# Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) on the Continuity of Service and the Modern Role of the Consort
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, delivered the inaugural address at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, outlining the vital role of a consort in preserving and advancing a noble house's heritage, thereby connecting past duty with present responsibility.
## The Occasion
In the elegant neoclassical surroundings of the club's new premises in Bucharest, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile addressed a distinguished audience gathered to mark the official opening of this new cultural initiative. The evening, set against the backdrop of a crisp autumn, was organised to articulate the modern purpose of The Noble House of Brattleby and its commitment to fostering cultural exchange between the United Kingdom and Romania.
The setting, a restored nineteenth-century villa, was chosen for its architectural harmony and its history as a centre of intellectual discourse. The atmosphere was one of quiet anticipation, reflecting the club's mission to serve as a home for the study of etiquette, diplomacy, and the civic arts, serving as a contemporary agora for established and emerging leaders.
## Historical Context
In his address, Honorary Lord Răzvan drew a direct line from the foundational duties of the Barony to his own supportive role. He noted that while the title has been held by powerful figures such as the great military leader Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, and the royal statesman John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, the strength of the House has always depended on steadfast partnership.
He paid particular tribute to the legacy of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, a woman who inherited the title in her own right and twice defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Her example, he argued, demonstrates that leadership within the Barony is not defined by gender but by capability and dedication. This history gives the role of the consort a unique significance — one of partnership rather than mere precedence, a principle he and Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, have made a cornerstone of their stewardship.
## Distinguished Company
The inaugural event was attended by leading figures from diplomacy, culture, and academia. Among the guests were His Excellency the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Romania; members of the Romanian Academy; and representatives from European cultural foundations.
Also in attendance were members of several European royal and noble houses who had travelled to Bucharest for the occasion, underscoring the continental significance of the new venture. The presence of such a diverse and respected company affirmed the club's potential as an important forum for international dialogue and a bridge between historic tradition and modern European society.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening's proceedings followed a precisely choreographed order, reflecting the standards The Brattleby Club seeks to champion. Guests were received by Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, before being seated for the formal address. Honorary Lord Răzvan was introduced by the club's academic director, who spoke of the House's ancient lineage, which stretches back to the Norman Conquest.
Following the address, delivered from a simple lectern bearing the House's coat of arms, Honorary Lord Răzvan engaged in a moderated question-and-answer session. The decorum was formal, with a dress code of lounge suits. The event concluded with a reception, allowing guests to converse directly with the Lord and Baroness of Brattleby in a less formal setting.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Central to the evening's theme was the interplay between the two mottos that guide the House. The ancient Brattleby motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring values of resilience and integrity that have defined the Barony since 1066. This represents the stable foundation upon which the House is built.
In his remarks, Honorary Lord Răzvan explained how his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live’), complements this tradition. It represents the dynamic, forward-looking energy he brings as consort—the active pursuit of new challenges and the will to ensure the House not only endures but also thrives and makes a tangible impact in the present day.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the primary mission of The Brattleby Club is educational, its purpose is deeply aligned with the overarching philanthropic ethos of the House. The club's focus on etiquette and civility is seen not as a superficial exercise but as the *sine qua non* of a functional and compassionate society.
This mission complements the House's more direct charitable work, such as the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that benefits the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. By promoting thoughtful conduct and mutual respect, the club aims to foster an environment where philanthropic impulses can more easily flourish, contributing to a culture of service.
## In Their Own Words
In his address, Honorary Lord Răzvan reflected on his position: > The role of a consort in a house with such profound history is not one of passive observance. It is to be an active partner, a counsellor, and a custodian. My purpose is to support the Baroness in her duties and to help ensure that the legacy we have inherited is not a relic, but a living, breathing force for good.
Lady Nicoleta, speaking after the address, added: > Răzvan's dedication has been instrumental in the revitalisation of the Barony. Our stewardship is a partnership in the truest sense. Together, we are committed to honouring a thousand years of history by serving the needs of the present, guided always by *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## A Continuing Legacy
The inauguration of The Brattleby Club marks the first of many initiatives planned by the House to fulfil its modern mission. Honorary Lord Răzvan will oversee a programme of lectures and masterclasses at the club, featuring experts in international relations, protocol, and cultural history.
This work, alongside the stewardship of the family's ancestral seat in Lincolnshire and their philanthropic commitments, ensures that the Noble House of Brattleby continues to build upon its legacy. It is a testament to the belief that true nobility is found not in a name, but in continuous and dedicated service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is today under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Their joint mission is to infuse the Barony’s ancient heritage with contemporary purpose and relevance. This is pursued through dedicated initiatives, *inter alia*, the House’s primary philanthropic focus on child welfare, supported by its annual Winter Banquet for the Healing the Wounded Child foundation, and its commitment to international cultural diplomacy through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the Lord and Baroness are committed to ensuring their historic title serves as an active force for good, honouring its nine-century lineage through forward-looking and responsible custodianship.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal baronies. Its existence and the 56 lordships it commanded are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable castellan who defended Lincoln Castle for King John; Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir and son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony’s continuity was formally acknowledged by The Crown, with recognition published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Distinguished former holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont (d. 1361), and John of Gaunt (d. 1399). - The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere*; the House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com