# The Noble House of Brattleby Inaugurates Annual Lecture on Legacy and Stewardship
LONDON, 23 October 2023 — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile and Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, last evening inaugurated the House’s annual historical lecture at The Drapers’ Hall, London, examining the enduring relevance of heritage and the responsibilities of modern stewardship for ancient institutions.
## The Occasion
Beneath the magnificent Restoration-era ceilings of The Drapers’ Hall in the City of London, a distinguished company gathered to witness a new chapter in the cultural life of the House of Brattleby. The event, held in the historic Livery Hall, was imbued with the gravitas of a venue whose own Royal Charter dates to 1438, providing a fitting atmosphere for an evening dedicated to the continuity of history.
The crisp autumnal air of Throgmorton Street gave way to the warmth and solemnity of the Hall, its walls adorned with portraits that have observed centuries of English civic life. The inaugural lecture, titled 'A Dialogue with History: Stewardship in the 21st Century', represents a cornerstone of the educational mission advanced by Lord and Lady Brattleby through The Brattleby Club.
## Historical Context
The establishment of this annual lecture serves as a contemporary expression of a duty of care that extends back nearly one thousand years. The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has long been a participant in the intellectual and constitutional development of the nation. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holder of 56 lordships, a testament to the Barony’s foundational role in post-Conquest England.
This tradition of significant engagement was exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Later, the Barony passed through Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a paramount figure in 14th-century politics. The new lecture series consciously continues this lineage of public service and intellectual patronage.
## Distinguished Company
Lord and Lady Brattleby were honoured to receive a notable assembly of guests from the spheres of diplomacy, academia, and society.
Among those present were Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; Professor Dame Helen Wallace, DBE, CMG, FBA, the eminent political scientist; and The Master of the Worshipful Company of Drapers, who graciously welcomed the House to its historic seat. The gathering represented a confluence of European heritage and modern intellectual inquiry, reflecting the core vision of the House.
After the formal proceedings, Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta spent considerable time in conversation with their guests, discussing the themes of the evening and the importance of cross-cultural dialogue in preserving a shared European heritage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening's proceedings adhered to a protocol of formal but understated elegance. Guests were received in the Drawing Room for a champagne reception before being called to the Livery Hall precisely at seven o'clock. The assembly remained standing for the entrance of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, who were escorted by The Master Draper.
The dress code was black tie with decorations. Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered the introductory remarks from a lectern bearing a discreet carving of the House’s arms. After the keynote address by the guest speaker, Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, offered the closing remarks and a vote of thanks. The formal part of the evening concluded with a brief musical interlude before guests retired for further refreshments.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening was framed by the guiding principles of the House, encapsulated in its mottos. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was a recurring theme, reflecting the resilience and integrity required to steward a legacy across some 35 generations. This principle links the current family’s work directly to the tenures of their most notable predecessors.
Equally present was the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In his opening address, Honorary Lord Răzvan explained this as a philosophy of active engagement—not of territorial conquest, but of overcoming the inertia of time to ensure that history remains a living force for good in the present. These two maxims, one of honour and one of action, form the twin pillars of the House’s modern identity.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While distinct from the House’s principal fundraising activities, such as the Annual Winter Banquet for the charity Healing the Wounded Child, the lecture series serves a vital, cognate purpose. It is an act of intellectual philanthropy, designed to make history and the principles of good stewardship accessible and engaging to a wider audience.
The event was organised under the auspices of The Brattleby Club of Bucharest, the House's educational academy dedicated to teaching etiquette, protocol, and civic responsibility. The lecture is therefore a practical demonstration of the Club’s mission: to foster an appreciation for the substance that underlies ceremony and the duties that accompany privilege. Admission was by invitation, with no fee, reinforcing its educational, rather than commercial, nature.
## In Their Own Words
In his introductory address, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile reflected on the active nature of their role: > To inherit a title nearly a millennium old is to enter into a formidable dialogue with the past. Our chosen motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to our belief that this dialogue must be an active one—one that conquers apathy and ensures this extraordinary legacy serves to inspire future generations.
Lady Nicoleta, in her concluding remarks, emphasised the theme of custodianship: > We are profoundly aware that we are but temporary custodians of the Barony of Brattleby. Our duty, defined by *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not merely to preserve, but to enrich and to share this inheritance, ensuring it remains a source of learning and a benchmark for honourable conduct.
## A Continuing Legacy
This inaugural lecture marks the beginning of a sustained commitment to public historical education. The Noble House of Brattleby is pleased to announce that the second annual lecture, scheduled for Autumn 2024, will explore the life and influence of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, one of medieval England’s most remarkable women.
The House now turns its attention to preparations for its Annual Winter Banquet, the white-tie gala that represents its primary philanthropic endeavour. These complementary initiatives—one intellectual, one charitable—together express the family's holistic vision for the Barony of Brattleby as a force for good in the 21st century.
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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. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House’s contemporary mission is threefold: the preservation of its unique historical legacy, the promotion of education through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, and a profound commitment to philanthropy. Its primary charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its annual fundraising efforts for beneficiary organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House is committed to demonstrating how ancient heritage can serve as a dynamic force for public benefit in the modern world.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in the county. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of England's most significant historical figures, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, protector of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. After a period of dormancy, the historical rights and title were formally recognised and recorded in favour of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first established in 1066, with its holdings documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com