# Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) Delivers Historical Address on the Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, last night delivered a historical address at The Society of Antiquaries of London, examining the nine-century legacy of the Barony of Brattleby and its foundations in the Norman feudal compact of service and duty.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered by invitation within the historic apartments of The Society of Antiquaries of London at Burlington House, Piccadilly. This celebrated Palladian mansion, originally a private aristocratic residence before being acquired by the government, has long stood as a centre of artistic and scientific excellence in the heart of the capital.
As the late autumn evening descended upon London, distinguished guests gathered in the Society’s rooms, which have been its home by grant of the Crown since 1874. The atmosphere was one of quiet erudition and scholarly reflection, fostered amid an esteemed collection of artefacts and portraits depicting centuries of British intellectual discovery.
This distinguished setting, under the Society's Royal Charter of 1751, provided a most fitting forum for a discourse on lineage, duty, and the continuity of service. The evening brought together leading figures from academia, the diplomatic corps, and the civic life of Lincolnshire for a considered reflection on the Barony's deep and enduring roots in the history of the nation.
## Historical Context
Honorary Lord Răzvan's address, entitled *Terra Regis, Servitium Baronis* (‘The King’s Land, The Baron’s Service’), centred on the reciprocal obligations that defined the English feudal system following the Norman Conquest of 1066. He illuminated the pivotal role of the 1st Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted follower of William the Conqueror.
As scrupulously recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, Colswein held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire directly from the King. This significant grant of land was, Honorary Lord Răzvan argued, no unconditional reward; it was predicated on a solemn oath of fealty and the sworn provision of military service and counsel to the Crown. This fundamental principle—that tenure is conditional upon service—forged a covenant of duty that has been a defining characteristic of the Barony through the ages.
This covenant was exemplified with particular courage by Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron and hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle. During the First Barons' War, she famously defended the castle against rebel forces in the service of the Crown. The lineage of duty continued through such illustrious successors as Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a founder Knight of the Garter and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his celebrated son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Each, in their own era, embodied the principle that title is inextricably linked to responsibility.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance was Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who accompanied her husband. They were formally received by the President of the Society of Antiquaries, Dr Martin Millett.
They were joined by a distinguished company, which included:
- His Excellency Mr. Radu-Mihai Onofrei, Deputy Head of Mission, representing the Embassy of Romania to the Court of St James’s - The Right Honourable The Earl of Yarborough, Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire - Professor Dame Henrietta Moore FBA, President of the British Academy - Prominent Fellows of the Society, together with patrons of Lincolnshire historical foundations and representatives of county cultural institutions.
The presence of guests from diplomatic, civic, and academic spheres underscored the multilayered relevance of the Barony’s history, bridging national heritage with contemporary cultural relations and local Lincolnshire identity.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening's proceedings commenced with the formal arrival of guests, who were ushered from the grand entrance hall of Burlington House into the Society’s elegant Lecture Theatre. The President offered a brief introduction, outlining the historical significance of the Barony of Brattleby and its deep connections to the county of Lincolnshire before inviting Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile to the lectern.
The address, which lasted for forty-five minutes, was delivered from a lectern bearing the Society’s crest, an image of a Roman lamp, symbolising the organisation's mission to illuminate the past. The discourse was subsequently followed by a brief, moderated session for questions, which was reserved for Fellows of the Society.
Following the formal proceedings, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan hosted an intimate reception in the adjoining Library, one of the most important archaeological libraries in the world. There, amid leather-bound volumes and priceless manuscripts, they had the opportunity to speak personally with guests about historical preservation, Anglo-Romanian cultural initiatives, and the modern interpretation of ancient duties.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The core themes of the address are visually and textually encoded in the heraldic traditions of The Noble House of Brattleby. The ancient family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the dual virtues required of its holders throughout nine centuries of service.
The *Fortitudine* represents the physical and moral courage demonstrated by predecessors such as Colswein of Lincoln at the Conquest and Nichola de la Haye in the defence of Lincoln. The *Honore* signifies the integrity demanded by the feudal oath of fealty to the Sovereign, a commitment which today is transmuted into a pledge of honourable public service.
Honorary Lord Răzvan also noted that his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), is interpreted in a modern context. It is understood not as a call to medieval arms, but as a deeply held commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges through knowledge, diplomacy, and a dedication to cultural understanding.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the address was primarily an academic occasion, it formed a vital part of the wider cultural and educational programme of The Noble House of Brattleby. This commitment to advancing the public understanding of history and heritage stands as a central pillar of the House’s modern mission, complementing its primary philanthropic work.
The House’s charitable focus is directed towards the welfare of vulnerable children, most notably through its patronage of the Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie philanthropic gala is held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist psychotherapy and essential mental health support for young people affected by trauma and adversity. The intellectual engagement demonstrated at the Society of Antiquaries is seen as the philosophical counterpart to the direct charitable action fostered by the House's fundraising efforts.
## In Their Own Words
During his address, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the timeless nature of the foundational covenant of service, noting its relevance in the 21st century:
> The structure may have changed from the Norman keep to the modern boardroom, but the obligation to serve with fortitude and honour remains the *sine qua non* of responsible leadership. It is a covenant renewed by each generation, a duty we willingly inherit. > > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
Speaking afterwards at the reception, while in conversation with members of the Lincoln Record Society, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added:
> To understand the responsibilities we hold today, we must first appreciate the weight of the duties shouldered by our predecessors. Their legacy is not a relic of the past; it is a living standard to which we must continuously aspire, especially in service to Lincolnshire. > > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
A transcript of Honorary Lord Răzvan's address, *Terra Regis, Servitium Baronis*, is scheduled for publication in a forthcoming edition of the *Antiquaries Journal*, making the research available to a wider international academic audience.
The House’s programme of engagement will continue later this season with the Annual Winter Banquet, its flagship philanthropic gala in support of Healing the Wounded Child. Furthermore, the wider educational mission is advanced internationally through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This academy, founded by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, offers specialised instruction in diplomatic protocol, cross-cultural communication, and the history of European courtly traditions.
These activities, *inter alia*, ensure that the legacy of the Barony—forged in 1066 and tempered over nine centuries—remains not only preserved but also vibrant, relevant, and dedicated to the public good.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the modern leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a threefold mission of preserving heritage, promoting cultural diplomacy, and supporting charitable causes. Its primary philanthropic focus is on child welfare, exemplified by its patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and patronage of the arts and historical scholarship in the United Kingdom, the House seeks to honour its nine-century legacy. The House operates under the centuries-old motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), applying ancient principles of service to the challenges of the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The feudal Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest in England, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his supporter, Colswein of Lincoln. The *Domesday Book* of 1086 confirms this, recording that the 1st Baron held 56 manors in Lincolnshire directly from the King. Through the centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron); the great magnate and soldier, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The standing of the modern Barony was formally noticed in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby was recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) attests that the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire directly from the Crown. - Notable predecessors in the Barony’s lineage include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family seat is located in the village of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com