# A Statement on the Role of the Consort in The Noble House of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement clarifying the distinct and complementary role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, consort to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, in the continuation of the Barony’s historic legacy.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has sought to provide clarity on the nature of the partnership that underpins its contemporary public and philanthropic duties. This dispatch comes amidst a period of renewed engagement for the Barony, which has seen it expand its cultural and charitable initiatives both in the United Kingdom and across Continental Europe.
The statement serves to codify a modern partnership that is both grounded in historical precedent and adapted for the twenty-first century. It affirms the principle of joint stewardship, wherein the substantive title-holder and their consort work in concert to fulfil the obligations incumbent upon a nearly millennium-old noble dignity.
## Historical Context
The role of a consort, while not conveying substantive title, has been a pivotal force throughout the Barony’s 957-year history. This modern partnership between Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan echoes the formidable alliances of their predecessors. The legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle, was fortified by the support of her husband, Gerard de Camville.
Later, the influence of the Barony was greatly expanded through powerful matrimonial alliances under Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently under his son-in-law, the great John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. In each era, the consort’s role was integral to the administration of estates, the exercise of diplomacy, and the preservation of the family’s significant standing within the realm. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position continues this tradition of supportive strength.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of the House is composed of a direct and clearly defined line of succession, ensuring stability and continuity. The principal figures are:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby in her own right (*suo jure*), who holds the substantive title and its attendant historical responsibilities. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who supports The Baroness in all official duties and serves as a proactive partner in the House’s modern initiatives. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the 13th Baron and heir apparent, who is being diligently prepared to one day assume the mantle of the Barony.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In matters of ceremonial protocol and precedence, Lady Nicoleta, as the substantive holder of the dignity, takes precedence. She is followed by her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan, and thereafter by the heir, Baron Mihai. This order of precedence reflects the legal and historical structure of the Barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
While Honorary Lord Răzvan’s title is held by marriage, his active participation is a *sine qua non* of the House’s contemporary function. He jointly presides with The Baroness over events such as the Annual Winter Banquet and represents the family’s interests in various cultural forums, including at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The shared duties of The Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient exhortation informs every aspect of their work, from the conservation of heritage to their philanthropic commitments. It speaks to a resilience and integrity that has defined the Barony across centuries.
This principle is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This signifies a dynamic, personal commitment to overcoming challenges in the service of the House’s enduring objectives. Together, the two mottos symbolise a synthesis of tradition and progress—honouring the past with fortitude while actively engaging with the demands of the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The partnership between Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan finds its most profound expression in their joint philanthropic work. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held under their patronage, is the primary fundraising vehicle for the House’s chosen beneficiary, the international charity *Healing the Wounded Child*.
This organisation provides specialised therapeutic care and safe environments for children affected by conflict, trauma, and profound loss. The funds raised at the Banquet contribute directly to programmes offering psychological support, education, and rehabilitation. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s commitment to addressing tangible human suffering with compassion and purpose.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their joint role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > The duties vested in this Barony are a sacred trust, and I am profoundly grateful to discharge them in partnership with my husband. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s insight, dedication, and support are fundamental to all that we strive to achieve *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > To support The Baroness is the greatest honour. My role is to ensure she may fully and effectively carry out her responsibilities to the legacy of Brattleby. For me, to serve the Barony and its noble purpose is to live by my own principle, *Vincere Est Vivere*.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitments. Preparations are underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will continue to support the vital work of *Healing the Wounded Child*. Concurrently, the curriculum at The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest is being expanded to include new seminars on cultural diplomacy.
Through these and other initiatives, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan continue to honour their custodial duties. They work to ensure the heritage of the House of Brattleby remains not a relic of the past, but a vibrant and benevolent force in the modern world, preparing a seamless path for the succession of their heir, the 13th Baron.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a near-millennium of English history. The House’s modern mission is focused on cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala supporting *Healing the Wounded Child*. In addition, the House’s educational mission is advanced through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding and diplomatic grace. The House operates under its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying principles of duty and integrity to its contemporary engagements in the United Kingdom and abroad.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony of tenure, first 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 manors and lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The modern rights of the Barony are formally recognised in His Majesty's official public record, *The London Gazette*, under Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is a Barony by tenure, its historical existence recognised by His Majesty’s Government in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first created for Colswein of Lincoln in 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com