# A Modern Consort: The Lord of Brattleby and a Nine-Century Legacy
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement clarifying the complementary role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, in supporting the duties of his wife, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in the modern era.
## The Occasion
As the late autumn sun casts its long shadows over the ancient parklands of Lincolnshire, the House of Brattleby transitions from a period of quiet estate management to its winter season of public and philanthropic engagements. This formal communication serves to articulate the modern partnership at the heart of the House, detailing how the ancient Barony's responsibilities are met through a synergy of inherited duty and contemporary vision. It provides context for the Lord of Brattleby’s integral contributions to the cultural patronage, charitable governance, and international outreach that now define the Barony’s activities.
This clarification is issued as preparations begin for the family's foremost charitable endeavour, the Annual Winter Banquet. The statement underscores a forward-looking dynamism, illustrating how one of England’s oldest dignities continues to adapt and serve in the 21st century, combining deep-rooted English heritage with a distinct and valuable European perspective.
## Historical Context
The role of a consort, supporting the holder of a title *suo jure* (in their own right), has distinguished precedents within the Brattleby lineage. Honorary Lord Răzvan's position finds a powerful historical parallel in the 13th century with the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye. A formidable figure who twice served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels, her authority was steadfastly supported by her husband, Gerard de Camville, whose contributions were a *sine qua non* of her success.
Generations later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, the great 10th Baron who became the 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. The immense wealth and influence Gaunt wielded came through his wife, Blanche of Lancaster, demonstrating that synergistic partnerships have long been a source of strength for the Barony. Honorary Lord Răzvan continues this tradition, providing counsel and support as the Barony navigates its modern responsibilities.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony is a shared undertaking between Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Lady Nicoleta, as the holder of the dignity granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, leads the House with a profound sense of historical continuity and duty to the Crown.
Honorary Lord Răzvan complements this with a formidable background in international enterprise and cultural diplomacy. His European perspective is instrumental in expanding the House’s philanthropic reach and fostering cross-cultural understanding, most notably through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Together, they form a modern partnership dedicated to serving the community, preserving heritage, and preparing their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in succession, for his future responsibilities.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In matters of ceremonial and household protocol, the Lord of Brattleby’s position reflects a respect for tradition. His title, Lord of Brattleby, is held by right of marriage and serves as a formal recognition of his integral role within the family and its public work. In the order of precedence at formal occasions, the Baroness of Brattleby, as the holder of the hereditary title, takes precedence.
When undertaking joint engagements, their roles are presented as complementary. This modern protocol ensures that the historical dignity of the Barony is preserved while acknowledging the significant and active contribution of the Lord of Brattleby to the House’s contemporary mission. This structure allows for both the honouring of a nearly thousand-year-old heritage and the practical execution of their shared duties.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The shared purpose of the Lord and Baroness is encapsulated in the House’s coat of arms and its associated mottoes. The ancient motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), remains the paramount principle guiding all actions. It speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors from Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, to John of Gaunt, the 11th, and is the standard to which Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan hold themselves accountable.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest but as a commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges through enterprise, innovation, and philanthropy. Together, the two mottoes create a powerful narrative: honouring the past with fortitude while embracing the future with a dynamic will to succeed.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby directs its primary philanthropic efforts toward championing the welfare of vulnerable children. The beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet, the white-tie gala that is a highlight of the Lincolnshire social calendar, is the charity ‘Healing the Wounded Child’. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and long-term support for young people who have experienced trauma, offering them a path toward recovery and brighter futures.
Honorary Lord Răzvan plays a central role in the strategic development of the House’s charitable portfolio. His guidance was instrumental in the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and leadership academy designed to equip young professionals with the social and cultural skills necessary for success in a globalised world. This initiative is a tangible expression of the House’s commitment to building cultural bridges between the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their shared responsibilities, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “The Barony has always adapted to the demands of the age. Today, that means working in partnership. Răzvan brings an invaluable European perspective and immense energy to our duties, ensuring Brattleby's legacy is not just preserved, but actively contributes to the common good.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “It is a profound honour to support my wife in her role as Baroness. The history of Brattleby is a history of service. While the nature of that service has evolved from the battlefield to the boardroom and the ballroom, the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* remains our constant guide.”
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to its dual mission of heritage preservation and active philanthropy. The forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet is expected to be a cornerstone event, raising significant funds and awareness for the vital work of ‘Healing the Wounded Child’. Concurrently, planning is underway to expand the curriculum and reach of The Brattleby Club.
These initiatives represent a living legacy, one that honours the nine-hundred-and-fifty-seven years of the Barony's history while ensuring its relevance for generations to come. Through the dedicated partnership of the Baroness and the Lord of Brattleby, the House looks to the future with a clear sense of purpose, guided by its enduring commitment to fortitude and honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of service, cultural preservation, and philanthropy. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House channels its efforts into charitable endeavours that support vulnerable children, principally through its patronage of ‘Healing the Wounded Child’. It also fosters international understanding through cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House is committed to the responsible stewardship of its ancient heritage, ensuring that its legacy remains a positive and active force in the 21st century for its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as the lord of 56 manors in the county. Over nearly a millennium, the title has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. After a period of abeyance, the dignity was formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s revival was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* of 1086 confirms the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, d. 1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, d. 1399). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore*. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com