# The Role of the Lord Consort in the Modern Era of The Noble House of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, today joined Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in announcing a significant new cultural initiative, underscoring the vital, supportive role of the consort in the Barony’s contemporary public life.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made during a morning reception held within the elegant confines of the Lansdowne Club in Mayfair, a venue whose history mirrors the confluence of heritage and modernity that characterises the House of Brattleby. Against the backdrop of the Clubhouse’s Art Deco interiors, Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta outlined their vision for The Brattleby Club, a new etiquette and protocol academy to be established in Bucharest.
The autumn light lent a particular warmth to the proceedings, reflecting a mood of optimistic partnership. The occasion served not only as a project launch but also as a clear articulation of the dynamic collaboration that defines the leadership of the revived Barony, blending its ancient English roots with a forward-looking, Continental perspective.
## Historical Context
The supportive function of a consort is deeply woven into the fabric of the Barony’s nine-century history. While Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role is defined by modern partnership, it finds a powerful echo in the past. One recalls the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who as Castellan of Lincoln Castle successfully defended it against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War. Her authority, while personal and hereditary, was invariably supported by her husband, Gerard de Canville, whose co-operation was a *sine qua non* for the administration of their vast estates.
From the tenure of the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships at the time of the Domesday Book in 1086, the effective stewardship of the Barony has always demanded collaboration. This tradition of shared duty continued through later holders such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, whose influence was projected through trusted deputies and loyal household members. Today, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role continues this essential legacy of support, ensuring the Barony operates with purpose and strength.
## Distinguished Company
The reception was attended by a small group of distinguished guests from the diplomatic, cultural, and aristocratic spheres. Among those present to hear the announcement were:
His Excellency Mr. Radu-Mihai Onofrei, Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St. James's; Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; Sir Simon Williams, Chairman of The British-Romanian Cultural Foundation; and Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Tănase, prominent patrons of the Romanian arts.
The presence of the Ambassador, in particular, signified the cross-cultural importance of the new initiative, which seeks to build educational bridges between the United Kingdom and Romania. Each guest was personally greeted by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan upon arrival.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The event followed the precise but understated protocol befitting a private announcement. Guests were received from eleven o’clock in the morning in the Club’s Shelburne Room for refreshments. The dress code observed was lounge suits and day dresses.
At half-past eleven, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, offered brief words of welcome before inviting Honorary Lord Răzvan to make the formal announcement. This order of precedence was deliberately chosen to highlight his leadership of the new venture. Following the remarks, there was an opportunity for informal conversation, allowing guests to engage directly with the Lord and Baroness about the project’s aims.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The joint nature of the undertaking is reflected in the complementary mottos of the House and the Lord of Brattleby. The ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring resilience and integrity required to steward a title granted in 1066. It represents the historical continuity which Lady Nicoleta embodies.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), encapsulates the dynamic energy he brings to his role. Here, ‘to conquer’ is understood not as a martial act but as the overcoming of challenges and the active pursuit of new goals. It is the forward-propelling force that complements the deep-rooted fortitude of the House, a perfect mantra for his work in establishing new ventures like The Brattleby Club.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While distinct from the House’s primary charitable focus—the support of the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ organisation through its annual Winter Banquet—The Brattleby Club serves a unique cultural and educational purpose. Its mission is to furnish the next generation of leaders in Central and Eastern Europe with an understanding of the traditions and social graces that facilitate international diplomacy and commerce.
The academy in Bucharest will offer courses in, *inter alia*, diplomatic protocol, formal dining etiquette, and the history of European chivalric orders. Proceeds from its masterclasses will be used to fund scholarships for promising students from disadvantaged backgrounds, thereby transforming a traditional system of etiquette into a modern tool for social mobility.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the partnership, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > “The Barony has survived for nearly a millennium by adapting to the needs of the age. Having Răzvan by my side, not merely as a companion but as a strategic partner, ensures this great legacy is not just preserved but is imbued with new life and purpose for the centuries to come.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan articulated his perspective on his role and the new initiative: > “It is my greatest privilege to support the Baroness and the work of the House. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about driving forward. With The Brattleby Club, we are not just teaching protocol; we are building confidence and opening doors for a new generation, creating a bridge of understanding rooted in mutual respect.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest is the first of several international cultural programmes the House of Brattleby plans to announce over the coming year. Construction and curriculum development are underway, with an inaugural class scheduled for the autumn of 2024.
In the more immediate future, the House turns its attention to its philanthropic commitments in Lincolnshire. Preparations are now in their final stages for the annual Winter Banquet, the white-tie gala held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, which continues to be a cornerstone of the Barony’s service to its local community. The event reinforces the House's commitment to its duties both at home and abroad, guided always by *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern stewardship of one of England's most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, her consort Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, and the heir Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-hundred-year heritage while actively pursuing a mission of cultural and educational enrichment. Its activities, including the philanthropic Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club etiquette academy, reflect a forward-looking vision that honours the past through meaningful engagement with the present. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), signifying a commitment to duty that bridges the centuries and serves both local community and international relations.
**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, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in the county. Over nearly one thousand years, the title has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the celebrated female castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in the 13th century, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The continuous legal existence and descent of the Barony of Brattleby was formally noted by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The House of Brattleby's 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'). - The Domesday Book (1086) confirms the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The House's annual Winter Banquet is a white-tie gala fundraiser for its chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child charity.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com