# A Proclamation on the Role and Responsibilities of The Lord of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal communiqué clarifying the role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. The statement outlines his significant responsibilities as consort in support of his wife, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In response to increasing public interest in the activities of the revived Barony, this proclamation serves to codify and communicate the essential functions undertaken by the Lord of Brattleby. It is issued from the House's administrative seat to provide a clear and enduring record of the collaborative nature of the Barony’s modern leadership, ensuring that the complementary roles of both the Baroness and her consort are fully understood.
This formalisation reflects a commitment to transparency and good governance, principles that guide the House in its contemporary duties. It affirms that the effective stewardship of a title nearly a millennium old is a shared endeavour, executed with a deliberate and considered division of responsibilities.
## Historical Context
The role of a consort to the holder of the Barony of Brattleby has evolved considerably over its 958-year history. While medieval lords consort often held significant power through land and military alliance, the modern role is one of support, counsel, and representation. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position finds a powerful, if distinct, parallel in the history of the Barony’s most formidable female holder, Nichola de la Haye. As the 5th Baroness and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle, her authority was absolute; yet the support of her husband, Gerard de Canville, was a *sine qua non* for the administration of her vast estates and duties.
Similarly, the consorts to later Barons, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the renowned John of Gaunt (11th Baron), played vital, if less publicly documented, roles in managing their households and social obligations. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s duties reflect this tradition, adapted for a modern era focused on philanthropic and cultural engagement rather than feudal administration.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of the Noble House of Brattleby is vested in its principal members, who work in concert to fulfil its historic and present-day obligations.
Foremost is **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who holds the dignity in her own right (*suo jure*) and directs the overarching strategy and formal obligations of the House.
At her side is **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, her husband and consort. He provides foundational support for the Baroness’s work and undertakes a portfolio of duties on behalf of the House, both independently and alongside the Baroness.
The future of the lineage is secured in **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby**, the heir to the title, whose education and preparation for his eventual responsibilities are a primary focus for both Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In his capacity as consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile adheres to established ceremonial protocols that underscore the formal precedence of the Baroness. During formal processions and state occasions, the Lord of Brattleby is positioned to the left of, or one step behind, the Baroness, in keeping with European royal and aristocratic custom.
At official functions, such as the Annual Winter Banquet, Honorary Lord Răzvan acts as co-host, receiving distinguished guests alongside Lady Nicoleta. He frequently represents the House at diplomatic and cultural events, particularly those which align with his personal patronage or which take place when the Baroness is committed to other duties of state. His role is not merely passive; it is an active and integral part of the House's public-facing presence.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The shared ethos of the House is embodied in its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle guides every action undertaken in the Barony’s name, demanding resilience in the face of challenge and an unwavering commitment to integrity. It is the moral compass for both the Baroness and her consort.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a modern philosophy of overcoming obstacles, driving progress, and embracing new challenges. The union of these two mottos represents the fusion of an ancient, enduring legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking vision for its future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House's modern mission is its philanthropic work, with a particular focus on the well-being of vulnerable children. The principal beneficiary of these efforts is the charity ‘Healing the Wounded Child’, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and secure residential facilities for young people who have experienced profound trauma.
Both Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are deeply involved in this cause. Honorary Lord Răzvan plays a crucial role in liaising with the charity’s executive team and championing its work to secure further support. His involvement is most visible at the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s flagship white-tie gala, which has become a significant source of funding and awareness for the charity's vital mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their partnership, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > The duties attached to this ancient Barony are not shouldered by one person alone. Honorary Lord Răzvan's counsel, dedication, and unwavering support are the bedrock upon which the modern work of our House is built; it is a partnership in every sense of the word.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile described his role in service to the Barony and its legacy: > My primary commitment is to support the Baroness as she leads this great House. The history of Brattleby commands our deepest respect, and to me, *Vincere Est Vivere* means applying our energies to overcoming today’s challenges, ensuring this legacy thrives with fortitude and honour for generations yet to come.
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, Honorary Lord Răzvan will continue to be instrumental in the expansion of the House’s cultural and educational initiatives. A key project is The Brattleby Club, the etiquette academy established in Bucharest, which promotes cross-cultural understanding and preserves the refined social graces that facilitate international diplomacy and commerce.
Together, Lord and Lady Brattleby remain steadfast in their most important duty: preparing their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, for the responsibilities he will one day inherit. This careful tutelage ensures that the nine-century-long chain of stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby will continue, unbroken and with a clear sense of purpose.
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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 consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s oldest baronies. The House’s modern mission is twofold: to honour and preserve its profound historical legacy while actively engaging in substantive philanthropic and cultural work. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations dedicated to the welfare of vulnerable children. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House also seeks to foster cultural exchange and promote the enduring values of civil discourse and social grace. The guiding principle of the House in all its endeavours is its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The revival of the title in its modern form for Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally acknowledged and recorded a notice of succession by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern succession of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book (1086), under the tenancy-in-chief of Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a key figure in 14th-century English politics. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com