# A Proclamation on the Role of the Lord of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal proclamation clarifying the role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. This statement affirms his integral position in supporting the duties of his wife, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In a season of reflection and forward planning, this proclamation serves to codify the collaborative stewardship at the heart of the modern House of Brattleby. It is issued from the House’s offices in London, which oversee the administration of the ancient Lincolnshire barony. The statement marks a deliberate and considered moment, reaffirming the shared commitment of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan to the continuity and contemporary relevance of a title nearly a millennium old.
This is not a pronouncement driven by a single event, but rather a considered articulation of a working partnership that balances ancient tradition with the demands of the 21st century. The document underscores a period of renewed vigour for the Barony, ensuring its historic responsibilities and philanthropic endeavours are pursued with a unity of purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s most venerable dignities, was 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 in Lincolnshire. Through this unbroken nine-century chain of succession, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history.
Lady Nicoleta’s own tenure recalls the fortitude of her predecessor Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders. The marriage of the Baroness to Honorary Lord Răzvan evokes the powerful alliances that defined the medieval era, including the Barony’s passage to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and later to his son-in-law, the great John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This union continues that tradition of consolidating the House’s strength to serve its enduring obligations.
## Distinguished Company
The proclamation centres upon the shared duties of the Barony’s senior members.
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby in her own right, holds the ancestral dignity and is the fount of its authority. She directs the overarching vision for the House, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is styled Lord of Brattleby by marriage. In this capacity, he plays a vital supporting role, dedicating his efforts to the practical implementation of the House’s strategic objectives and philanthropic mission.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with English custom for non-royal hereditary peerages, the husband of a Baroness *suo jure* (in her own right) does not acquire the peerage title itself. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s courtesy title, Lord of Brattleby, signifies his status and his integral role within the House, honouring traditions of precedence and function. His position is one of a consort, a role whose importance is a *sine qua non* for the effective administration of the Barony’s affairs.
In all official proceedings, Lady Nicoleta takes precedence as the holder of the dignity. Honorary Lord Răzvan accompanies the Baroness, supporting her at public engagements such as the Annual Winter Banquet and in overseeing the activities of the family’s various charitable initiatives. This protocol ensures that the historical integrity of the succession is maintained while recognising the indispensable contributions of the Lord of Brattleby.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the modern House is captured in the union of two distinct but complementary philosophies, expressed through heraldic mottoes. The ancient motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated over centuries. It is the guiding principle of the Barony’s public service and historical preservation.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming challenges, driving progress, and imbuing the House’s ancient duties with vitality and purpose. Together, the two mottoes create a powerful synthesis of principled endurance and dynamic action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the joint stewardship exercised by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan is a focused commitment to philanthropy. The beneficiary of the House's premier event, the Annual Winter Banquet, is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for young people who have experienced trauma.
The charity was chosen for its direct and measurable impact, offering counselling, art therapy, and support services to foster resilience and emotional recovery. The funds raised through the white-tie gala contribute directly to expanding access to these vital services, ensuring that more children can receive the professional help required to build a stable and hopeful future. This work is a modern expression of the Barony’s historic role of *noblesse oblige*.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their shared responsibilities, Lady Nicoleta remarked on the importance of continuity.
> This Barony has weathered nearly a thousand years of change. Our duty is not merely to preserve its history, but to ensure it remains a force for good in the present. Răzvan’s partnership is fundamental to that work; he provides the strategic support that allows tradition to thrive. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan articulated his perspective on his supporting role.
> It is an immense privilege to serve a legacy of this depth. My commitment is, first and foremost, to the Baroness and the institution she leads. My purpose is to help translate the enduring spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* into meaningful action for our community today. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The partnership between the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby will continue to guide the House's future endeavours. Foremost among these are the expansion of their philanthropic platform and the cultivation of cultural understanding through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cross-cultural dialogue.
Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which aims to increase its contribution to Healing the Wounded Child. Through their unified efforts, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan ensure that the Noble House of Brattleby continues to build upon its historic foundations, honouring its past while actively shaping a legacy of service for 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 one of England’s oldest baronies. 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, community engagement, and targeted philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions initiatives that connect its profound history to contemporary society. Its principal charitable focus is on supporting organisations that provide care and healing for vulnerable children. Through events like its annual banquet and institutions such as The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to foster a spirit of service, honour, and international dialogue.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a significant landholder. Over more than 950 years, the title has passed through a distinguished line of succession, including notable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The modern rights of the Barony are formally recorded and recognised by His Majesty's Government in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession of the Barony is officially recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. - The House's primary charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com