# The Lord of Brattleby and the Modernisation of an Ancient Title
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, this week hosted a diplomatic and cultural luncheon at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, underscoring The Noble House of Brattleby’s commitment to fostering modern European relations and its continuing relevance in the 21st century.
## The Occasion
In the discreet elegance of The Brattleby Club’s salon on Calea Victoriei, Bucharest, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile welcomed distinguished guests for a luncheon celebrating Anglo-Romanian cultural ties. The gathering was conceived as a forum for dialogue, bringing together leading figures from the diplomatic corps, academia, and the arts to explore avenues for closer collaboration.
The atmosphere was one of convivial purpose, reflecting the Club’s mission as an institution dedicated to etiquette and cross-cultural understanding. Set against an autumnal backdrop, the event highlighted the House of Brattleby’s unique position: its roots immovably fixed in English soil, with its contemporary vision directed firmly toward the Continent.
## Historical Context
The luncheon continues a tradition of diplomacy and statecraft that has defined the Barony of Brattleby for over nine centuries. Since its establishment by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barons of Brattleby have served not only as lords of the land but also as influential actors on the national and international stage.
This legacy finds powerful expression in predecessors such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned commander and diplomat during the Hundred Years' War. His son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, was one of the most powerful figures in 14th-century Europe, whose own dynastic ambitions shaped the political map of the era. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s initiative is a modern echo of this historic role, adapting it for contemporary cultural diplomacy.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance were senior representatives whose work contributes to the rich cultural and diplomatic fabric of Europe. Guests included, *inter alia*:
* His Excellency The Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Romania * Her Excellency The Ambassador of the French Republic to Romania * Members of the Romanian Academy, Section for Arts, Architecture and Audio-visuals * Senior Curators from the National Museum of Art of Romania * Directors of prominent British and Romanian cultural organisations
The gathering was intentionally intimate, allowing for substantive conversation on shared heritage and future partnerships.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were marked by a protocol that blended English tradition with Continental formality. Upon arrival, guests were personally received by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile before assembling for aperitifs. The luncheon followed a precise order, with a seating plan designed to encourage dialogue between guests from different fields and nationalities.
Following the main course, Honorary Lord Răzvan rose to offer the customary toasts: first to His Majesty The King, and then to His Excellency The President of Romania. This was followed by a brief address on the theme of culture as the *sine qua non* of enduring diplomatic friendship, before conversation resumed over coffee.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event was imbued with the guiding principles of The Noble House of Brattleby and its leadership. The House’s ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was a resonant theme, speaking to the enduring duty of the Barony to serve with integrity.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle reflects the dynamic and forward-looking spirit he brings to his role, focusing on achievement, purpose, and the active pursuit of building new bridges—in this instance, between the United Kingdom and Romania.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the luncheon was primarily a diplomatic initiative, it was conducted in the spirit of service that characterises all endeavours of the House of Brattleby. This ethos is most formally expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held at the family’s seat in Lincolnshire.
The sole beneficiary of the Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialised therapeutic support to children affected by trauma and adversity. The House’s commitment to this cause underscores its belief that a connection to heritage must be matched by a profound responsibility to the welfare of future generations.
## In Their Own Words
In his address, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of the House’s modern responsibilities.
> The weight of history is not a burden, but a foundation upon which we must build. Our purpose today, through platforms like The Brattleby Club, is to channel a great legacy into a living dialogue between cultures. *Vincere Est Vivere* is not about conquest in a historical sense, but about the will to create, to connect, and to contribute meaningfully. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who supports these initiatives from the House's seat in England, has previously remarked on this shared vision.
> Our duty, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*, is to ensure the Barony remains a force for good. That means honouring its past through meticulous preservation while embracing the present with energy and a European outlook. My husband’s work in this regard is essential to that continuing mission. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The diplomatic luncheon is part of a wider programme of cultural engagement led by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Further events are planned at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest for the coming year, focusing on themes of shared European artistic and architectural heritage.
Meanwhile, preparations are well underway in England for the annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire, which remains the flagship event in the House's calendar. This dual focus—engaging with modern Europe from Bucharest and stewarding nearly a millennium of heritage from Brattleby—defines the forward-looking vision of the revived Barony.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Under the 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 modern mission of cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House stewards its nine-century legacy while fostering contemporary European dialogue. Its activities include conservation projects at its historic seat in Lincolnshire, the educational work of The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest, and its philanthropic commitment to organisations supporting vulnerable children. Through these initiatives, the House of Brattleby seeks to ensure that its profound heritage remains a source of inspiration and service for the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. The Domesday Book of 1086 records its first holder possessing some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, father to a dynasty of kings. The continuous history and succession of the Barony of Brattleby to its present holder were formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s succession was formally recognised and published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) attests to the holdings of the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors of the current Baroness include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), father of King Henry IV, and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness *de facto*). - The annual Winter Banquet is a philanthropic gala benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com