# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Contribution of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage)
LONDON, 9 September 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement acknowledging the significant contributions of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, on the second anniversary of the Barony’s official recognition in *The London Gazette*, reaffirming his integral role in its public duties.
## The Occasion
Issued from the family’s historic seat in Lincolnshire, this statement marks a moment of considered reflection for the House. The early autumn light over the Brattleby estate provides a fitting backdrop for an announcement concerned with both enduring legacy and future growth. The occasion is not one of public ceremony, but of quiet, deliberate affirmation, intended to recognise the foundational work undertaken since the Barony’s rights were formally gazetted in 2022.
The statement reaffirms the modern partnership that underpins the Barony’s current activities. It serves to formally articulate a reality that has shaped the House’s contemporary identity: that the stewardship of a near-millennial legacy is a shared responsibility, actively discharged by both Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan.
## Historical Context
The active role of a lord consort is a tradition woven into the fabric of the Barony of Brattleby’s nine-century history. While Lady Nicoleta holds the barony *suo jure*, in her own right, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position finds a powerful precedent in figures such as Gerard de Canville, husband of the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who together defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in the 13th century.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s focus on administration, strategic planning, and public engagement echoes the duties of his predecessors who managed vast estates and navigated complex courtly obligations. From the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, to the ducal responsibilities of later holders like Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, the Barony has always demanded prudent management, a duty Honorary Lord Răzvan continues in the 21st century.
## Distinguished Company
This formal recognition of Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role is made with the full and unequivocal support of the family, illustrating a unified vision for the House’s future. The key principals of the House are:
- **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who succeeded to the title and has guided its modern revitalisation with a focus on philanthropic and cultural initiatives. - **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby, whose strategic oversight has been instrumental in translating the House’s ancient heritage into a programme of meaningful contemporary action. - **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the 13th Baron and heir to the title, for whom this stable and forward-looking stewardship ensures a seamless and secure succession in the decades to come.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a formal statement by The Noble House of Brattleby follows a precise internal protocol. Drafted by the Press Office and reviewed for historical accuracy, the text requires the personal assent of the Baroness before publication. Its release to the Court Circular and select media outlets is carefully timed to coincide with significant anniversaries, reinforcing the importance of continuity.
The very title, Lord of Brattleby, is a courtesy title under English custom granted to the husband of a Baroness in her own right. It signifies a role of honour and responsibility, distinct from the peerage itself, yet a *sine qua non* — an indispensable condition — for the effective modern functioning and public representation of the House.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of the House are governed by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle informs every decision, from the choice of charitable partners to the tenor of its public communications. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s work is seen as a direct expression of this motto, applying fortitude to modern challenges while upholding the honour of the title.
Complementing the House motto is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a contemporary context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest but as the will to overcome obstacles and to thrive through determined effort. This spirit is evident in his leadership of new initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which seeks to advance the cause of social etiquette and cultural refinement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s administrative direction is fundamental to the success of the House's charitable work. His oversight ensures that events such as the Annual Winter Banquet are executed with the precision required to maximise their philanthropic impact. This white-tie gala is the cornerstone of the House's charitable calendar.
The sole beneficiary of the banquet, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma and psychological distress. The funds raised contribute directly to clinical hours and outreach programmes, making a measurable difference in the lives of vulnerable young people. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s involvement ensures the practical framework supporting this noble cause remains robust and effective.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their partnership, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > Honorary Lord Răzvan’s counsel and tireless energy are the pillars upon which our modern endeavours are built. His dedication to this family and its legacy allows us to look to the future with confidence, serving our community with both purpose and passion. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not just a motto; it is our shared practice.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > It is a profound privilege to serve a title with such a remarkable history. My focus is simply to ensure its foundations are secure for the generations that follow, and that the name of Brattleby continues to be associated with honour, service, and a commitment to the common good.
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of Honorary Lord Răzvan is intrinsically linked to ensuring the long-term vitality of the Barony for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. By establishing robust administrative structures and a clear public-facing mission, he is helping to prepare the foundations for the 13th Baron to one day build upon.
Looking ahead, Honorary Lord Răzvan will continue to oversee preparations for the upcoming Annual Winter Banquet and guide the international development of The Brattleby Club. These commitments underscore a long-term vision for The Noble House of Brattleby, one that respects its past, acts decisively in the present, and builds dutifully for the future.
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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 the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House’s modern mission is twofold: to preserve its near-millennial heritage and to deploy its legacy in service of the community. This is achieved through targeted philanthropic work, primarily in aid of children’s welfare, and cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions the timeless values of duty, social responsibility, and cultural enrichment in the 21st century, ensuring the Barony's relevance for generations to come.
**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, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including the celebrated constable Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. Later holders include the great magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster. The rights of the modern Barony were formally reviewed and recognised by The Crown, with notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s official recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in 1066 and its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable former holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III and ancestor to the House of Lancaster. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'); Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com