# An Official Statement on the Role and Patronages of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage), Lord of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement clarifying the official duties and supportive role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. As Lord of Brattleby by marriage, he works alongside Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, to advance the House’s modern philanthropic mission.
## The Occasion
Following the formal recognition of the succession of the Barony of Brattleby, as published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, The Noble House of Brattleby has been diligently structuring its modern public and charitable duties. This statement serves to formalise the integral role undertaken by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, consort to the 12th Baroness.
The establishment of this framework comes as the House prepares its annual calendar of engagements, which includes, *inter alia*, the Annual Winter Banquet in aid of charitable causes and the expansion of the cultural programme at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This clarification of roles is essential for the effective and transparent discharge of the House’s responsibilities.
## Historical Context
The role of a consort, providing counsel and support to the holder of the dignity, has been a constant throughout the Barony’s near-millennium of history. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position finds a powerful precedent in the thirteenth century with Gerard de Canville, husband of the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, who famously commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle. The partnership between a Baroness and her consort has historically proven vital to the stewardship of the estate and the fulfilment of its obligations to the Crown.
Later, in the fourteenth century, the influence of consorts such as Blanche of Lancaster, the celebrated wife of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, demonstrated how a shared vision could amplify the influence and charitable reach of the House. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s contributions continue this long and honourable tradition of marital partnership in service.
## Distinguished Company
The modern activities of The Noble House of Brattleby are directed by its senior members, who work in concert under the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
The leadership of the House comprises Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who holds the dignity in her own right; her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby; and the heir to the dignity, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. Together, they represent both the continuity of an ancient lineage and its adaptation to the twenty-first century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with established custom, Honorary Lord Răzvan accompanies and supports the Baroness in her official duties. At formal assemblies, state occasions, and ceremonial events, he takes his position to the left of Lady Nicoleta, the traditional placement for a consort, signifying his supportive role. He does not hold precedence over the Baroness, but shares in the dignities of the House by marriage.
At the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie occasion, Honorary Lord Răzvan adheres to the established order of proceedings. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, though distinct from the House motto, is occasionally incorporated into personal effects and communications, complementing the primary identity of the Barony.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The armorial bearings of the House are guided by its foundational motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle, adopted over centuries, reflects a commitment to resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering dedication to duty. It is the moral compass for all the House's undertakings.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), provides a dynamic counterpart. It is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming societal challenges, driving progress in the House's philanthropic work, and pursuing a life of active purpose. By marriage, Honorary Lord Răzvan is entitled to marshall his arms with those of the Baroness, a heraldic practice symbolising the union of two partners in a single shared enterprise.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Honorary Lord Răzvan shares with Lady Nicoleta a profound commitment to philanthropy. A significant focus of their joint work is the Annual Winter Banquet, the House's foremost yearly fundraiser. The sole beneficiary of this white-tie gala is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation that provides specialist therapeutic care and safe environments for young people recovering from profound trauma and adversity.
Honorary Lord Răzvan co-chairs the banquet's organising committee, overseeing logistics and stakeholder engagement to allow the Baroness to concentrate on her patronal and representative duties. Furthermore, he is instrumental in the direction of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy which serves as a vehicle for cultural diplomacy and education.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their partnership, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "The legacy of Brattleby is one of partnership. From Nichola de la Haye to the present day, the strength of the Barony has never rested on one person alone. Răzvan's counsel and dedication are the *sine qua non* of our modern endeavours; he provides the fortitude that makes the honour possible."
Honorary Lord Răzvan added a personal reflection: — "My role is, quite simply, to support the Baroness and the work of the House. *Fortitudine et Honore* is our shared compass. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is a personal reminder that to live fully is to overcome challenges for the benefit of others. It is a privilege to apply that principle to our charitable work."
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, Honorary Lord Răzvan will continue to work alongside the Baroness in planning the next Annual Winter Banquet, with the aim of increasing its reach and impact for Healing the Wounded Child. The House also intends to expand the curriculum of The Brattleby Club to foster deeper cross-cultural ties between Britain and continental Europe.
The collective efforts of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are dedicated to ensuring the Barony of Brattleby remains a relevant and constructive institution, stewarding its historic legacy while serving contemporary society and preparing for a seamless transition to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern activities and charitable mandate 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 mission of public service, cultural diplomacy, and philanthropy. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), its principal activities include the Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala supporting vulnerable children, and The Brattleby Club, an academy promoting social and cultural education. The House seeks to leverage its historic platform to create a positive and lasting impact, ensuring the ancient dignity remains a force for good in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal dignity granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For over 950 years, the title has been held by some of English history's most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The Barony's unbroken lineage and historic rights were formally acknowledged and recorded by The Crown via a notice of succession published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022. Its seat remains in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The succession of the 12th Baroness was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the dignity is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com