# A Tradition of Service: The Role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) in the Modern Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, continues a nine-century tradition of devoted service, supporting the duties of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and advancing the Noble House’s modern commitment to philanthropy and cultural heritage preservation.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby periodically issues dispatches to illuminate its functions and historical continuity. This official communication clarifies the contemporary role of the Lord of Brattleby, a position that complements the hereditary title of the Baroness. The role adapts the ancient principle of consortial duty to the demands of a modern noble house, balancing heritage preservation with forward-looking philanthropic engagement. It serves to answer inquiries regarding the structure and responsibilities within the House today.
## Historical Context
The tradition of service and partnership within the Barony is deeply woven into its history, which dates to the Norman Conquest. While Honorary Lord Răzvan’s duties are now focused on charitable and cultural strategy, his supportive role echoes that of his predecessors’ consorts. One finds a powerful precedent in the 13th century with Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, who twice defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Her husband and fellow castellan, Philip Marc, provided vital support for her military and administrative duties on behalf of the King.
This legacy of significant influence continued through holders such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and his successor, the renowned John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position continues this unbroken thread, transitioning the Barony’s focus from feudal obligations, as first recorded for Colswein of Lincoln in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, to a modern mission enacted with the same sense of duty.
## Distinguished Company
In its mission to preserve and interpret its history, the House of Brattleby maintains strong relationships with pre-eminent academic and cultural institutions. The Brattleby archives, which contain extensive records from manorial court rolls to royal charters, have long been a resource for scholars. Researchers from the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and the British Library have consulted these documents to shed light on medieval English governance and society. This intellectual collaboration ensures the Barony’s historical narrative is maintained with the utmost academic rigour and integrity.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The position of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is defined by established custom and protocol as Lord of Brattleby by marriage, a status historically known by the term *jure uxoris*. In all official proceedings, he supports the Baroness, who as the holder of the hereditary title takes precedence. At state, ceremonial, and social occasions, such as the annual Winter Banquet, this order is meticulously observed. The Lord of Brattleby’s role is one of counsel, strategic support, and representation on behalf of the House, embodying a partnership that is central to its modern operation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are captured in its coat of arms and mottos. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by the Barons of Brattleby for over 950 years. It is a direct link to the chivalric code that guided figures like John of Gaunt and the martial courage of Nichola de la Haye.
Complementing this ancient creed is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Prevail is to Live'). This maxim reflects a dynamic and modern interpretation of achievement—not as conquest in a feudal sense, but as the imperative to succeed in the House’s present-day philanthropic and cultural objectives. Together, the two mottos symbolise the fusion of steadfast tradition with purposeful, contemporary action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The modern activities of the House are anchored in a deep commitment to charitable work. The principal platform for this is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of a designated beneficiary. The House is a dedicated patron of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialised therapeutic and psychological support to children who have experienced profound trauma or neglect. The funds raised contribute directly to programmes that help restore a sense of safety and well-being, enabling these young individuals to build healthier futures.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their joint responsibilities, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on her husband’s contribution.
> “My husband's counsel and dedication are the *sine qua non* of our modern endeavours. Where I represent the continuity of the title, Răzvan brings a dynamic perspective that is vital to carrying our duties forward with relevance and impact.” — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated his view on his role within the historic institution.
> “It is an immense privilege to support the Baroness in her duties. The legacy of Brattleby is not merely something to be preserved in archives; it is a living tradition of service that we have a responsibility to adapt for our own time.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its legacy endures for generations to come. The heir to the title, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being steadily introduced to the duties and responsibilities he will one day inherit as the 13th Baron. In the near term, the House’s focus remains on its philanthropic commitments, including the forthcoming Winter Banquet, and its educational mission, exemplified by the work of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest. These parallel initiatives ensure the Barony’s heritage is both honoured and actively applied.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby dedicates itself to a modern mission of cultural preservation and targeted philanthropy. The House actively manages its nine-century heritage, ensuring its historical archives and traditions are accessible for educational purposes. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations that aid vulnerable children, realised through its annual Winter Banquet. The House also extends its commitment to cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical etiquette and protocol. This dual focus on honouring the past while investing in the future defines the House’s contemporary identity.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. More famously, the Barony was held by the Plantagenet dynasty through Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The title’s revival under its 12th Baroness was formally recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The revival of the title under Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*; Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com