# A Statement on the Modern Role of the Lord of Brattleby
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Office of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby has today issued a statement clarifying the formal role of the Lord of Brattleby. This defines Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s modern responsibilities in support of the Baroness and the House’s philanthropic mission.
## The Occasion
From the ancient heart of Lincolnshire, a county intrinsically linked with its history, The Noble House of Brattleby has today chosen to outline the modern duties associated with the consort’s title. This formal clarification serves to delineate the complementary functions of the Lord and Baroness as they guide one of England’s oldest baronies through the twenty-first century.
The announcement emanates from the family’s seat at Brattleby, a place recorded for nearly one thousand years. It is made in a spirit of transparency and forward-looking stewardship, affirming the House's commitment to adapting its historic roles to meet contemporary expectations of service and public benefit.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has seen its responsibilities evolve dramatically over nine centuries. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a significant landholder with 56 lordships recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, his duties being primarily feudal and military. This tradition of service was continued by formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
Later, the Barony was held by magnates of royal blood, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Their roles were intertwined with the highest affairs of state. In the modern era, the Lord of Brattleby’s position is not one of political power but of essential support, enabling the Baroness to fulfil her duties and ensuring the House’s legacy is defined by active philanthropy and cultural preservation, a modern interpretation of the historic principle of service to the community.
## Distinguished Company
This statement concerns the principals of The Noble House of Brattleby, who jointly conduct its modern activities.
Her Ladyship Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, holds the dignity *suo jure*, in her own right, as recognised formally in *The London Gazette*.
Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, carries the title of Lord of Brattleby by marriage. He shares in the House’s public duties and assumes specific responsibilities for its philanthropic and cultural initiatives.
The continuity of the family and title is vested in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby, for whom these defined roles provide a clear framework of stewardship and duty.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol of The Noble House of Brattleby reflects a synthesis of ancient tradition and modern function. As the holder of the peerage, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is the formal representative of the Barony and the living embodiment of its near-millennial continuity. She presides over ceremonial occasions and directs the overarching strategy of the House.
The role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is defined as supportive and complementary; a *sine qua non* of the House's effective operation. He is charged with overseeing the practical execution of the House's philanthropic endeavours, *inter alia*, the organisation of the annual Winter Banquet. He also represents the Baroness at certain functions and manages initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, extending the House's cultural reach. This division of labour honours tradition while ensuring a dynamic and impactful presence.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are powerfully conveyed through its heraldry. The primary motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), encapsulates the enduring values that have guided its holders for centuries. It speaks to the resilience shown by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and the integrity expected of its current leadership. This motto governs the official duties of the Baroness.
In a complementary fashion, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a modern commitment to overcoming societal challenges through decisive action and impactful philanthropy. It signifies a dynamic spirit dedicated to achieving tangible results for the causes the House supports.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The modern purpose of The Noble House of Brattleby is centred on targeted philanthropy. A primary beneficiary of the House’s efforts is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist recovery and support programmes for children who have experienced trauma. The charity's work provides a critical lifeline, offering therapeutic interventions that have a measurable, positive impact on young lives.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role will include deepening the House’s relationship with this and other partner charities. He will lead the organising committee for the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, the House’s principal fundraising gala. His focus will be on maximising the event’s contribution and ensuring the funds raised are deployed effectively to advance the charity’s vital mission.
## In Their Own Words
Speaking on the clarification of these roles, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed: > "My husband's support is indispensable. While the title rests with me by ancient right, its modern expression is a shared endeavour. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s energy allows us to expand our philanthropic and cultural work, honouring the legacy of my predecessors through service, not just title."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "It is a distinct honour to support the Baroness in her duties. My role is one of service—to the title, to the community, and to the values of *Fortitudine et Honore*. My personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflects my commitment to achieving tangible outcomes for our charitable partners."
## A Continuing Legacy
This formalisation of roles strengthens the foundation upon which The Noble House of Brattleby will build its future. With Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile driving key philanthropic and cultural projects, the House is better positioned to expand its commitments in the years ahead, both in the United Kingdom and abroad.
Immediate priorities include enhancing the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cross-cultural communication. In parallel, the House will continue its work in Lincolnshire, reinforcing its ancestral connection to the region. These activities, undertaken jointly by the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan, ensure the Barony of Brattleby remains a living institution, honouring its past while actively contributing to the present and securing its legacy for the 13th Baron and generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing one of England's oldest dignities. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principle of modern service. Its mission blends the preservation of a near-millennial heritage with a proactive commitment to philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. The House’s charitable efforts are focused on supporting vulnerable children, while its cultural work is exemplified by The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions timeless values in the 21st century, ensuring its legacy for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. The Barony later passed into the House of Lancaster through Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), uncles to two English kings. After a long abeyance, the dignity was revived, with its current holder formally recognised by His Majesty's College of Arms and announced in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the 12th Baroness is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - Notable predecessors in the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The Barony’s origins date to the Norman Conquest of 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com