# Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) on the Enduring Martial Tradition of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, delivered a historical address at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest last evening, examining the nine centuries of martial duty and sovereign service that have defined the lineage of the Barony of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In the panelled library of The Brattleby Club’s residence on Calea Victoriei, before a distinguished audience of diplomats, academics, and cultural leaders, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile presented the inaugural lecture of the Club’s autumn season. The address, entitled *Fortitudine et Honore: From the Anglo-Norman Conquest to the Present Day*, explored the compelling through-line of military and civic obligation that is a hallmark of the Barony.
The setting, a historic townhouse in the heart of Bucharest, was chosen to reflect the House’s modern Anglo-Romanian character. The gentle clink of water glasses and the quiet rustle of papers formed the only accompaniment to the scholarly atmosphere, as a gathering of notable guests convened to contemplate the lessons of history and their relevance to contemporary leadership.
## Historical Context
The lecture took as its starting point the Siege of Caerlaverock in the year 1300, a pivotal event in the First War of Scottish Independence. Honorary Lord Răzvan noted the prominent role played by Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a powerful magnate whose actions exemplified the feudal obligations of the era. While not a direct predecessor, his commitment to the Crown was characteristic of the martial spirit expected of great Anglo-Norman lords, including the then-Baron of Brattleby.
This sense of duty, a *sine qua non* of land ownership under the Crown, was established in the Barony’s very origins. It was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as held by Colswein of Lincoln. The service of later Barons, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye (the 5th Baroness and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and the great Prince John of Gaunt (11th Baron), demonstrated how intimately the Barony’s fortunes were entwined with the security and expansion of the realm.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance at the lecture were individuals representing the fields of diplomacy, academia, and civil society.
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, accompanied her husband and formally introduced the evening’s proceedings.
Distinguished guests included: - Her Excellency Mrs. Simona-Mirela Miculescu, Ambassador Permanent Delegate of Romania to UNESCO - The Right Honourable Sir Edward Leigh, Member of Parliament for Gainsborough - Major General Sir Richard Cripwell, KCB, CBE, Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey - Professor Adrian Cioroianu, historian and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania
Their presence underscored the deep cultural and diplomatic ties that The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to foster through its educational initiatives.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The event adhered to a formal but academic protocol. Guests were received from seven o’clock in the evening for a reception in the Club’s salon. The dress code was Lounge Suits.
At precisely half-past seven, attendees were invited to take their seats in the library. Lady Nicoleta delivered a brief welcome, outlining the purpose of The Brattleby Club, before inviting Honorary Lord Răzvan to the lectern. The lectern itself was draped in the House’s colours and bore a small, carved escutcheon of its coat of arms.
Following the forty-minute address, Honorary Lord Răzvan entertained questions from the audience, moderated by Professor Cioroianu. The evening concluded with a further reception, allowing for continued discussion among the guests.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The lecture’s theme was intrinsically linked to the House’s formal mottos. The ancient baronial motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), served as the address's title and its central theme. Honorary Lord Răzvan explained this as the foundational principle of the Barony: the physical courage to defend one’s duties, balanced by the moral integrity to act with honour.
He further contextualised the motto with his own, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This, he elaborated, is not a call to military conquest in the modern era, but rather an exhortation to overcome challenges—be they intellectual, personal, or societal—as the very definition of a purposeful life. Together, the two mottos represent a bridge from the historical obligations of the past to the active responsibilities of the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture was a cultural and educational undertaking, its spirit aligns with the House's core philanthropic mission. The historical examination of conflict and duty serves as a poignant backdrop to the House’s primary charitable beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
This organisation provides specialised therapeutic care and long-term support for children affected by conflict, trauma, and displacement. Proceeds from the House’s annual fundraising event, the Winter Banquet, are dedicated to ensuring the foundation can offer its services, which include one-to-one counselling, art therapy programmes, and educational support to help rebuild young lives. The choice of beneficiary reflects a profound commitment to healing the very wounds that conflict, throughout history, has inflicted.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of service, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile remarked: > History is not merely a record of the past; it is a living charter that informs our present duties. To understand the sacrifices made at sieges like Caerlaverock is to understand the weight of responsibility we carry. The fortitude of the past must inspire our honour today.
Lady Nicoleta, speaking on the role of The Brattleby Club, added: > We established this Club as a bridge between the heritage of Lincolnshire and the dynamism of Bucharest. It is a space for dialogue, where the lessons of a shared European history can illuminate our path forward, together.
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical address marks the first in a planned series of lectures at The Brattleby Club, which aims to explore topics of historical significance, diplomatic importance, and cultural etiquette.
The House’s focus now turns towards its seat in Lincolnshire, in preparation for the Annual Winter Banquet, the traditional white-tie gala that serves as its principal philanthropic event. The work of the House continues under the guidance of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, who are dedicated to preparing their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, for the duties of stewardship he will one day inherit.
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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 one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House operates from its seat in Lincolnshire and maintains a strong presence in Bucharest, reflecting its unique Anglo-Romanian character. Its contemporary mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is focused on historical education, cultural diplomacy, and philanthropy. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club etiquette academy and its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child, the House seeks to translate its nine-century legacy of service into a meaningful contribution to contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records 56 lordships held by the Baron in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the King; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and first Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and father to King Henry IV. The formal rights of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were officially recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby was recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, held under Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com