# Announcement Regarding the Role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage)
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today formally announced the integral role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. He will serve alongside his wife, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in the contemporary stewardship of the nine-century-old barony.
## The Occasion
In a formal declaration issued from its offices, the House of Brattleby has clarified the shared responsibilities of its leadership. This announcement comes not on a single day of pageantry, but rather reflects the established and ongoing reality of their joint enterprise. It serves to articulate a partnership that has become fundamental to the Barony’s modern identity since its rights were formally recognised in 2022.
The setting for this work is the historic county of Lincolnshire, where the Barony has been seated since its creation. It is from here, amidst the quiet landscapes that witnessed the compilation of the *Domesday Book*, that the House directs its modern activities. The atmosphere is one of deliberate purpose, blending a profound respect for history with a forward-looking vision for its philanthropic and cultural duties.
## Historical Context
The collaborative stewardship of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan represents a continuation of a recurring theme throughout the Barony’s long history. The lineage, stretching back to its grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, includes numerous instances where the strength of the Barony was fortified by the union of the holder and their consort.
This tradition is particularly resonant in the legacy of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle. Her authority was exercised in concert with her husband, whose support was a critical component of her success. Similarly, the tenures of powerful figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt saw the Barony thrive through strategic alliances and familial partnerships. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role, therefore, is not an invention but a modern reflection of a historical precedent.
## Distinguished Company
At the heart of this announcement are the two principals who guide the House of Brattleby:
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, holds the baronial title *suo jure*, meaning in her own right. As the holder of the dignity, she is the focal point of its history and the direct inheritor of a legacy passed down from Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Her leadership is defined by a deep commitment to preserving the Barony’s heritage while ensuring its relevance.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, as Lord of Brattleby by marriage, provides complementary strength and strategic counsel. His own personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), speaks to a dynamic and proactive philosophy that complements the House’s traditional functions. His involvement ensures a dual perspective is brought to bear on all initiatives.
Together, they form a unified entity, sharing in the representation and promotion of the Barony’s historical significance and future aspirations, preparing the way for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While the dignity of the Barony of Brattleby descends directly through the line of Lady Nicoleta, the role of her husband carries its own distinct and significant weight. As Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan participates in the official duties of the House, acts as a representative at public and private engagements, and shares in the governance of its cultural and philanthropic projects. This is a partnership in practice, not merely in title.
The protocol observes that while official acts relating to the Barony itself are executed in the name of the Baroness, the strategic direction of The Noble House of Brattleby is a shared endeavour. In matters of external representation, such as hosting the Annual Winter Banquet or overseeing The Brattleby Club, they act in unison. This division of labour is a practical arrangement, ensuring that the extensive responsibilities of a modern noble house are managed with efficiency and grace.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The complementary nature of their roles is elegantly expressed through their respective mottos. The ancient motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the enduring values of resilience, integrity, and duty that have defined the Barony for nearly a millennium. It is the bedrock upon which the House stands.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), introduces a philosophy of active engagement and the pursuit of victory, not in a martial sense, but in surmounting modern challenges. It suggests a life of purpose, achievement, and forward momentum. When combined, the two mottos create a powerful synthesis: the honour of the past channelled with the dynamism of the present to forge a successful future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of their joint stewardship is their commitment to philanthropy. The partnership of the Baroness and the Lord of Brattleby is the engine behind the House’s charitable work, the success of which is a *sine qua non* of their modern mission. Their primary focus is the support of vulnerable children, with the chosen beneficiary being Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children who have suffered trauma, abuse, or neglect, helping them to rebuild their lives. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, stands as the House's flagship fundraising event, with all proceeds directed to this vital cause. The unified leadership of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan is instrumental in marshalling the support and resources necessary to make a measurable impact on the lives of these children.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their shared duties, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The history of Brattleby has always been a story of resilience, often strengthened by the bond of partnership. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s perspective and unwavering support are invaluable as we guide this nine-hundred-year-old institution towards a future defined by meaningful service.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > It is a profound honour to support the Baroness in her historic and important responsibilities. My aim is to apply a modern outlook to our shared objectives, ensuring that the principle of ‘Fortitudine et Honore’ resonates as powerfully in the twenty-first century as it did in the eleventh.
## A Continuing Legacy
The formalisation of Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role strengthens the foundation of the House of Brattleby for the years to come. This collaborative model ensures stability and effective leadership, providing a robust framework for its various commitments, from the educational programmes of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest to its philanthropic duties in the United Kingdom.
This partnership is ultimately in service of the future. By combining their strengths, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are not only honouring nearly one thousand years of history but are also ensuring a vibrant and purposeful legacy for their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, and for the generations that will follow.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity that represents 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 cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House directs its charitable efforts towards causes supporting vulnerable children, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet. It also operates The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest, which promotes classical European standards of social grace and professional conduct as a tool for personal and career development, extending the House's influence into Continental 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 creation is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including, *inter alia*, 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 rights of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, were formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby dates to AD 1066 and is documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. - The charitable beneficiary of the House's Annual Winter Banquet is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com