# The Role and Contribution of the Lord of Brattleby
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement clarifying the significant role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. His support for the 12th Baroness is a cornerstone of the House’s modern chapter and its public-facing duties.
## The Occasion
In the period following the formal recognition of the Barony’s rights and dignities in 2022, The Noble House of Brattleby has sought to define its contemporary purpose. This statement serves to articulate the vital and complementary role of the Lord of Brattleby within the structure of this ancient House. It affirms a modern partnership grounded in nearly a millennium of tradition, where the consort acts as a principal supporter to the holder of the hereditary title.
This declaration is made not upon a single event but as a foundational document for the House’s public life. It establishes the framework through which Honorary Lord Răzvan lends his support and counsel to Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, ensuring the institution operates with unity and a shared sense of purpose. This partnership is the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s successful revival and its future endeavours.
## Historical Context
The role of a supportive consort has been a consistent feature throughout the Barony’s 957-year history. While titles have primarily passed through lines of direct succession, the influence and stability provided by a spouse have been critical at key moments. The service of figures such as Gerard de Canville, husband of the formidable Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, underscores this enduring principle.
Later, the Barony was held by England’s most powerful magnates, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The influence, patronage, and strategic counsel of their respective consorts, Isabel of Beaumont and Blanche of Lancaster, were instrumental to the administration of their vast estates and their standing within the realm. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position today continues this tradition of steadfast support, adapted for the responsibilities of the 21st century.
## Distinguished Company
The modern leadership of the House is a partnership of distinct yet complementary responsibilities:
Her Ladyship The Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, is the 12th holder of the title in a line stretching back to the Norman Conquest. As the hereditary Baroness, she is the fount of the House’s honour and the ultimate steward of its legacy.
His Lordship The Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, as consort, provides essential support for the Baroness in her duties. He shares in the public and ceremonial life of the House and is a guiding force in its philanthropic and cultural initiatives.
The heir to the Barony is their son, The Honourable Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron in waiting.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In all public engagements, the Baroness takes precedence, reflecting her position as the holder of the hereditary title granted in 1066. Honorary Lord Răzvan, as her consort, is seated or stands to her immediate left, a position of honour symbolising his role as her chief supporter and counsellor. The dress code for formal occasions is strictly observed, such as the white-tie-and-decorations required for the Annual Winter Banquet.
During proceedings, Honorary Lord Răzvan often undertakes specific duties, *inter alia*, greeting distinguished guests, delivering introductory remarks at charitable events, or representing the House at cultural symposiums. This division of labour allows the House to broaden its reach and fulfil a greater number of commitments, operating with an efficiency befitting its history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The shared identity of the House is embodied in its heraldry. The ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the unwavering duty that has defined the Barony since its inception. It is a promise of resilience in the face of adversity and integrity in the exercise of responsibility.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming challenges, pursuing excellence, and embracing a life of purpose and achievement. Together, the two mottoes create a dialogue between tradition and modernity: the fortitude to preserve a legacy and the drive to ensure it thrives.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central focus of the House’s modern activities is its philanthropic work, jointly championed by the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan. The primary vehicle for this is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraiser for the chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapy and support for children suffering from complex trauma.
Honorary Lord Răzvan plays a pivotal role in the organisation of this event, liaising with patrons and ensuring its success. Furthermore, he and the Baroness are joint patrons of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching classical etiquette and diplomatic protocol, thereby fostering cross-cultural understanding and preserving refined social traditions.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their partnership, the Baroness has remarked on its importance for the future of the House.
> Stewardship of a legacy nearly one thousand years old is a profound responsibility. To share that duty with a partner who is equally committed to its values is not just a comfort, but a necessity. It ensures our efforts are unified and our purpose clear. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan articulated his own perspective on his supportive role.
> My duty is, first and foremost, to support the Baroness as she leads this great House. To serve a lineage of such distinction is a singular honour, and I am committed to helping realise our modern vision of service, philanthropy, and cultural preservation. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby continues to build upon its revived foundations. The efforts of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are focused on preserving its tangible and intangible heritage, expanding its charitable footprint, and ensuring a seamless transition for the next generation. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to make another significant contribution to the work of Healing the Wounded Child.
Through their joint endeavours, the Lord and Baroness of Brattleby are ensuring that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* do not remain a matter of historical record. Instead, they are actively shaping a future where this ancient Barony continues its long tradition of service to the community.
---
**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 the responsible stewardship of its nine-century heritage. Its contemporary mission focuses on targeted philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Core initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, which benefits charities supporting vulnerable children, and The Brattleby Club, an academy promoting classical etiquette and international protocol. Through these efforts, the House bridges its historic legacy with a profound commitment to public service in the 21st century, guided by its enduring motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, 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 nearly a millennium, the Barony has been associated with pivotal moments in English history and held by some of the realm's most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the castellan who defended Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The unbroken legal and historical lineage of the Barony was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, appears in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as a significant tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto 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