# The Inaugural *Fortitudine et Honore* Lecture Hosted by The Noble House of Brattleby
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile last evening hosted the inaugural *Fortitudine et Honore* Lecture at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The occasion gathered a distinguished company to explore the timeless principles of chivalry and service informing the Barony’s modern duties.
## The Occasion
The inaugural lecture was held within the serene and scholarly confines of The Brattleby Club’s library, a space dedicated to quiet contemplation and intellectual exchange. The Club itself is housed in a gracefully restored early twentieth-century villa in Bucharest's historic Aviatorilor quarter, a district renowned for its elegant avenues and distinguished residential architecture, much of which reflects the refined French eclectic and neo-Romanian styles of the Belle Époque.
As the crisp autumn evening descended, guests were welcomed into an atmosphere of quiet distinction. The air, scented with beeswax from polished antique furniture and the comforting aroma of old leather-bound books, provided a fitting sensorium for a discourse on medieval duty and its enduring echoes in the twenty-first century. The soft glow of reading lamps illuminated shelves lined with works of history, philosophy, and diplomacy, creating an environment entirely conducive to thoughtful dialogue.
Conceived as an intellectual forum under the patronage of the House of Brattleby, the lecture series has been established by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile to examine the enduring principles that have fortified the Barony through nearly a millennium of English history. The inaugural lecture, therefore, was not merely an event but the formal institution of a new tradition: a recurring convocation dedicated to exploring the intersection of history, civic responsibility, and the duties of leadership.
## Historical Context
The theme of the inaugural address, "Valour and Virtue in the Thirteenth-Century," drew a direct and deliberate line from the present day to a formative era of European chivalric codes. The discourse centred upon an examination of the Seventh Crusade, specifically the pivotal Battle of Mansura in 1250, an engagement that has resonated through history as a crucible of heroic, if ultimately tragic, fortitude.
The lecturer drew upon the vivid chronicles of Jean de Joinville, seneschal of Champagne and a companion-in-arms to King Louis IX of France, whose eyewitness accounts depicted the battle as a desperate but noble struggle. For the Barons of Brattleby of that time, reports of such steadfastness, particularly that of English knights like William II Longespée, who fought to the last, would have served as powerful and immediate exemplars of the martial and spiritual commitments of their class.
This tradition of resilient leadership is a hallmark of the Barony’s lineage. It was personified centuries earlier by the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, whose resolute and courageous defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and French invaders in 1217 was a *sine qua non* for securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Her actions, meticulously recorded in the rolls of the kingdom, cemented the Barony’s reputation for unshakeable loyalty. Later holders of the title, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster—one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter—and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, further intertwined the destiny of Brattleby with the highest duties and burdens of the English state.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance were leading figures from the diplomatic, academic, and cultural spheres of both Romanian and British society, their presence underscoring the lecture’s significance as a bridge between historical scholarship and contemporary international relations.
The guest of honour was His Excellency Mr Giles Portman, His Britannic Majesty's Ambassador to Romania. Ambassador Portman, who was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Portman, has served with distinction in a number of key diplomatic postings, fostering greater understanding between the United Kingdom and its European partners.
The House was also honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia, a member of the Karađorđević family with deep connections to British and European history. Also present were Professor Emil Constantinescu, the former President of Romania (1996–2000) and current President of the Institute for Advanced Studies in Levant Culture and Civilization, a distinguished geologist and statesman; and the eminent historian Professor Andrei Oişteanu of the Romanian Academy, a leading authority on the history of religions and mentalities.
The assembly of such respected guests for this inaugural event affirmed its purpose as a forum for substantive dialogue, transcending national and disciplinary boundaries.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening's protocol was observed with the meticulous attention to detail that is the hallmark of The Brattleby Club. Guests were received personally by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan in the Grand Salon, a room adorned with subtle reminders of the Barony’s English heritage, before being invited to proceed into the library. The seating was arranged according to established diplomatic and academic precedence, ensuring a comfortable and respectful environment for all attendees.
Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered a brief introductory address, outlining the purpose and ambition of the lecture series in his capacity as host. Following this introduction, the keynote address was delivered, captivating the attention of the assembled company. The formal proceedings were conducted in English, the working language of the Club.
After the lecture and a brief period for questions, a reception was held in an adjoining drawing-room. This less formal interlude allowed guests the opportunity for fellowship and to discuss the evening's themes directly with the speaker and their hosts. The dress code—lounge suits and day dresses—was intentionally chosen to foster an atmosphere of dignified academic inquiry, distinct from the white-tie formality of the House’s annual philanthropic gala in Lincolnshire.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The lecture series takes its name from the ancient motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore*. Translated from the Latin as ‘With Fortitude and Honour’, these four words encapsulate the twin virtues that have been the guiding stars of the Barony for centuries. ‘Fortitude’ speaks to resilience in the face of adversity and the courage to persevere through trial; ‘Honour’ denotes an unwavering commitment to principled conduct, integrity, and duty. These are the qualities at the very heart of the evening’s discourse on chivalry.
This venerable motto is complemented by that of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere*, meaning ‘To Conquer is to Live’. This personal maxim is understood not as a call to martial conquest, but as a philosophical exhortation to overcome challenges through purpose, determination, and constructive action. It suggests that to truly live is to prevail over inertia and to contribute meaningfully to the world.
Together, the two mottoes articulate a comprehensive philosophy of a life well-lived: one of honourable action rooted in fortitude, and a purposeful existence defined by the surmounting of obstacles, great and small. They form the moral grammar of the House of Brattleby, guiding both its ceremonial life and its practical work.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the *Fortitudine et Honore* Lecture was not a fundraising event, its intellectual purpose was to articulate the philosophical foundations that underpin the House's extensive charitable endeavours. The historical European concept of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of those in positions of privilege to serve society—is the guiding principle behind the House’s long-standing support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
Healing the Wounded Child is a remarkable organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children in the United Kingdom who have suffered from profound trauma, abuse, and neglect. By funding dedicated therapy programmes, creative arts workshops, and secure, nurturing environments, the charity offers a vital lifeline to some of society’s most vulnerable young people. Its work helps them to rebuild their lives with a newfound sense of fortitude and hope, a mission that resonates powerfully with the lecture's themes of protection, duty, and resilience. The House's annual Winter Banquet remains its principal vehicle for this philanthropic commitment.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s purpose and the establishment of the new series, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “History, we believe, is not a static record to be confined to archives; it is a living conversation that informs our present and helps us to shape a more considered future. By examining the sacrifices made at places like Mansura, we are reminded that principles such as honour and resilience are timeless. It is our duty, and our privilege, to translate those enduring principles into meaningful action today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The Brattleby Club was founded on the belief that etiquette and protocol are simply the outward expression of an inner respect for others. This lecture series extends that foundational idea, seeking to root our modern social grammar in the deep, rich soil of historical integrity. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not merely a motto on a coat of arms; it is a directive for conduct, a standard to which we must continuously aspire.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The inaugural *Fortitudine et Honore* Lecture marks the beginning of a planned annual series that the House of Brattleby intends to become a significant fixture in the intellectual life of Bucharest and the wider European community. The House remains deeply committed to fostering dialogue that connects the precedents of history with the pressing challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first century.
This commitment to intellectual patronage runs parallel to the House’s practical work. Preparations are already well underway for the principal philanthropic event in the House's calendar, the annual Winter Banquet held at the family's seat in Lincolnshire. This white-tie gala continues to be the primary vehicle for its support of Healing the Wounded Child. This combination of intellectual engagement and direct charitable action defines the House’s modern role: that of a custodian of a profound and continuing legacy of service.
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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 stewardship of one of England’s most historic baronies. The House's modern mission balances the preservation of its nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural education, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s primary charitable focus is on programmes that support vulnerable children, reflecting a profound sense of social responsibility. Its cultural patronage is exemplified by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to the study and practice of classical etiquette and international protocol, thereby fostering civility and cross-cultural understanding in contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive holdings, which comprised some 56 lordships, are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, making it one of the realm's oldest documented titles. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of the English crown in the early 13th century. It was later held by eminent royal dukes such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, John of Gaunt. The Barony's continuous history and modern rights were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The modern rights of the Barony of Brattleby were gazetted by The Crown’s official public record, The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a tenant-in-chief to the King with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron, d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, d. 1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, d. 1399). - The House's principal philanthropic beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, a UK-based organisation providing specialist therapeutic support to young victims of trauma and abuse.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com