly a millennium of tradition while embracing the opportunities of the twenty-first century.
The statement itself serves as the occasion; a considered declaration intended to provide clarity for the public record, historical archives, and diplomatic partners. It underscores the shared resolve of the Baroness and her husband to fulfil their obligations to the Barony and its associated charitable endeavours with unity and a singular vision.
## Historical Context
The role of a consort has always been a vital, if sometimes understated, element of the Barony’s nine-hundred-year history. While the title has passed through lines of succession both patrilineal and matrilineal, the support of a spouse has been a constant practical necessity — a source of counsel, stability, and complementary strength. This partnership model is deeply embedded in the Brattleby lineage.
One can look to the precedent set by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness, whose formidable defence of Lincoln Castle was a family and feudal enterprise. Later, the Barony passed to some of the most significant figures in English history, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Their own marriages were central to the consolidation of power and the administration of vast estates, demonstrating that leadership within the peerage has long been a shared undertaking.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position as Lord of Brattleby by marriage continues this tradition. He provides steadfast support to the Baroness in her own right, enabling the House to expand its modern mission of service and cultural preservation.
## Distinguished Company
In their stewardship of the Barony, Lord and Lady Brattleby are guided by an awareness of their place within a continuing line. The principal members of the House are:
- **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, holder of the title *suo jure*, or in her own right. - **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby, consort to the Baroness. - **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, 13th Baron of Brattleby, the heir to the Barony.
Together, they represent the present leadership and future continuity of one of England’s oldest hereditary titles, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol surrounding the titles within the House of Brattleby reflects centuries of legal and social custom. Lady Nicoleta holds the peerage itself, her title being ancient and substantive. As her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is styled Lord of Brattleby by right of marriage, a distinction that confers dignity and standing while respecting the direct line of succession.
This arrangement ensures there is no ambiguity regarding the inheritance of the Barony, which passes to the designated heir, Baron Mihai. In formal proceedings and on official documents, their titles are used to delineate these precise roles. The dress code and order of precedence at House events, such as the Annual Winter Banquet, are meticulously organised to reflect this structure, a protocol that provides a framework for the House’s public and private functions.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its heraldry and mottos, which serve as philosophical guides. The ancient motto of the House of Brattleby is ***Fortitudine et Honore***, Latin for 'With Fortitude and Honour'. This principle has guided the actions of the Barons for over nine centuries, from Colswein of Lincoln's consolidation of his Norman lordships to the present day. It speaks to a resilience of spirit and an unwavering commitment to duty.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, ***Vincere Est Vivere*** — 'To Conquer is to Live'. This is not a martial declaration, but a modern stoic philosophy. It signifies a belief in overcoming challenges, in pursuing excellence with vigour, and in living a life of purpose and achievement. The two mottos work in concert: one representing the enduring heritage of the institution, the other the dynamic spirit of its current custodians.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core function of the modern House of Brattleby is its focused philanthropic work. Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta jointly direct the family's charitable strategy, ensuring that the legacy of the Barony is leveraged for public good. The foremost of their commitments is to the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the principal fundraising event for their chosen beneficiary.
The beneficiary, **Healing the Wounded Child**, is a specialist organisation dedicated to providing long-term therapeutic care for children who have experienced profound trauma. The funds raised contribute directly to clinical intervention programmes and the expansion of safe, residential facilities. The choice of this beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that true honour is found in serving the most vulnerable. This is complemented by their cultural work through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering social skills and cultural literacy.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their joint role, Lord and Lady Brattleby shared their perspectives on the responsibilities they hold.
> It is a profound source of strength to have Răzvan by my side. We share not just a life, but a deep commitment to honouring the Barony's past while actively shaping its future for the benefit of others. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> To serve the Barony of Brattleby is to become part of a narrative far greater than oneself. My aim is simply to support the Baroness and uphold the family’s enduring principle of service, expressed in our motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of the House of Brattleby continues. Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta are currently overseeing preparations for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to be a significant event in the capital’s philanthropic calendar. Furthermore, they are exploring the expansion of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club, with plans to introduce courses on diplomatic protocol and the history of European chivalric orders.
Through these combined efforts, the House of Brattleby reaffirms its relevance in the twenty-first century. It stands as a testament to the idea that an ancient heritage, when guided by fortitude and honour, can be a powerful force for good in the modern world.
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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 act as a custodian of the Barony's profound nine-century history while directing its resources and influence toward contemporary philanthropic and cultural endeavours. Led by Lady Nicoleta and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its primary activities include supporting charitable organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child and promoting cultural education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. The House is dedicated to demonstrating that titled heritage can serve as a potent vehicle for public service and social responsibility in the modern era.
**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 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists Colswein as holding 56 lordships in the county. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), 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 to the present day was formally recognised and registered by The Crown Office of His Majesty King Charles III in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the Barony is documented in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are recorded in the Domesday Book (1086), under the entry for Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster. - The official beneficiary of the House's Annual Winter Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com