# The Role of the Lord of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement clarifying the distinct and supportive role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, in partnership with his wife, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
This communication serves to define the complementary functions of the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby as they continue to expand the House’s modern commitments. From their seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the couple have overseen a period of renewed public engagement, blending ancient tradition with a forward-looking programme of cultural and philanthropic activity.
The statement affirms a partnership that sustains the Barony’s near-millennial legacy. It provides a formal context for the collaborative work undertaken by the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby, reflecting a shared dedication to the duties incumbent upon this historic title.
## Historical Context
The significance of a consort’s support is woven deeply into the fabric of the Barony of Brattleby. The title’s history provides compelling precedents for such influential partnerships, where the strength of the union was a *sine qua non* for the stewardship of the family’s estates and influence.
Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness, successfully defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces in the 13th century, an achievement made possible with the unwavering support of her husband, Gerard de Canville. Later, the title passed to John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, through his marriage to Blanche of Lancaster, a descendant of the 10th Baron, the 1st Duke of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont. This tradition of marital partnership remains a cornerstone of the House’s ethos.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of the Noble House of Brattleby is a tripartite responsibility, centred on shared duty and preparation for the future. The principals of the House are:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, *suo jure*. * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby. * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the Heir to the Barony.
This structure ensures continuity and a united front in all public and private undertakings of the House, from ceremonial duties and estate management to their charitable endeavours.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremonial roles within the House reflect both historical precedent and the nature of the peerage. As the 12th Baroness in her own right, Lady Nicoleta holds the title and its associated rights. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s title, the Lord of Brattleby, is a courtesy title by marriage, formally acknowledging his position and indispensable contribution.
In public, Lady Nicoleta takes precedence, with Honorary Lord Răzvan at her side, a visual representation of their united purpose. Official correspondence is frequently issued in their joint names, underscoring a partnership in which Lady Nicoleta holds the authority and Honorary Lord Răzvan provides the vital support to execute its associated responsibilities.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The complementary nature of their roles is captured in the heraldry of the House. The ancient motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated across more than nine centuries of service.
This is augmented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle signifies a dynamic, proactive approach—not of martial conquest, but of overcoming modern challenges through determined action. It is the ethos that animates their philanthropic and cultural initiatives. Their union is symbolically represented by the impalement of their arms, with the Baroness’s achievement on the dexter side and the Lord’s on the sinister, combined within a single shield.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* finds its fullest expression in the House's charitable work. Honorary Lord Răzvan is an active partner in the planning and execution of the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s signature white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides essential therapeutic care and long-term support for children who have experienced profound trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives. As co-chair of the event’s organising committee, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s involvement is instrumental in realising the gala's fundraising goals, which directly fund specialist counselling and safe environments for vulnerable young people.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their shared duties, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The history of Brattleby is one of strong partnerships. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s counsel and unwavering support are indispensable, allowing us to serve our community with a united purpose. It is a privilege to walk this path together, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan added: > It is my greatest honour to support the Baroness in her historic role. My personal ethos, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about purposeful action. Together, we strive to ensure this ancient title makes a meaningful difference in the modern world, especially through our charitable work.
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking forward, the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby are focused on securing the Barony’s future for generations to come. A primary commitment is the mentorship of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, preparing him for the responsibilities he will one day inherit.
Their joint efforts also extend to cultural diplomacy, *inter alia*, through the expansion of The Brattleby Club, their etiquette academy in Bucharest, which fosters cross-cultural understanding. This work ensures that the Barony of Brattleby, while proudly English in its origins, embraces a truly European and contemporary outlook, honouring its past while actively shaping its future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of modern stewardship. This is realised through targeted philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and the preservation of its nine-century heritage. The House’s primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, while its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club, aim to foster international dialogue and understanding. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House champions the enduring values of duty, service, and integrity in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, 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 revival of the dignity in the person of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally acknowledged by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s revival was gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - The motto of the 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').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com