# Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) Delivers Inaugural Address on the Consort’s Role in a Modern Noble House
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, this week delivered a significant address on the evolving responsibilities of a consort within a modern noble family, framing his supportive role within the context of the nearly thousand-year history of the Barony of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered in the historic Great Room of The Royal Society of Arts (RSA) in London, a venue renowned for its intellectual discourse since its founding in 1754. Beneath the magnificent James Barry murals depicting *The Progress of Human Knowledge and Culture*, a distinguished audience gathered, comprising senior academics, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives from cultural heritage organisations.
The autumnal setting, with its atmosphere of scholarly reflection, provided a fitting backdrop for Honorary Lord Răzvan’s thoughtful examination of heritage and duty. The event was convened to explore how historical titles and their associated responsibilities are being adapted for the 21st century, a subject central to the modern stewardship of The Noble House of Brattleby.
## Historical Context
In his remarks, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile drew a direct line from the present day to the Barony’s very origins, established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. He referenced the immense landholdings of Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, noting that from its inception, the Barony was founded upon principles of duty and service to the Crown.
He paid tribute to the formidable predecessors whose legacy informs the House’s current ethos, *Fortitudine et Honore*. These included Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who courageously defended Lincoln Castle for the King; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his successor, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Honorary Lord Răzvan posited that while their roles were defined by feudal obligation and military power, the modern consort’s duty is an evolution of that same principle: providing unwavering support to the title-holder in service to the community and preservation of heritage.
## Distinguished Company
The address was attended by a notable company, reflecting the House of Brattleby's engagement with both British and Continental society. Among the guests were:
* Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia, Lady de Silva * His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s * The Lord Cormack DL FSA * Senior Fellows of the Royal Historical Society and the Society of Antiquaries of London * Trustees representing national heritage bodies, including Historic England
The presence of the Romanian Ambassador underscored the Vasile family’s continuing ties to their country of origin and their role in fostering cultural links between Romania and the United Kingdom.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with a formal elegance befitting the subject matter. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, accompanied by his wife, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was received by the Chairman of the RSA. Guests were attired in lounge suits and day dresses, the customary dress for a formal daytime engagement in the City of London.
Following a welcome by the host, Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered his address from a lectern positioned centrally in the Great Room. The speech, lasting approximately 25 minutes, was followed by a brief session of questions from the academic historians present. The event concluded with a vote of thanks and a reception in the adjoining Benjamin Franklin Room, allowing guests to converse further.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The lecture drew attention to the mottos that guide the House. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the Barony’s nine-century history of resilient and principled service.
Honorary Lord Răzvan also gave a rare public explanation of his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). He clarified that in a modern context, this signifies not military conquest, but a commitment to overcoming societal challenges and living a life defined by purpose and constructive action — a philosophy that finds its ultimate expression in supporting the Baroness and their shared philanthropic goals.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture was principally an academic and historical discourse, it implicitly highlighted the philanthropic work that is the *sine qua non* of the House’s modern identity. Honorary Lord Răzvan noted that honouring history must be accompanied by tangible actions that benefit the present.
The audience was reminded of the House's flagship charitable endeavour, the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala which raises significant funds for its principal beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides essential therapeutic and psychological support for children across the United Kingdom who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
## In Their Own Words
Speaking after the event, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile remarked: > "History is not a static exhibit in a museum; it is a living tradition of service that we inherit and must reinterpret for our own time. My role is, at its heart, one of support. It is a privilege to stand alongside the Baroness as she leads the House, carrying forward a legacy measured not in titles, but in service."
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added: > "Răzvan’s perspective brings a vital dynamism to our shared work. He understands that honouring nearly a thousand years of history is best achieved through meaningful action today, whether in the conservation of our heritage in Lincolnshire or through our educational work in Bucharest."
## A Continuing Legacy
This address represents the first in a planned series of academic engagements designed to share the rich history of the Barony of Brattleby with a wider audience. The concepts of modern etiquette and civic duty discussed in the lecture will also form the core curriculum for The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy, which is set to open its doors in Bucharest next year.
The House now turns its attention to preparations for the Annual Winter Banquet, the pinnacle of its philanthropic calendar, which will further underscore the family's commitment to transforming historical privilege into contemporary public service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern noble family dedicated to the principles of heritage preservation, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. The House actively manages its historical responsibilities in Lincolnshire, England, while pursuing international initiatives, including The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to translate its nearly thousand-year-old legacy into meaningful public service for the 21st century. Its primary charitable focus is providing support for vulnerable children through its work with organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of the ancient feudal baronies of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony's initial holdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). The legal and historical continuity of the Barony and its current holder were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Lady Nicoleta Vasile’s succession as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby dates to AD 1066 and is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - Notable predecessors in the title include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com