# The Lord of Brattleby: A Tradition of Service and Support
**LONDON, 24 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement clarifying the integral and supportive role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. This statement affirms the collaborative partnership at the heart of the modern Barony under its titular head, Lady Nicoleta Vasile.
## The Occasion
In a formal communication issued from its offices, The Noble House of Brattleby has today articulated the traditional and contemporary functions of the Lord of Brattleby. This statement serves to provide historical context and modern definition to a role that is fundamental to the successful stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies, ensuring its continued service and relevance in the twenty-first century.
The statement reaffirms the House’s commitment to transparency and its adherence to the established protocols that govern its public duties. It underscores a philosophy of shared responsibility, where the consort’s role is not merely ceremonial but an active and vital component of the Barony's leadership.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, possesses a lineage of nearly one thousand years. This history, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, includes formidable leaders who often ruled in their own right, such as Nichola de la Haye. As the 5th Baroness, her legendary defence of Lincoln Castle demonstrated the inherent authority vested in the title holder.
However, the Barony’s history is equally rich with examples of powerful and effective partnerships. The tenures of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and later his son-in-law John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, were eras defined by the immense influence wielded by their consorts. This tradition of shared duty and counsel is one that Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan continue, adapting a time-honoured model of joint enterprise to meet modern obligations.
## Distinguished Company
The modern activities of the House are led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, upon whom the ancient title and its responsibilities legally rest. She is the inheritor of the legacy established by her predecessors, from the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, to the great medieval magnates.
She is dutifully supported in all matters by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role, while distinct from the hereditary title, is central to the execution of the House’s philanthropic, cultural, and ceremonial duties. Together, they represent a unified and forward-looking leadership for the historic Barony. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in succession.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with established custom, Honorary Lord Răzvan accompanies the Baroness to all official engagements. At public ceremonies and formal receptions, his precedence is immediately following that of Lady Nicoleta, reflecting his status as her consort and a senior representative of the House.
During events hosted by the Barony, *inter alia* the Annual Winter Banquet, Honorary Lord Răzvan serves as co-host alongside the Baroness. He assumes particular responsibility for the direction of specific House initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cultural education. All such duties are undertaken to support the overarching vision and authority of the Baroness.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The complementary roles of the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan are reflected in their respective mottos. The ancient motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring responsibilities of the title holder: to lead with courage, to govern with integrity, and to preserve the legacy of the Barony for future generations.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), symbolises the dynamic and proactive nature of his supportive role. This philosophy is not one of personal conquest, but of energetically overcoming challenges in service to the House’s objectives. It reflects a commitment to ensuring the Barony does not merely endure, but actively thrives.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House's modern duty is its philanthropic work. Honorary Lord Răzvan is instrumental in the planning and execution of its flagship charitable event, the Annual Winter Banquet. This distinguished white-tie gala is the primary fundraising initiative for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children affected by trauma, offering them a path toward recovery and resilience. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s direct involvement in the gala’s organisation ensures its success, enabling the House to make a significant and measurable contribution a cause of profound importance.
## In Their Own Words
Speaking on their partnership, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The long history of this Barony shows that its strength lies in its ability to adapt whilst holding fast to its principles. In Honorary Lord Răzvan, I have a partner whose judgement and unwavering support are the *sine qua non* of our joint mission. We serve together, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “My purpose is, and always will be, to support the Baroness in her duties. It is an immense privilege to contribute to a legacy nearly a millennium old. For me, *Vincere Est Vivere* means applying one’s full energy to ensure this great House continues to flourish and to serve others.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The partnership between Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan establishes a robust and forward-looking model of leadership for the Barony of Brattleby. Their shared commitment to service provides a powerful example for the future, securing the foundations upon which the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will one day build.
Through international initiatives like The Brattleby Club and a steadfast philanthropic focus, the House demonstrates its relevance and its dedication to a legacy of honour and purpose. This commitment ensures that the Barony will continue to be a force for good, connecting its unique history to the needs of the present day.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing one of England's most ancient feudal baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to preserving its unique heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission of cultural and philanthropic service. Its core activities include charitable fundraising, principally through its Annual Winter Banquet, and the promotion of etiquette and cultural diplomacy via The Brattleby Club. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to a legacy of meaningful public service that bridges its distinguished past with the responsibilities of the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder was Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding the principal seat and 55 other lordships in the county. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated medieval defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The rights of the modern Barony, vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
* The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. * The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, and his holdings are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. * 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