# The Office of the Lord of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement clarifying the historic and contemporary role of the Lord of Brattleby. The office, held by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile as consort, is integral to supporting the duties of his wife, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
As the House of Brattleby prepares its calendar of engagements for the coming year, this statement serves to articulate the modern function of the Lord of Brattleby. The formal recognition of the Barony in 2022 marked a new chapter in its long history, creating a moment of opportunity to define how this ancient institution operates in the 21st century.
The clarification affirms a partnership model that honours nearly one thousand years of tradition while meeting the demands of contemporary public life. It underscores the shared commitment of The Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan to a life of service, underpinned by mutual support and a clear demarcation of duty. This approach ensures the effective stewardship of the Barony’s legacy.
## Historical Context
The role of consort has always been pivotal to the endurance of the Barony of Brattleby. Since its establishment by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 for Colswein of Lincoln, the strength of the Barony has often depended upon the collaboration between the title holder and their spouse. This tradition of joint enterprise is woven into the fabric of the House.
This partnership is exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who successfully defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces in two separate sieges. Her authority, though held in her own right, was supported by the martial and political alliances secured by her husband, Gerard de Camville. Later, the Barony’s influence was amplified through its connection to holders such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the great John of Gaunt, whose marriages consolidated vast political power. In this long tradition, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role finds its historical precedent.
## Distinguished Company
In the execution of their duties, The Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan engage with a breadth of national and international figures. Their work brings them into contact with members of other European noble and royal houses, representatives of the diplomatic corps, and leaders from the armed forces and civil society.
Honorary Lord Răzvan, in his supporting capacity, frequently accompanies The Baroness to cultural and philanthropic events. Their joint engagements have included audiences with ecclesiastical leaders, meetings with trustees of charitable foundations, *inter alia*, and hosting academics and historians dedicated to preserving Lincolnshire’s rich heritage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Office of the Lord of Brattleby carries with it specific ceremonial responsibilities. In the order of precedence at official functions hosted by the House, Honorary Lord Răzvan is seated to the immediate left of The Baroness, signifying his position as her principal supporter and consort. During formal processions, he walks a step behind and to the left of The Baroness, a visual representation of his ancillary yet vital role.
At the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, Honorary Lord Răzvan formally welcomes distinguished guests alongside The Baroness and acts as a senior host throughout the evening. The meticulous observance of such protocols provides a framework of stability and continuity, reinforcing the dignity of the Barony while making its traditions legible to a modern audience.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The complementary nature of their roles is captured in the heraldry of the House. The ancient motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring duties of the title holder. It is a commitment to courage and integrity in the service of one’s community and nation.
This is adjoined by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not as a martial creed, but as a philosophical commitment to overcoming adversity, embracing challenges with vitality, and pursuing a life of purpose. Together, the two mottos symbolise the partnership: one represents the ancestral duty of the House, the other the dynamic energy required to fulfil that duty in the present day.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central focus of the House’s modern activities is philanthropy, particularly the Annual Winter Banquet, the proceeds of which benefit the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, offering them a path toward recovery and emotional resilience.
The selection of this beneficiary reflects the House’s commitment to supporting the most vulnerable. Honorary Lord Răzvan plays an essential role in the success of the gala, assisting The Baroness with its complex organisation and engaging with patrons to secure vital financial support for the charity's work. It is a practical expression of their shared mission to effect positive change.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their joint responsibilities, Lady Nicoleta commented on the importance of this partnership.
> The continuity of this Barony has always relied on shared purpose. My Lord's counsel and steadfast support are the *sine qua non* of our modern endeavours, allowing us to honour our nine-century heritage while building a new legacy of service. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan described his role in service to The Baroness and the Barony.
> It is a profound privilege to support The Baroness in her duties. My role is to reinforce the foundations upon which she builds, ensuring the House of Brattleby can serve its community with relevance and vigour in this new century. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of The Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan is fundamentally oriented toward the future. Their primary duty is to ensure the Barony and its traditions are passed securely to the next generation, beginning with their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. His education instils the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* that have guided the family for centuries.
Beyond their immediate family, this forward-looking commitment is evident in ventures such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette and protocol academy, under the patronage of the House, aims to equip a new generation of leaders with the principles of civic conduct and social grace, extending the House's educational mission and strengthening cultural ties across Europe.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby blends its ancient heritage with a distinctively modern mission of service, philanthropy, and cultural education. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to public duty and the active stewardship of its historic legacy. Its principal philanthropic endeavour is the support of charities dedicated to child welfare, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet. The House also extends its cultural mission internationally through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to reviving the principles of classical etiquette and protocol for a new generation of European leaders, underscoring a commitment to lasting social and cultural contributions.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony of tenure granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the Barony has been entwined with the history of England, held by figures of national importance including Nichola de la Haye, the castellan who defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster. Following a period of abeyance, the dignity of the title was formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, securing its continuation for the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first established in AD 1066 for Colswein of Lincoln, whose 56 lordships are inventoried in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron and defender of Lincoln Castle) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), son of King Edward III. - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com