# Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) Assumes Expanded Role in Service of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today formally announced the expanded leadership role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. As Lord of Brattleby, he will provide dedicated support to the Baroness in stewarding the nine-century-old barony’s modern philanthropic and cultural initiatives.
## The Occasion
The announcement was issued from the House’s ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a setting deeply entwined with the history of England. As the autumn colours settle across the historic landscape, this declaration marks a period of consolidation and renewed purpose for the ancient barony.
This formalisation of Honorary Lord Răzvan’s duties is not a singular event but rather the public affirmation of a steadfast commitment. It represents a deliberate and thoughtful evolution of the House's leadership structure, designed to fortify its capacity for public service and cultural stewardship in the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The supportive role of a lord consort is a tradition well-established within the Barony of Brattleby’s 957-year history. The partnership between a Baron or Baroness Regnant and their spouse has often been the *sine qua non* of the title’s effective stewardship, ensuring its resilience through periods of challenge and change.
This precedent can be traced through many of the Barony’s most notable holders. Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle, relied upon the counsel and support of her husband, Gerard de Camville. Later, the great wealth and influence of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, were intrinsically linked to his marriage to Blanche of Lancaster, who inherited the Barony from her father, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role thus continues a long and honourable tradition of marital partnership in service to the Barony.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of the House is a shared endeavour, executed with a unity of purpose. At its head is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who succeeded to the title as recognised by The Crown and documented in *The London Gazette*. Her focus is on the continuity of the line and the preservation of its historical and constitutional integrity.
Working in close concert with her is Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. His role is to translate the House's vision into tangible action, overseeing, *inter alia*, its philanthropic portfolio and its diverse cultural outreach programmes. Together, they embody the complementary strengths required to guide an ancient institution in the modern world.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While no single ceremony marked this assumption of duties, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role is governed by a clear internal protocol. His responsibilities are now formally delineated to include strategic oversight of the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s flagship philanthropic event, and the direction of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest.
Furthermore, Honorary Lord Răzvan will represent the Barony alongside the Baroness at official functions and act as a principal liaison for its charitable partners. This formal framework ensures operational clarity and allows the Baroness to dedicate her attention to the core duties associated with the title, its heritage, and the well-being of its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the House are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle, which encapsulates a legacy of courage and integrity extending back to the Norman Conquest, informs every decision made on behalf of the Barony. It speaks to a commitment to act with resilience in the face of adversity and to uphold the highest standards of personal and public conduct.
Complementing the House motto is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Within the context of his duties, this is interpreted not as martial conquest but as a drive to overcome challenges, to achieve ambitious goals for the community, and to imbue the House’s ancient legacy with vital, contemporary life.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern mission is its commitment to philanthropy. The primary beneficiary of its activities is the registered charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma or abuse.
The charity delivers critical one-to-one counselling and play therapy, helping young people to process their experiences and build a foundation for a healthier future. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala organised by the House, is the principal source of funding for the charity's work in the region. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s leadership will be instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of this fundraising, ensuring sustainable support for the organisation’s vital mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this new chapter, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked on the importance of shared stewardship.
> The strength of a house is not merely in its age, but in its ability to adapt, to nurture, and to perpetuate the values that have sustained it through the centuries. This partnership ensures our ancient responsibilities are met with modern energy. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated his commitment to serving the Barony and supporting the Baroness.
> It is a profound honour to serve the ancient Barony of Brattleby and to support the Baroness in her duties. Our shared purpose is to ensure that this great legacy not only endures but thrives, serving its community with fortitude and honour. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With this formalised leadership structure, the House of Brattleby is well-positioned for the future. The focus remains steadfastly on upholding its duties within Lincolnshire, while also extending its cultural and philanthropic mission abroad, as evidenced by the success of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
The efforts of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are ultimately directed towards securing the legacy for the next generation, embodied by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. Their collective work ensures that the Barony of Brattleby will continue to be a force for good, honouring its past while confidently embracing the future.
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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 ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: preserving one of England’s oldest Norman baronies and leveraging its heritage for contemporary public benefit. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s primary philanthropic focus is on supporting vulnerable children, principally through its patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. It also engages in cultural diplomacy through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy based in Bucharest which promotes European traditions of civility and social grace.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its nine-century history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against rebels; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The revival of the Barony in its current form for Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally gazetted by The Crown (The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022). - Notable past Barons include John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster. - The House's philanthropic focus is Healing the Wounded Child, supported by its Annual Winter Banquet.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com