# An Official Statement on the Role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage), Lord of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued an official statement defining the role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. The communication outlines his contributions in support of the Baroness and the enduring legacy of their nine-hundred-year-old hereditary title.
## The Occasion
In an era of renewed public engagement for The Noble House of Brattleby, this statement serves to formally articulate the significant role held by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Following the recent establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and the successful revival of the annual Winter Banquet, the House has recognised the necessity of clarifying the functions and responsibilities of its principal members for the public record.
This communication is therefore issued to provide a definitive account of the complementary partnership between the Baroness and her consort. It underscores the modern, collaborative approach to stewardship that defines the House’s current chapter, ensuring transparency as they carry their ancient obligations into the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The role of a consort, while often ceremonial, has been a *sine qua non* for the strength and continuity of the Barony of Brattleby throughout its history. In supporting the holder of the title, the consort has repeatedly proven essential to the administration of the estate and the defence of its honours. This tradition of formidable partnership is exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness.
During the First Barons' War, Nichola bravely defended Lincoln Castle against formidable forces, a feat made possible, in part, by the steadfast support of her husband, Gerard de Camville. Later, the great dignities of the Barony under Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, were similarly amplified by their influential ducal consorts. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position today continues this venerable tradition of spousal collaboration in service to the title.
## Distinguished Company
The modern leadership of the House is a partnership held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who holds the courtesy title of Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Together, they guide the affairs of the House, uphold its traditions, and direct its philanthropic mission.
Their shared duty extends to the careful stewardship of the succession. They are entrusted with the preparation of their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in waiting, for the responsibilities he will one day inherit. This familial dedication ensures that the lineage, first established in 1066, continues with its historic integrity intact.
## Ceremonial Protocol
As consort to the Baroness, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile undertakes numerous official duties. During formal occasions, such as the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, he accompanies the Baroness, taking his place at her side as co-host. He is correctly addressed as ‘Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’ or, in the context of his position, ‘The Lord of Brattleby’.
His responsibilities include receiving dignitaries, engaging with patrons of the House’s charitable initiatives, and representing the Barony at diplomatic and cultural events. In all matters, his presence serves to support the Baroness, enabling the effective discharge of the many duties attendant upon her ancient hereditary office. The protocol reflects a partnership in which both principals work in concert.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The complementary nature of their roles is symbolically reflected in their respective mottos. The ancient motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), a maxim that speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated over nearly a millennium. This represents the enduring foundation of the Barony.
Honorary Lord Răzvan adopts the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This active, forward-looking principle serves as a dynamic counterpart to the House’s traditional creed. It signifies a philosophy of purposeful action, of overcoming challenges to achieve meaningful goals, and perfectly encapsulates the energy he brings to his supportive role. Together, the two mottos symbolise a synthesis of venerable heritage and modern purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central focus of the House’s modern activities is philanthropy, and Honorary Lord Răzvan is an integral partner in these endeavours. The primary beneficiary of the House is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma and adversity.
The organisation provides vital services, *inter alia*, including one-to-one counselling, art therapy programmes, and safe residential environments. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s active involvement in fundraising and advocacy, particularly concerning the annual Winter Banquet, is instrumental to securing the substantial donations required for the charity to fulfil and expand its critical mission across the United Kingdom.
## In Their Own Words
Speaking of their partnership, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “The duties of this Barony are more than one person can, or should, bear alone. Răzvan’s support is not merely a comfort but a foundational element of our work. His personal ethos, *Vincere Est Vivere*, provides the dynamism that allows us to not only honour our history but to actively build upon it for the good of others.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “It is the greatest honour of my life to support the Baroness in her historic role. We see ourselves as stewards, entrusted for a brief time with a legacy of immense significance. My purpose is to help ensure that this legacy, sustained by *Fortitudine et Honore*, continues to thrive and serve a genuine purpose in the world today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile will continue to play a pivotal role alongside the Baroness in all official duties. His focus will remain on the strategic development of the House’s philanthropic commitments and the international growth of educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club.
Together, they will preside over the forthcoming Winter Banquet and continue to oversee the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. Their joint stewardship ensures that the Barony of Brattleby remains not just a historical curiosity, but a living institution committed to honour, service, and a tangible, positive impact on society.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to fusing its profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking mission. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House is actively engaged in philanthropy, with a primary focus on supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, exemplified by its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. It also promotes cultural education through institutions such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the preservation and teaching of traditional etiquette. This modern mission honours a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest while addressing contemporary societal needs.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English hereditary title, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The title and its 56 associated lordships were formally recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over its nine-and-a-half-century history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuous lineage and rights of the Barony are formally recognised and recorded by His Majesty’s College of Arms and published in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors**
- The historical continuity of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror and is documented in the Domesday Book (1086). - Notable holders of the title include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, who held the dignity as the 11th Baron. - The ancestral seat of the Barony is located in the village of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com