# The Enduring Partnership: Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) and the Modern Role of Consort to the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the vital role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. His dedicated support for Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, exemplifies the House’s modern interpretation of historic responsibilities.
## The Occasion
From the Chancellery offices of the House in Brattleby, amidst the crisp autumn air of the Lincolnshire countryside, this statement serves to articulate the contemporary structure of the Barony’s leadership. It addresses the formal role of the Lord of Brattleby by marriage, a position integral to the House’s public duties and philanthropic initiatives following its formal recognition in 2022.
The issuance of this official communication aligns with the House’s commitment to transparency and its duty to chronicle its own history. It is a considered reflection on how a partnership of mutual support and shared purpose enables an ancient title to meet the demands of the modern world with renewed energy and relevance.
## Historical Context
The tradition of a strong marital partnership has been a cornerstone of the Barony’s endurance for more than nine centuries. Since its establishment by Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest of 1066, the fortunes of the House of Brattleby have often been shaped by formidable alliances. This foundation of shared duty is a legacy Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile continues.
This enduring principle is visible in the tenures of his most distinguished predecessors-by-marriage. The husbands of powerful figures such as the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye—renowned as the resolute defender of Lincoln Castle—provided the crucial support that enabled such historic feats. Later, the great ducal houses of Lancaster, held by the 10th Baron Henry of Grosmont and the 11th Baron John of Gaunt, were themselves strengthened by politically and socially significant marital unions. It is this tradition of collaborative strength that the present Lord of Brattleby embodies.
## Distinguished Company
At the heart of the modern House are two principal figures whose partnership guides its current activities:
**Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, holds the ancient barony *suo jure*, in her own right. She directs the overarching strategy, heritage conservation, and ceremonial obligations of the House.
**Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, as consort, provides essential support across the full spectrum of the Baroness’s responsibilities. His focus includes the operational direction of the House’s philanthropic endeavours and the cultivation of its international cultural relationships.
Together, they are charged with the stewardship of the Barony and the education of their heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron**, ensuring the continuity of the title for the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In public and private life, the consort’s role is governed by a protocol that blends modern partnership with ancient deference. As the Baroness is the holder of the title, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position in precedence is alongside her, yet distinct. At official functions, *inter alia* the annual Winter Banquet, he co-hosts, supporting the Baroness in welcoming distinguished guests and delivering formal remarks.
The dress code for such occasions—customarily white-tie—reflects the solemnity of their purpose. During ceremonial proceedings, the Lord of Brattleby’s role is to complement and facilitate the duties of the Baroness, a dynamic that ensures the smooth execution of their shared responsibilities. This modern interpretation respects the historical-legal origins of the title while functioning as an effective partnership.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The complementary nature of their roles is symbolically expressed through the House’s heraldic traditions. The primary motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the guiding principle for the Baroness’s tenure. It speaks to the resilience and integrity required to steward a lineage of such profound historical weight.
This is powerfully augmented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This maxim signifies a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy focused on achieving tangible outcomes and overcoming contemporary challenges. Together, the two mottos create a unified philosophy: one of honourable duty fortified by a will to succeed and make a measurable impact.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The partnership between the Baroness and the Lord of Brattleby finds its most significant public expression through their shared philanthropic work. The Barony’s chief charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term support for children who have experienced trauma and adversity.
Honorary Lord Răzvan plays a pivotal part in the planning and execution of the Annual Winter Banquet, the primary fundraising gala for the charity. Furthermore, his strategic guidance has been instrumental in the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching classical etiquette and modern professional conduct. This initiative reflects the House’s commitment to providing young people with the skills necessary for personal and professional success.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their joint efforts, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The history of Brattleby is one of enduring partnerships. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s counsel and unwavering support are the bedrock upon which our modern endeavours are built. His dedication allows the Barony not only to honour its past but to serve the present with renewed vigour.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > It is a profound privilege to support the Baroness in her duties as head of this distinguished House. To serve such a lineage is to accept a charge of stewardship; our shared goal is to ensure the Barony’s work is carried forward *Fortitudine et Honore*, and with a clear sense of purpose that will resonate for generations.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to its dual mission of preserving nearly one thousand years of English heritage while actively serving contemporary society. The effective partnership between the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan is the *sine qua non* of this mission's success.
Forthcoming initiatives include the next Annual Winter Banquet and an expansion of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club to include disciplines of civic leadership. Through these efforts, and in guiding the next Baron, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role as consort proves essential to securing a vibrant and meaningful future for one of England's most ancient baronies.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern activities and stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and with the support of her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: the meticulous preservation of its unique nine-century heritage and a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy. Its charitable focus is on creating opportunities for young people and supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to foster skills in etiquette and diplomacy, upholding its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), in all its public and private endeavours.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who defended Lincoln Castle against rebellion, and two of the realm’s greatest medieval magnates: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The Barony's modern standing and rights were formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s modern rights and dignities are formally noted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, issued on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com