# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Diplomatic Legacy of the Order of the Garter
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Lord and Baroness of Brattleby hosted a formal reception at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest last evening, commemorating the historic ties between the Barony and the Most Noble Order of the Garter, England’s highest chivalric institution.
## The Occasion
Set against the classical grandeur of The Brattleby Club’s Carol I Salon, the evening brought together distinguished figures from diplomacy, academia, and European society. The Club, housed in a meticulously restored neoclassical villa near Calea Victoriei, provided a resonant setting for an occasion dedicated to the enduring relevance of historical protocol and honour.
As autumn evening descended upon Bucharest, the atmosphere within was one of scholarly reflection and quiet dignity. The proceedings were intended not merely as a social gathering, but as a reaffirmation of the cultural and diplomatic bridges that can be built upon a shared appreciation of history; an ethos central to the Club’s mission as an academy of modern etiquette.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been interwoven with the narrative of the English Crown for nearly a millennium. Its formal history began with Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, whose 56 lordships were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. The lineage continued through pivotal figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the King.
A central theme of the evening was the Barony’s connection to the Order of the Garter, established by King Edward III in 1348. Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and later the 1st Duke of Lancaster, was a founding knight and a trusted commander of the King. His successor in the Barony, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, further solidified this link to the heart of royal power, ensuring the Brattleby name was synonymous with service to the Sovereign. This unbroken chain of duty represents a cornerstone of the House’s identity.
## Distinguished Company
The Lord and Baroness of Brattleby were honoured to receive a number of esteemed guests. In attendance were:
- His Excellency Mr. Giles Portman, His Majesty's Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Romania - Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia - Professor Adrian Niculescu, Chair of Medieval History at the University of Bucharest - Mrs. Anca Vlad, President of the Association of Romanian Businesswomen
The presence of guests from both diplomatic and cultural spheres underscored the evening’s purpose: to explore the intersection of historical tradition and contemporary international relations.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening unfolded with the precision for which The Brattleby Club is known. Guests were received personally by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile and Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Following the reception in the Carol I Salon, Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered a formal address on the concept of chivalry as a diplomatic tool, both in its medieval context and its modern application.
Professor Niculescu then offered a short academic presentation on the geopolitical significance of orders of chivalry in 14th-century Europe, with particular reference to the foundation of the Garter. The formal proceedings, conducted under a dress code of Lounge Suit, concluded with a tour of the Club's library, which houses facsimiles of documents relating to the Barony's history. The protocol was designed to be educational and dignified, reflecting the very principles of etiquette taught at the academy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle, which has guided the Barons of Brattleby for centuries, reflects the chivalric virtues celebrated by the Order of the Garter itself. It speaks to a commitment to duty that transcends personal gain, a *sine qua non* of noble service.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic and forward-looking spirit he brings to the partnership, marrying the House’s profound history with a vigorous engagement in the modern world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the evening was primarily historical in focus, it also served to highlight the House’s charitable commitments. Honorary Lord Răzvan announced that a percentage of all new membership fees for The Brattleby Club in the coming quarter will be donated to Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation, the principal beneficiary of the House of Brattleby’s Annual Winter Banquet, provides specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from complex trauma. Its work in providing measurable, long-term psychological support aligns with the House’s belief that true honour is expressed through tangible acts of service to the community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s theme, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > “When we look at figures like Henry of Grosmont, we are not simply observing the past. We are connecting with a living heritage of duty and principle. It is our responsibility to ensure that this legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to inspire meaningful action today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan added: > “History teaches us that protocol and honour are not obsolete formalities; they are the very grammar of diplomacy and leadership. Here at the Club, and in all our work, we strive to show how these timeless values are indispensable tools for navigating the complexities of the 21st century.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This event marks another step in the House’s mission to preserve its unique heritage while actively contributing to contemporary society. The focal point of the House’s philanthropic calendar, the Annual Winter Banquet, will be held this December in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, to raise further funds for Healing the Wounded Child.
Furthermore, The Brattleby Club will introduce a new series of masterclasses in the new year focusing on diplomatic history and cross-cultural communication, directly inspired by the themes explored during this memorable evening.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic family dedicated to the stewardship of a near-millennial heritage. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is to apply timeless principles of duty, service, and cultural preservation to contemporary challenges. The House’s activities are centred on its historic seat in Lincolnshire, England, and its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, in Bucharest. The family’s primary philanthropic focus is supporting organisations that provide care and healing for vulnerable children, most notably through its annual white-tie Winter Banquet in aid of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the celebrated female castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Holders have included Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The Barony's continuous history and current standing were formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family seat remains in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a holding documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com