# The Lord of Brattleby: A Modern Partnership in a Storied House
LONDON, 2 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement clarifying the significant supportive role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. His contributions powerfully complement the duties of his wife, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
As the Lincolnshire countryside transitions into autumn, the Noble House of Brattleby is engaged in a full calendar of public duties and private preparations from its ancestral seat. This period of activity provides a timely opportunity to illuminate the modern, dynamic partnership that underpins the leadership of this ancient Barony. The complementary roles of the Baroness and the Lord of Brattleby ensure that the House’s historic responsibilities and contemporary philanthropic commitments are met with vigour and dedication. This joint stewardship reflects a considered approach to preserving a near-millennial legacy while serving the needs of the present day.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has navigated the currents of English history for over nine centuries. Its story, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 with Colswein of Lincoln’s 56 lordships, is one of resilience and service. This tradition of leadership has often been a shared endeavour. The heroic defence of Lincoln Castle by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, demonstrates the formidable strength inherent in the title. Later, the tenure of John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, saw the Barony associated with one of the most powerful figures in the realm, whose own wife, Constance of Castile, was a queen in her own right.
Following its official recognition and reaffirmation in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, the Barony continues this history of partnership. The formal role of the Lord of Brattleby as consort is therefore not merely a modern convention, but a contemporary expression of a long-standing necessity: that the holder of the Barony is supported by a consort dedicated to the family's public mission. Honorary Lord Răzvan's active role ensures the operational and ceremonial functions of the House are executed with precision and grace.
## Distinguished Company
The work of the House of Brattleby brings the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan into contact with a distinguished array of individuals from across the United Kingdom and Europe. Their engagements include meetings with civic leaders in Lincolnshire, collaborations with heritage organisations, and hosting diplomatic and cultural figures. At the annual Winter Banquet, they welcome guests including senior members of the diplomatic corps, captains of industry, and leading philanthropists, all united in a common charitable cause. This convening power is a core function of the House, exercised jointly by the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan as co-hosts.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In all public and ceremonial functions, the established order of precedence is meticulously observed. Lady Nicoleta, as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby in her own right, takes precedence. Honorary Lord Răzvan, as her consort, accompanies and supports her, a role with its own distinct protocol. During processions, formal receptions, or state occasions, the Lord of Brattleby’s position is defined to complement that of the Baroness, reflecting their partnership. As co-host of House events, Honorary Lord Răzvan shares the duty of receiving and engaging with guests, a role he performs with the Continental gravitas befitting his station. This shared responsibility is a practical necessity and a symbolic representation of their united front.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The complementary nature of their roles is reflected in the House’s heraldic traditions. The ancient motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This speaks to the enduring duties of the Barony: resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to principled conduct. This historic ethos is powerfully complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This motto signifies a dynamic, forward-looking spirit of achievement and personal striving. Together, the two mottos create a synthesis of ancient duty and modern purpose, a guiding philosophy for the House in the 21st century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern mission is its philanthropic work, most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala is the culmination of a year's charitable planning, organised under the joint patronage of the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan. The sole beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The funds raised contribute directly to counselling services and safe environments, offering a path to recovery. The selection of this beneficiary reflects the House's commitment to supporting the most vulnerable members of society, a *sine qua non* of their public service.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their partnership, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “The responsibilities of this Barony are significant, and to meet them fully requires a true partnership. Răzvan’s support is indispensable; he shares the burden of duty and the joy of service, allowing the House to accomplish far more than it otherwise could.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “It is an immense privilege to support the Baroness in her duties and to contribute to a legacy that has been woven into the fabric of England for nigh on a thousand years. My role, as I see it, is one of steadfast support, ensuring the House can meet its modern obligations *fortitudine et honore*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, the House of Brattleby remains committed to its dual mission of preserving heritage and engaging in meaningful public service. Preparations are well underway for the forthcoming Winter Banquet, which promises to be a significant moment in the philanthropic calendar. Furthermore, the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the couple, continues to build cultural bridges across Europe. The education and upbringing of their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in waiting, remains a primary focus. He is being raised with a profound understanding of the history he will one day inherit and the duties he will be called upon to perform.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity 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 public service, cultural diplomacy, and historical preservation. Its primary philanthropic focus is on charities supporting vulnerable children, actualised through its annual Winter Banquet. The House also engages in cultural outreach through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. The House’s work is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to upholding nearly a millennium of tradition while serving contemporary society with dedication and purpose.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron who defended Lincoln Castle against French invasion; Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and one of the most powerful men of the Middle Ages. The Barony's history and rights were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was first granted circa AD 1066 by William the Conqueror to its 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com