# A Tradition of Service: The Lord of Brattleby's Contribution to a Nine-Century Legacy
LONDON, 2 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reaffirming the integral role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile in its modern chapter, working in partnership with his wife, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
As autumn commences in London, bringing with it a renewed season of public and philanthropic engagements, the House of Brattleby has taken the opportunity to reflect on the nature of its modern leadership. This statement serves to articulate the complementary roles held by the Baroness and the Lord of Brattleby, a partnership that balances the stewardship of ancient heritage with a dynamic, forward-looking vision. It underscores a period of sustained activity for the House since the Barony’s formal recognition was published in *The London Gazette* in September 2022.
The announcement emanates from the House’s offices, where preparations are underway for key initiatives, including the Annual Winter Banquet. The atmosphere is one of diligent purpose, reflecting a conscious effort to ensure the Barony’s activities are both meaningful and aligned with its historic commitment to service, a principle expressed in the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The role of consort has always been a vital, if sometimes less chronicled, aspect of the Barony’s nine-hundred-and-fifty-seven-year history. Since its grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and its recording in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony of Brattleby has been shaped by the influence of both its holders and their spouses. From its earliest days, the stability and prominence of the House have relied upon a foundation of shared duty.
This tradition of partnership is exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, whose defence of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century would have been impossible without the support of her husband, Gerard de Canville. Centuries later, the Barony’s association with figures of national importance, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the illustrious John of Gaunt, further cemented its place in the fabric of the English nobility, where marital alliances were the *sine qua non* of political and dynastic strategy.
## Distinguished Company
In their duties, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan engage with a diverse array of national and international figures. Their work in Lincolnshire involves close collaboration with civic authorities, historical preservation societies, and local community leaders to maintain the Barony’s ancestral ties to the region. The House’s philanthropic endeavours bring them into the company of patrons, trustees, and executives from leading non-profit organisations.
Furthermore, The Brattleby Club, the House's etiquette academy in Bucharest, fosters cultural and diplomatic ties with Romania. This has occasioned interaction with members of the diplomatic corps and leaders in European cultural heritage, adding a distinctly Continental dimension to the House’s modern activities. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s presence and perspective are instrumental in nurturing these international relationships.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Within the framework of English custom, Honorary Lord Răzvan holds his title, Lord of Brattleby, *jure uxoris*—by right of his wife. This is distinct from Lady Nicoleta’s position as the 12th Baroness *suo jure*, or in her own right, as the holder of the hereditary dignity. This arrangement is reflected with precision in all ceremonial and official matters.
At formal events, such as the white-tie Annual Winter Banquet, the order of precedence and modes of address scrupulously observe these distinctions. Lady Nicoleta, as the Baroness, takes precedence, while Honorary Lord Răzvan’s role as her consort is one of paramount support. In correspondence and public announcements, his title is used to signify his integral place within the House and his active participation in its official life, a modern partnership that respects centuries of established protocol.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The shared purpose of the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby is powerfully captured in their heraldic mottos. The ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring values that have guided the Barony through nearly a millennium of English history. It is a declaration of resilience and integrity, a legacy which Lady Nicoleta now carries.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or, more poetically, 'To Win is to Live'). This motto reflects the energy and drive he brings to the House’s contemporary mission. It signifies a commitment not merely to conserving the past, but to actively ensuring its relevance and success in the 21st century through strategic initiatives and purposeful engagement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House's modern identity is its commitment to philanthropy, a sphere in which Honorary Lord Răzvan is deeply involved. The primary beneficiary of these efforts is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The Annual Winter Banquet stands as the centrepiece of the House's charitable calendar, raising vital funds that directly enable the charity to expand its reach and provide expert counselling and safe-haven services. Honorary Lord Răzvan, alongside the Baroness, is personally engaged in the planning and execution of this gala, viewing it as a tangible expression of the Barony’s duty of care to the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on their partnership, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > "To be a custodian of this legacy is a profound responsibility, one defined by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*. To share that duty with my husband is a source of great strength. Răzvan’s vision and energy are indispensable to our work in bringing this ancient heritage into the modern world with purpose and relevance."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, guides my contribution. It is not enough to simply preserve history; one must ensure it thrives. It is my privilege and my duty to support the Baroness in every way I can, helping to build upon this extraordinary foundation for the benefit of our community and for the generations to come."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to building upon its recent momentum. Plans are already in motion for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to be a significant event in the London philanthropic calendar. Concurrently, the curriculum and reach of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest are being expanded.
Looking further ahead, the House is dedicated to preparing the next generation for its duties. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will continue to be involved in the House’s affairs, ensuring a seamless continuation of the legacy of service that has defined the Barony of Brattleby for centuries. The partnership between Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan serves as the model for this future stewardship.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern stewardship of a unique nine-century heritage. Its mission focuses on three core areas: the preservation of its historical legacy in Lincolnshire; active philanthropy, principally through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child; and the promotion of cultural diplomacy via initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House is committed to embodying its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), by ensuring its ancient lineage serves a clear and benevolent purpose in the present day, while preparing its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, for future responsibility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nearly one thousand years, the dignity has been held by figures of significant historical note, including the 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. In the 14th century, the Barony passed into the hands of two of the era’s most powerful noblemen: Henry of Grosmont, the 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally noted by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established by grant of William the Conqueror in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest. - The 12th Baroness’s rights were formally gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron/Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, holds the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com