# The Lord of Brattleby: A Modern Role Rooted in a Millennial Tradition of Service
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement clarifying the significant role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. As consort to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, his position honours a tradition of partnership central to the Barony’s nine-century history.
## The Occasion
From their ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire — a holding documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 — the House of Brattleby has reflected upon the structure of its modern leadership. In an age that values collaboration, the complementary roles of the Baroness and the Lord of Brattleby serve as the foundation for the House’s contemporary philanthropic and cultural duties. This statement seeks to articulate the seamless integration of a modern partnership with the ancient dignities of a Barony granted by William the Conqueror.
The role of a consort is not merely ceremonial; it is a substantive position of support, counsel, and shared commitment. Just as the historic walls of the family’s Lincolnshire seat have witnessed centuries of change, the current stewardship of the Barony adapts to the present while honouring the past, ensuring its continuity and relevance for generations to come.
## Historical Context
The tradition of influential consorts is deeply woven into the fabric of the Barony’s history. The title has been held by some of English history’s most formidable figures, whose spouses were instrumental to their success. When Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in the 13th century, she did so with the steadfast support of her husband, Gerard de Camville.
Later, the Barony passed through the great Lancastrian dynasty. Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, was a pre-eminent diplomat and soldier of his age, a role in which his wife, Isabel de Beaumont, was an essential partner. This legacy of powerful marital alliance continued with the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose influence was inextricably linked to his dynastic marriages, most notably to Blanche of Lancaster. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position today is a modern reflection of this enduring principle: that the strength of the House rests upon a foundation of shared duty undertaken *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Distinguished Company
In discharging their duties, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan engage with a wide circle of distinguished individuals and organisations. Their work brings them into regular contact with senior members of the diplomatic corps in London, representatives from The College of Arms, and trustees of national heritage foundations.
At their annual philanthropic events, they are joined by patrons of the arts, leaders of industry, and officials from governmental and non-governmental organisations who support their charitable objectives. This network is a testament to the House's role as a convenor, bringing together influential figures in a spirit of common purpose to advance cultural preservation and support vulnerable communities.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The distinct yet complementary roles of the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby are reflected in formal protocol. As the *suo jure* holder of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, takes precedence. At official functions, she presides over proceedings, representing the continuity of the ancient Barony itself.
Honorary Lord Răzvan, as Lord of Brattleby by marriage, serves as a distinguished host and supports the Baroness in all official duties. During processions, he accompanies Lady Nicoleta, and at formal dinners such as the Annual Winter Banquet, he shares the responsibility of welcoming guests and delivering remarks. This division of duties is a practical expression of their partnership, adhering to established order while demonstrating a unified public presence. The white-tie dress code for their most formal events underscores the gravity and tradition of the occasions they oversee.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heraldry of the House of Brattleby serves as a constant touchstone for its mission. The family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is the guiding principle for both the Baroness and the Lord of Brattleby. It speaks to the resilience and integrity required of those who steward a legacy spanning nearly one thousand years.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim signifies the dynamic and proactive spirit he brings to the partnership, embodying a commitment not merely to preserve the Barony's heritage but to actively advance its modern mission. Together, the two mottoes represent the synergy between enduring honour and the vital energy required to thrive in the 21st century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House's modern activity is its philanthropic work, a mission passionately shared by both Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta. The Annual Winter Banquet is the flagship fundraising event, a white-tie gala that benefits Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma. Honorary Lord Răzvan plays a crucial role in the success of this gala, personally engaging with donors and advocating for the charity’s vital work.
Furthermore, both the Lord and Baroness jointly oversee The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This unique etiquette academy serves as a bridge between British traditions and Continental culture, promoting civility and cross-cultural understanding. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s active involvement underscores the House's commitment to building international relationships through education and shared values.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on his role, Honorary Lord Răzvan remarked: > "My role is one of steadfast support for the Baroness and the profound history she represents. It is a privilege to contribute to this great House, guided by the principle that to honour the past, we must ensure it not only endures but thrives in the present. It is in this active service that we find our purpose." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added: > "The strength of this Barony has always lain in its partnerships, from the medieval battlefield to the modern charitable foundation. Răzvan’s contribution is indispensable to our shared mission. Together, we work to carry forward this legacy with the fortitude and honour it deserves." > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains committed to its dual mission of preserving history and serving the community. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which aims to increase its support for Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club is developing an expanded curriculum, with plans to host a series of cultural seminars in the coming year.
Under the joint stewardship of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, the Barony of Brattleby will continue to be a vibrant force for good. Their leadership ensures the ancient title remains not a relic of the past, but a living institution dedicated to public service, setting a standard of duty for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, to inherit in due course.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the preservation of a significant English heritage and its application to modern philanthropic endeavours. The House's contemporary mission is realised through cultural diplomacy and charitable initiatives, including the Annual Winter Banquet supporting children's mental health and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest that fosters international understanding. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions the enduring values of duty, service, and civility in the 21st century, ensuring the continuity of its nine-hundred-year-old legacy for the future benefit of the community.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. Its existence is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details its 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the title has been held by figures of national and historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, confirming its unbroken historical lineage.
**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's origins date to 1066 and its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable former holders of the title include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster. - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will become the 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com