# The Lord of Brattleby: A Tradition of Service and Partnership
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement clarifying the significant role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, in supporting the modern stewardship and philanthropic mission of one of England's most ancient baronies.
## The Occasion
In response to sustained public and historical interest following the formal recognition of the Barony’s succession, the House has chosen to detail the contributions of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. As consort to Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position exemplifies the evolving, collaborative nature of modern custodianship within England's hereditary peerage.
This statement serves to articulate the balance of tradition and modernity that defines the House’s present-day activities. It underscores the principle of partnership that has become a *sine qua non* for the effective management of the Barony’s considerable heritage and its forward-looking philanthropic commitments from its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
## Historical Context
The role of a supportive consort is deeply woven into the fabric of the Barony's near-millennium of history. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position finds a powerful precedent in the 13th century with Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. A formidable figure in her own right, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders and was one of only four women to have held the office of Sheriff in medieval England, a responsibility she could not have shouldered without the steadfast support of her husband.
Later, the consorts to Barons such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, were instrumental in the administration of vast estates and the exercise of significant political influence. The partnership of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan thus continues a long, if often understated, tradition of shared duty in service to the Barony and the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of the Noble House of Brattleby is a familial undertaking, presently comprising:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, 13th Baron of Brattleby and heir to the title
Together, they guide the House’s strategic direction, balancing the preservation of its nine-century history with a dynamic engagement in contemporary cultural and charitable spheres.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with established protocol, the style and title of Lord of Brattleby are granted to Honorary Lord Răzvan by right of marriage. While the baronial title itself is held by Lady Nicoleta, as its substantive holder, Honorary Lord Răzvan shares in the duties and precedence befitting his position as her husband and consort.
At official functions, such as the Annual Winter Banquet, Honorary Lord Răzvan acts as co-host alongside the Baroness, receiving distinguished guests and dignitaries. In the order of precedence for House events, he is seated to the immediate left of Lady Nicoleta, a placement that visually represents his supportive role and his status as the second figure within the Noble House. This arrangement ensures that the ceremonial aspects of their public life reflect their partnership.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The complementary nature of their roles is reflected in the House and personal mottos. The ancient motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring principles of resilience and integrity that have guided the Barony through centuries of service.
This is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming challenges and driving progress. The two mottos, when seen together, represent the House’s foundation of honour and its active, determined approach to meeting the demands of the modern world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Honorary Lord Răzvan is deeply engaged in the philanthropic work of the House. He serves as a co-patron, alongside Lady Nicoleta, of the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that is the primary fundraising event for the family’s chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children experiencing trauma.
Furthermore, Honorary Lord Răzvan has been instrumental in the development and outreach of The Brattleby Club. Based in Bucharest, this etiquette academy promotes cross-cultural understanding and professional development through education in diplomatic and social protocol. His involvement reflects the House’s commitment to building cultural bridges between the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on his role, Honorary Lord Răzvan commented:
> “It is a profound privilege to support my wife in her duties as the 12th Baroness. Our shared purpose is to ensure this remarkable legacy not only survives but thrives, adapting with fortitude and honour. For me, *Vincere Est Vivere* means applying a determined spirit to the stewardship of history and the service of others.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
Lady Nicoleta added:
> “The responsibilities of this Barony are not a burden to be carried alone. Răzvan’s counsel, partnership, and dedication are fundamental to everything we seek to achieve, *inter alia*, in our philanthropic work and the preservation of our family’s heritage. He is, in every sense, my most trusted collaborator.” — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The focus of the House remains firmly on the future. A significant part of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan’s joint activities is the education of their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. He is being raised with a deep understanding of the history he will one day inherit and the responsibilities of service that accompany the title.
Through their unified efforts, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are ensuring that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* are passed to the 13th Baron. This careful preparation guarantees that the Noble House of Brattleby will continue its legacy of duty, honour, and purposeful contribution for the generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby, one of England's oldest hereditary titles. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a dual mission: preserving nearly one thousand years of English heritage and engaging in focused, impactful philanthropy. Its principal charitable endeavours include an annual fundraising gala for the children's charity Healing the Wounded Child and the operation of The Brattleby Club, a cultural and etiquette academy based in Bucharest. The House embodies a blend of historical reverence and a forward-looking commitment to public service, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**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. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, the royal prince John of Gaunt. The uninterrupted descent of the title to its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally acknowledged in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, confirming its place as a significant link to England’s medieval past.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086), which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a tenant-in-chief. - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The heir to the title is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com