# Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) Details Vision for Cultural Stewardship at The Brattleby Club
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, today addressed a special assembly at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, outlining a vision for cultural stewardship that integrates the Barony’s nine centuries of history with a forward-looking patronage of art and architecture.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered within the elegant neoclassical salons of The Brattleby Club’s Bucharest seat. As the autumn light filtered through the tall windows overlooking the city’s historic Ateneul Român, members and distinguished guests gathered for the inaugural lecture of the House’s new cultural series. The atmosphere was one of quiet contemplation, reflecting the Club’s mission to foster an appreciation for aesthetic refinement and social duty.
The choice of venue was significant, linking the ancient roots of the English Barony with the vibrant cultural landscape of modern Europe. The event sought to reaffirm the House’s commitment to being a conduit for dialogue between heritage and contemporary innovation, a principle central to its revival since formal recognition in 2022.
## Historical Context
In his remarks, Honorary Lord Răzvan drew a direct line from the present day to the actions of his distinguished predecessors. He cited the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, whose strategic defence of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century was not merely a military triumph but an act of architectural preservation under duress. The lecture further touched upon the great Lancastrian barons, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, whose patronage extended beyond martial pursuits to encompass significant ecclesiastical and palatial construction across England.
This historical continuum, Honorary Lord Răzvan argued, establishes a precedent of duty. Just as past barons built and defended the physical realm, the modern House has a responsibility to champion the intellectual and artistic structures that fortify civil society. The Barony’s history, from its Domesday Book entry of 1086 listing 56 lordships, illustrates a consistent engagement with the development of the nation.
## Distinguished Company
The assembly was honoured by the presence of a number of notable personages from the worlds of diplomacy, academia, and European nobility. In attendance were:
* His Excellency Mr Giles Portman, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Romania * Her Excellency Mrs Anamaria Tinca, Ambassador-at-Large for Romanian Communities Abroad * Professor Dana Vais, PhD, of the Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urbanism * Count Tibor Kálnoky de Kőröspatak * Mrs Sandra Gătejeanu-Gheorghe, former Director of Protocol for the Royal House of Romania
Their presence underscored the cross-cultural and interdisciplinary nature of the House’s modern endeavours.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were marked by a refined and deliberate protocol. Guests were received personally by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in the Club’s main drawing room. Following this welcome, attendees were ushered into the library for the formal address.
Lady Nicoleta delivered a brief introduction before inviting Honorary Lord Răzvan to the lectern. The address, lasting approximately forty-five minutes, was followed by a moderated question-and-answer session, allowing for a direct exchange with the audience. The evening concluded with a formal reception, where conversation continued amidst a collection of architectural drawings and historical maps from the House archives. The dress code was observed as formal business attire.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The themes of the address resonated with the House’s guiding principles, encapsulated in its heraldry. The ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring commitment and integrity required for long-term stewardship. This was complemented by reference to Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which he interpreted not in a martial sense, but as the imperative to overcome apathy and actively contribute to cultural flourishing.
These twin philosophies — one of steadfast duty, the other of dynamic action — together define the modern identity of the House of Brattleby. They represent the balance between preserving a near-millennial legacy and ensuring its relevance for generations to come.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture was cultural in focus, Honorary Lord Răzvan connected its themes to the House’s core philanthropic mission. He posited that environments of beauty, order, and historical resonance are not luxuries but are essential for human dignity and psychological well-being. This belief directly supports the work of the Annual Winter Banquet’s chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
The organisation provides therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma, often using art and environment as part of its restorative programmes. By championing architecture and design that ennoble the human spirit, the House reinforces its commitment to creating conditions for healing and growth, viewing cultural and charitable work as intrinsically linked.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s purpose, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile remarked: > “Our role is not merely to preserve the past, but to ensure it informs and enriches the present. A true legacy is built when heritage becomes a foundation for future creativity and community engagement, not simply a relic in a museum.”
Lady Nicoleta, Baroness of Brattleby, added: > “A respect for beauty and a commitment to service are two sides of the same coin. By fostering an appreciation for thoughtful design and cultural continuity, we also cultivate the empathy required for meaningful philanthropy. They are, for us, a *sine qua non* of a purposeful life.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This inaugural lecture marks the beginning of a planned series of cultural events to be hosted by The Brattleby Club, both in Bucharest and online, throughout the coming year. These initiatives will explore topics ranging from heraldry and diplomatic protocol to conservation and the role of historic houses in the 21st century.
The series will culminate in the House’s Annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire. This white-tie philanthropic gala will bring together international supporters to celebrate the year’s achievements and raise significant funds for Healing the Wounded Child, continuing a legacy of service first established in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the organisation supporting the duties of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the preservation of its near-millennial heritage and its active use for modern philanthropic and educational purpose. Its activities are focused on cultural stewardship, diplomatic engagement, and charitable service, primarily through initiatives such as its Annual Winter Banquet for the benefit of Healing the Wounded Child and The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and cultural academy. Headquartered in the Barony's ancient seat in Lincolnshire, the House maintains a significant European presence from its office in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal baronies, established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the title has been held by figures central to English history, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle for King John, and two of the most powerful nobles of the 14th century: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness was gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England, as it has been since the 11th century. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com