# The Lord of Brattleby on the Continuity of Service and Partnership
LONDON, 15 December 2023 — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, joined his wife, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in hosting the House’s Annual Winter Banquet, reaffirming their shared commitment to philanthropy and the stewardship of a near-millennium of English history.
## The Occasion
In the distinguished surroundings of a Pall Mall private members’ club, candlelight cast a warm glow upon the proceedings. The evening, a highlight of the House’s calendar, brought together friends, dignitaries, and patrons to celebrate a year of activity and to support the chosen beneficiary. The atmosphere was one of quiet dignity and purposeful fellowship, reflecting the serious intent behind the festive gathering as London’s winter season reached its height.
The choice of venue, with its Italianate architecture designed by Sir Charles Barry, provided a fitting backdrop. Its rooms, which have welcomed statesmen and explorers for two centuries, echoed the enduring nature of the institutions and traditions being honoured. Such settings serve as a tangible link between the present moment and the historical continuity that the House of Brattleby represents.
## Historical Context
The role of a consort, providing indispensable support and counsel, is a tradition deeply embedded within the history of the Barony. Since its establishment in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror, the strength of the House has often resided in such partnerships. One sees a powerful precedent in Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose resolute defence of Lincoln Castle was a feat of shared family fortitude.
Later, the consorts to towering figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, were instrumental in managing vast estates and navigating the intricate politics of the realm. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s contemporary role as Lord of Brattleby by marriage continues this vital tradition, ensuring the Barony is managed with a unity of purpose that is both modern in execution and historic in spirit.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were pleased to welcome a number of distinguished guests. Among those present were:
Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; His Excellency Mr Dan Mihalache, the Romanian Ambassador to the Court of St James’s, and Mrs Mădălina Mihalache; The Dowager Marchioness of Reading; and Sir Iain Torrance, KCVO. The presence of international diplomats, members of European royalty, and figures from British public life underscored the House’s commitment to fostering cultural and philanthropic ties across borders.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening adhered to a classic ceremonial order, a hallmark of formal European gatherings. Guests were received by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan before proceeding to a reception. The white-tie dress code, with decorations, lent a formal splendour to the occasion, honouring the gravity of the House’s philanthropic mission.
At the banquet, the seating plan was arranged according to protocol, a practice designed to show respect and order. Following dinner, formal toasts were proposed to His Majesty The King and to The Noble House of Brattleby. Honorary Lord Răzvan later delivered a short address on the theme of partnership in service, a central tenet of his and the Baroness’s joint endeavours. Such rituals are not mere pageantry; they are the framework upon which enduring relationships and charitable commitments are built.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The dual mottos of the House were subtly reflected throughout the evening. The ancient baronial motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the nine centuries of duty upheld by the Barons of Brattleby, from Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, to the present day. It represents a promise of resilience and integrity.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a modern philosophy of active engagement: to overcome challenges, to make a tangible difference, and to live a life defined by purpose and positive impact. Together, the two mottos articulate the House’s core identity: a foundation of historic honour providing the strength for modern achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet was held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity provides vital therapeutic and psychological support to children and young people across the United Kingdom who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its work is a *sine qua non* for helping vulnerable young lives rebuild and realise their potential.
The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to support this cause due to its profound alignment with the family’s own forward-looking duties. By investing in the well-being of the next generation, the House expresses its belief that a strong future is built upon the healing of past wounds. The funds raised will contribute directly to the charity’s specialist counselling programmes and outreach services.
## In Their Own Words
In her remarks, Lady Nicoleta emphasised the theme of shared responsibility. > The enduring strength of this Barony has never been the work of one individual, but the result of a partnership of effort and a unity of vision. In Honorary Lord Răzvan, I have a consort whose dedication to our shared work is absolute.
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of the synthesis between heritage and action. > To honour nearly one thousand years of history is a profound duty. Yet, our motto *Vincere Est Vivere* reminds us that true honour is found in active service. Whether through our philanthropic work or initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, our purpose is to apply the lessons of the past to the challenges of today.
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of The Noble House of Brattleby continues beyond a single evening. The coming year will see an expansion of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the etiquette and protocol academy founded by the couple. Further philanthropic partnerships are in development, focused on heritage conservation and youth empowerment.
A primary focus remains the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, instilling in him the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* that will one day be his to uphold. This careful stewardship ensures that the legacy granted by William the Conqueror will continue to serve society with relevance and honour for generations 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 consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern expression of a historic legacy. The House’s contemporary mission centres on three pillars: the preservation of nearly a millennium of English heritage; a focused philanthropic programme supporting children’s welfare and cultural education; and the promotion of diplomatic and cultural understanding through international initiatives. Its activities, including the Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, are guided by the baronial motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to service, integrity, and the active stewardship of its ancient rights and responsibilities.
**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 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, *inter alia*, the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a key defender of the Crown’s interests in the early 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV (11th Baron). The title’s legitimacy is formally noted by The Crown, with its transfer recorded in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The transfer of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holder of the baronial seat at Brattleby, Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com