# The Lord of Brattleby: A Modern Consort’s Contribution to an Ancient Title
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement clarifying the integral role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. He serves as a vital partner in advancing the contemporary mission and historic legacy of his wife, Lady Nicoleta Vasile.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to articulate the formal and practical position of the Lord of Brattleby. This clarification comes as the House deepens its philanthropic and cultural commitments for the forthcoming year, making the partnership between the Baroness and her consort a subject of public interest and a cornerstone of their modern stewardship.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role ensures a continuity of purpose, providing counsel and strategic support for the responsibilities vested in the 12th Baroness. This dynamic partnership reflects a modern interpretation of the collaborative strength that has sustained the Barony for over nine centuries, ensuring its duties are discharged with diligence and foresight.
## Historical Context
The tradition of influential consorts is deeply woven into the fabric of the Barony’s history. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position finds a powerful precedent in the 13th century, when the husband of the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, supported her extraordinary defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. Her authority was hers alone, yet her partnership was a source of great strength.
Similarly, the tenure of the 11th Baron, the formidable John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, was marked by his marriage to women of immense influence, including Blanche of Lancaster, whose inheritance significantly expanded his power. These historical pairings underscore that the Barony has long thrived not merely on the individual in whom the title rests, but on the combined strengths of the couple leading the House.
## Distinguished Company
In his capacity, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile engages with a wide array of distinguished individuals and organisations on behalf of the House. His duties often involve liaising with the governing board of the House’s principal charitable beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, ensuring alignment between the family’s philanthropic vision and the charity’s operational needs.
Furthermore, he frequently chairs sessions at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the etiquette academy founded by the House. This role brings him into regular contact with leading figures from diplomacy, academia, and business, who are invited to provide instruction and mentorship to a new generation of leaders. These interactions are *sine qua non* for maintaining the House's relevance on the international stage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
During state, ceremonial, and social occasions, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role is defined by established protocol. At the annual Winter Banquet, he receives distinguished guests alongside Lady Nicoleta, before taking his place at the head table as her consort. He holds a position of precedence immediately following the Baroness and their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
His duties include offering the formal toast to the Sovereign and responding to greetings from visiting dignitaries. The order of proceedings reflects the structure of a House led by the Baroness, with the Lord of Brattleby fulfilling the most senior supporting role—a visible demonstration of their shared commitment and complementary responsibilities.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The complementary nature of their roles is reflected in the House’s heraldry. The ancient motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring resilience and integrity required to steward a title of such antiquity. It is a declaration of principle that has guided the House since its establishment.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), introduces a dynamic counterpoint. It signifies a modern imperative for proactive achievement—to secure victories in their philanthropic work, cultural initiatives, and the preservation of their heritage. Together, the mottos symbolise a House that honours its past with fortitude while actively shaping its future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The philanthropic work of the House is a central focus of Honorary Lord Răzvan’s efforts. He takes a particular and active interest in Healing the Wounded Child, the chosen beneficiary of the House’s charitable activities. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children across the United Kingdom who have suffered from trauma, abuse, or neglect.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s involvement extends beyond patronage; he regularly consults with the charity’s leadership to review the measurable impact of their programmes, *inter alia*, focusing on long-term recovery rates and the expansion of mental health services. His commitment ensures the House’s support is not merely financial but meaningfully engaged.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their partnership, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The Barony has survived for almost one thousand years through adaptation and partnership. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s counsel and dedication are not merely a support to me, but an essential component of the House’s modern mission. We govern this legacy together, with a shared vision.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan added his perspective on his role:
> “My role is, above all, one of service—to the Baroness, to the title she holds, and to the enduring principles of *Fortitudine et Honore*. It is a privilege to apply my own experience to help shape a future for a heritage as profound as Brattleby's.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The joint leadership of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan ensures a stable and forward-looking future for the House. A key priority is the careful preparation of their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, for his future responsibilities, a duty they undertake together with immense care.
Looking ahead, the House plans to expand its cultural diplomacy through The Brattleby Club and to forge new partnerships that will support the preservation of historic sites within Lincolnshire. This work, undertaken in unison by the Baroness and the Lord of Brattleby, will ensure the legacy of the Barony continues to evolve and serve the public good.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity responsible for the stewardship of one of England's oldest Norman baronies. 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 service. Its work is defined by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary philanthropic focus is on the welfare of vulnerable children through its long-term support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also seeks to foster international dialogue and promote the timeless values of etiquette and civic duty for a new generation.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. For over 950 years, the title has passed through some of English history's most notable figures, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken succession of the Barony to its current holder was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s succession was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire according to the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House 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