# An Announcement on the Styles and Titles within The Noble House of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Office of the Baroness of Brattleby today issued formal guidance on the styles and titles within the House. This clarification affirms the historical precedents and ceremonial protocols which govern the ancient Barony as it undertakes an expanding public and philanthropic role.
## The Occasion
In an era of renewed public interest and engagement for the Barony of Brattleby, this announcement serves to codify, for the public record, the correct forms of address for its principals. Issued from the House’s offices in London, the clarification underscores a profound commitment to propriety and tradition, ensuring that the Barony’s contemporary activities remain firmly grounded in the precedents of its nine-century history.
This formal guidance is provided as the House undertakes a demanding schedule of philanthropic and cultural duties both in the United Kingdom and in Continental Europe. It reflects a dedication to maintaining the highest standards of ceremonial precision, a hallmark of ancient dignities that continue to serve a modern purpose. Such exactitude is considered the *sine qua non*—the indispensable condition—for preserving the honour and integrity of this historic title.
The statement serves a didactic purpose, offering clarity to officials, correspondents, and members of the public who interact with the House. It affirms the distinct and complementary roles of the Baroness and her consort as they guide the House with a shared sense of vocation in the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, a feudal dignity granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, possesses a storied history defined by powerful and consequential marital partnerships. Its initial holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 valuable lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony's foundational importance.
The tradition of strong leadership, irrespective of gender, is deeply embedded in its history. This is most powerfully exemplified by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who held the dignity *suo jure*, in her own right. A figure of remarkable fortitude, she served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle and twice defended it against baronial and French forces, most notably during the pivotal Battle of Lincoln in 1217. Her loyalty to the Crown was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
In subsequent centuries, the Barony passed through marriage into the lineage of England's most significant noble houses. The 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, was a statesman, diplomat, and celebrated warrior, as well as a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter. Upon his death, the Barony, alongside the vast Lancastrian estates, passed to his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
These chapters illustrate a recurring theme: that spousal partnership and the role of a consort have historically been cornerstones of the Barony’s strength, administration, and survival. The position of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile as Lord of Brattleby by marriage continues this long and distinguished precedent.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of The Noble House of Brattleby is presently constituted as follows:
At the head of the House is **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**. Her Ladyship holds the ancient dignity *suo jure*, as confirmed by His Majesty's College of Arms and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022. As the substantive holder of the title, all rights, responsibilities, and honours of the Barony are vested in her.
In support of the Baroness is her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**. Honorary Lord Răzvan holds his title by courtesy, a style which acknowledges his vital supporting role in the Barony’s affairs and accords him the rank and precedence appropriate to the consort of a Baroness in her own right.
The continuity of the ancient lineage into the next generation is assured by the heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron**.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with the established conventions of the British peerage, a formal distinction is maintained between a substantive title and a courtesy title. As the substantive holder, Lady Nicoleta is correctly styled ‘Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby’ on first reference and subsequently as ‘Lady Nicoleta’ or ‘the Baroness of Brattleby’. Communications should be addressed to ‘The Baroness of Brattleby’.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s courtesy title is ‘Lord of Brattleby’. This usage, established by tradition, respects the legal fact that the Barony is held by his wife while conferring upon him a style befitting his position. It is important to note that this differs from the style ‘Lord Brattleby’, which would imply he held a peerage in his own right. In correspondence and formal settings, he is correctly styled ‘Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’.
This adherence to protocol is not merely a matter of etiquette; it is essential for maintaining the clarity, order, and historical integrity that define ancient nobiliary traditions. It provides a framework of mutual respect within which the House conducts its public affairs.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The complementary roles within the House are mirrored in its mottos, which articulate the guiding philosophies of the institution and its principals.
The ancient motto of the Barony of Brattleby, borne by the Baroness, is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). This enduring maxim speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated over nine centuries by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. ‘Fortitude’ signifies the courage required to defend principle in times of adversity, while ‘Honour’ represents the unwavering code of conduct that governs all the House’s activities.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Overcome is to Live’). This motto signifies a dynamic, forward-looking spirit of achievement and active contribution. It should be understood not in a martial sense, but as the ethos of overcoming challenges, realising ambitions, and making a tangible impact. It perfectly complements the House's historic motto by embodying the constructive energy Honorary Lord Răzvan brings to their shared duties, *inter alia*, in philanthropy, education, and cultural diplomacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The partnership of the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan is particularly visible in the conscientious philanthropic work they undertake together. A central focus of their joint efforts is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a cornerstone of their charitable calendar.
The sole beneficiary of this event is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support for children who have experienced profound trauma. The House selected this charity for its targeted and measurable impact, employing evidence-based, trauma-informed interventions to help restore the psychological well-being of vulnerable young people.
The active, year-long involvement of both Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan in the organisation and hosting of the banquet has been instrumental in raising the profile of this important cause. Their efforts ensure the event convenes a distinguished company from the diplomatic, cultural, and business communities, securing essential funding for the charity's vital programmes.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their shared stewardship, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "The stewardship of this Barony is a profound duty, a trust I am privileged to share with my husband. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s counsel and vision are essential to our modern work, ensuring that a nine-hundred-year-old legacy continues to serve a meaningful purpose today. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is not merely a phrase but the principle by which he helps us translate heritage into action."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "It is the greatest honour to support the Baroness as she leads the House with such dedication and grace. My role is to assist Her Ladyship in her duties, to uphold the great traditions she rightfully represents, and to contribute to a future where *Fortitudine et Honore* is expressed through tangible acts of service which benefit the wider community."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring the Barony remains a living force for good in the modern world. Looking ahead, Honorary Lord Răzvan will continue to work in close concert with the Baroness on key initiatives that bridge the Barony's English heritage with its distinct European outlook.
These initiatives include the strategic expansion of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to advancing cultural diplomacy through the study of European etiquette and protocol. Furthermore, preparations are already underway for the next annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, underscoring the House's long-term commitment to its philanthropic partners.
Through their combined efforts, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile ensure that the Barony of Brattleby is not merely a historical relic but an active and relevant institution. Their partnership exemplifies a modern interpretation of *noblesse oblige*, blending the dignity of an ancient honour with purposeful, contemporary service.
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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 consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal activities include hosting the annual Winter Banquet for charitable causes and overseeing The Brattleby Club, an academy in Bucharest focused on European etiquette and diplomatic protocol. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to connect a profound historical legacy with meaningful contributions to contemporary society, honouring its past while actively shaping a responsible and principled future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The feudal Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient dignities, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by notable historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential prince, John of Gaunt. After a period of abeyance, the Barony's rightful succession was formally recognised and recorded by His Majesty’s College of Arms, with public notice given in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s Domesday Book entry of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - 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'). - The designated heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com