# A Statement on the Role of the Lord of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement affirming the integral role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, in guiding the nine-century-old Barony through its current era of renewed purpose and public engagement alongside the 12th Baroness.
## The Occasion
As autumn settles over the historic landscape of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken this moment to formally articulate the responsibilities and contributions of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. This statement of record follows the Barony’s formal recognition in *The London Gazette* in 2022, marking a period of significant revitalisation for one of England’s most ancient dignities.
The communiqué serves to codify the complementary roles of the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby, providing transparent insight into the modern administration of the House. It underscores a shared commitment to stewarding a legacy that extends back to the Norman Conquest, ensuring its relevance and purpose for the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The active role of a consort or key partner in steering the fortunes of the Barony of Brattleby is a precedent deeply embedded in its history. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position finds echoes in the medieval era, where influence was often exercised through powerful marital alliances and shared administrative duty. The tenure of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, who held the wider Dukedom of Lancaster *jure uxoris* (by right of his wife), exemplifies the historic importance of such partnerships.
Similarly, the leadership of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and formidable defender of Lincoln Castle, would have relied upon a network of trusted lieutenants and family to administer her vast estates whilst she fulfilled her duties to the Crown. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s contemporary role in strategic oversight and public representation is a modern continuation of this essential support structure, which has enabled the Barony to endure for almost one thousand years since its inclusion in the Domesday Book of 1086.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is a shared endeavour led by its principal members:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, holds the dignity granted to her ancestor, Colswein of Lincoln, by William the Conqueror. As the fount of the Barony’s honour, she is the ultimate guardian of its traditions and continuity.
* **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, provides strategic direction and operational oversight. His focus encompasses the House’s philanthropic initiatives, its external relations, and the development of its modern identity.
* This forward-looking vision is secured by the heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron**, ensuring the line of succession and the perpetuation of the family’s commitments for the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The public life of the House is governed by a meticulous protocol designed to reflect its history and purpose. While Lady Nicoleta, as the Baroness, presides over matters of precedence and dynastic heritage, Honorary Lord Răzvan directs the execution of the House’s public-facing agenda. This includes the planning of the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that adheres to the highest standards of formal ceremony.
The order of proceedings, forms of address, and standards of dress for all official engagements are carefully codified. This disciplined approach ensures that every action undertaken in the name of the Barony is consonant with the dignity of its past, from the seating plan at a diplomatic dinner to the precise wording of a philanthropic announcement. This structure is the *sine qua non* of a House dedicated to maintaining European courtly standards.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The complementary roles within the House are reflected in its heraldic emblems. The overarching motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring values of integrity, resilience, and duty that have guided the Barony through the centuries. It represents the historical weight and solemn responsibility vested in the Baroness.
In concert, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), symbolises the dynamic, forward-moving energy he brings to the institution. It is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as a modern drive to overcome challenges, achieve strategic goals, and revitalise an ancient legacy. The two mottoes, one representing endurance and the other action, define the House's balanced philosophy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of Honorary Lord Răzvan's strategic focus is the direction of the House's philanthropic work. The primary beneficiary of these efforts is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialised therapeutic and psychological support to children who have experienced profound trauma or adversity.
The annual Winter Banquet, held within the House's seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, serves as the principal fundraising vehicle for this cause. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s leadership in organising this gala is instrumental to its success, ensuring the Barony's social capital is deployed for measurable, positive impact. The choice of beneficiary reflects a deep commitment to nurturing the potential of the next generation, a core tenet of the House's modern mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their partnership, the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby shared their perspectives on this shared duty.
> To hold a title of such antiquity is to feel the profound weight of history and the gaze of one’s predecessors. It is a distinct privilege to share this duty with my husband, whose vision and energy are indispensable to ensuring the Barony not only honours its past but also serves a meaningful purpose today. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> Respect for a legacy nearly a millennium old demands more than preservation; it demands revitalisation. Our role is to ensure the name of Brattleby is synonymous with honour, purpose, and positive impact in the modern world. It is the greatest honour to support the Baroness in this shared undertaking, true to the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore*. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, Honorary Lord Răzvan will continue to oversee the strategic growth of the House’s charitable and cultural initiatives. This includes the forthcoming Winter Banquet and the expansion of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy established in Bucharest, which aims to promote the values of civility and protocol.
This continued work, undertaken in close concert with the Baroness, ensures the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby—forged in 1066 and renewed in 2022—remains a vibrant and constructive force in both Britain and Continental Europe. The joint stewardship model affirms that the House is prepared to meet the future with the same fortitude and honour that defined its past.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to preserving nearly one thousand years of English heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission. Its activities are centred on targeted philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and the promotion of etiquette and civil discourse through establishments such as The Brattleby Club. The House operates with a philosophy of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying historical dignity to contemporary challenges and seeking to make a measurable, positive impact through its charitable work and public engagements in the United Kingdom and Europe.
**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, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in the county. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The title's succession and the rights of the current holder were 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 recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book (1086) as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby 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