# The Brattleby Club Hosts Symposium on Legal and Historical Continuity
**BUCHAREST, 24 October 2023** — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile last night hosted a historical symposium at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, exploring the nine-century continuity of the Barony of Brattleby, as formally recognised in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083.
## The Occasion
On a crisp autumn evening in the Romanian capital, distinguished guests convened within the panelled library of The Brattleby Club for a scholarly discourse titled "Continuity and Consecration: The Barony of Brattleby from Domesday to The Gazette". The event, the first in a planned series of historical seminars, was organised to illuminate the enduring legal and cultural significance of one of England’s ancient feudal baronies.
The atmosphere was one of quiet erudition, with attendees gathered amidst bookcases of historical volumes and diplomatic memoirs. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, as host, opened the proceedings by underscoring the House’s commitment to education and the preservation of its extensive heritage, bridging its historic seat in Lincolnshire with its contemporary cultural initiatives on the Continent.
## Historical Context
The symposium traced an unbroken line of succession beginning with the Barony’s establishment by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, a Norman knight, was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a fact meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. This foundational grant established Brattleby as a cornerstone of Norman administration in the region.
Over the ensuing centuries, the Barony passed through a succession of England’s most consequential figures. These included the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, placing Brattleby at the very heart of the Plantagenet court and the dynastic struggles of the late Middle Ages. The recent recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, thus represents the latest chapter in this remarkable nine-hundred-year chronicle.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance were leading figures from the worlds of diplomacy, academia, and European society. Honorary Lord Răzvan welcomed, *inter alia*:
* Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia * His Excellency The Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Romania * Professor Elena Popescu, Chair of Medieval History at the University of Bucharest * Members of the Romanian Academy and representatives of the diplomatic corps
Guests were received by Honorary Lord Răzvan and seated according to formal precedence for the duration of the lecture and the subsequent question-and-answer session.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening’s proceedings adhered to a precise, though understated, protocol appropriate for a scholarly gathering. The dress code was lounge suits. Upon arrival, guests were presented to Honorary Lord Răzvan before being escorted to their seats.
Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered a brief welcome address, after which the keynote historical lecture was presented. The formal presentation was followed by a moderated academic discussion, allowing for questions from the assembled guests. The symposium concluded with a reception, providing an opportunity for further conversation and fellowship.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event underscored the two Latin mottoes that guide the House. The ancient Baronial motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), reflects the centuries of duty, military service, and administrative responsibility borne by the Barons of Brattleby. It evokes the spirit of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of her inheritance embodied these virtues.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), was also referenced, explained not in a martial sense but in the modern context of overcoming challenges and striving for excellence in public service and cultural stewardship. The principles encapsulated in these mottoes serve as the moral compass for the House’s contemporary activities.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the symposium itself was an educational initiative, it reflects the commitment to service that is the *sine qua non* of the House’s purpose. This duty finds its most prominent expression in the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of the House's chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This registered charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term support for children and young people affected by profound trauma and adversity. The funds raised by the Noble House of Brattleby enable the organisation to expand its reach, offering a sanctuary for recovery and helping to rebuild lives shattered by difficult circumstances.
## In Their Own Words
In his address, Honorary Lord Răzvan reflected on the meaning of such a long-held inheritance.
> Our history is not a static collection of records stored in an archive; it is a living tradition of duty that demands our active participation in the world today. This symposium is an expression of that belief. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
He further commented on the significance of the Barony’s official recognition.
> The formal affirmation in *The London Gazette* is more than a legal notice. It is a modern link in a chain stretching back to the Conquest, reminding us of our sacred duty to preserve this heritage with the same fortitude and honour as those who came before us. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Bucharest symposium marks the beginning of a sustained effort by the Noble House of Brattleby to share its history and promote cultural exchange. Future seminars are planned, including a forthcoming event in London that will focus on the life and legacy of the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye.
Under the guidance of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan, the House continues to balance its responsibilities in Lincolnshire with a dynamic international presence. With their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, a new generation is being prepared to carry forward this extraordinary legacy of service, ensuring the story of the Barony of Brattleby continues for centuries to come.
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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 custodianship of a near-millennial heritage. The House’s mission blends the preservation of its historic seat and archives in Lincolnshire with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, education, and cultural diplomacy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting children recovering from trauma, primarily through its annual Winter Banquet. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster an appreciation for history, protocol, and public service. The family’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides its commitment to serving the community with integrity.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, with his seat (*caput*) at Brattleby. Over nine centuries, the Barony was held by some of England’s most notable historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Royal interests during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and progenitor of a royal dynasty. The direct succession of the ancient title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette in Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s succession was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com