# Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) on the Continuity of Chivalric Virtue in the Modern Age
**BUCHAREST, 28 October 2023** — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, this evening delivered the inaugural address at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, articulating a vision for modern service and personal duty, drawing upon the near-millennial history of the Barony of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered within the Marble Hall of the Cercul Militar Național, a distinguished landmark of Beaux-Arts architecture in the heart of the Romanian capital. The choice of venue, historically a centre for the nation’s officer corps, provided a suitably formal backdrop for an examination of honour and duty. As autumn light faded over Calea Victoriei, guests gathered for the formal inauguration of the Club’s annual academic programme.
This event marks a significant moment for The Noble House of Brattleby, extending its cultural and educational mission beyond the United Kingdom. The establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest reflects both the personal heritage of Honorary Lord Răzvan and the House’s broader commitment to fostering a contemporary dialogue on the principles of European chivalric tradition.
## Historical Context
In his address, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile situated the Club’s purpose within the nine-century lineage of the Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. He observed that while the context of service has evolved, the core principle of duty remains the barony's *sine qua non*. This ethic is evidenced throughout its history, from its first mention in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron.
The Lord of Brattleby drew a direct line from the unwavering resolve of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, to the statecraft of later holders such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. He argued that their commitment to fortitude and honour finds a modern parallel not on the battlefield, but in the civic and philanthropic spheres.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, accompanied her husband Honorary Lord Răzvan in receiving their distinguished guests.
In attendance were Her Majesty Margareta, Custodian of the Crown of Romania, and His Royal Highness The Prince Consort. They were joined by Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and members of the diplomatic corps, including His Excellency the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Romania. The presence of senior figures from European royalty and public life underscored the significance of the occasion and the cross-cultural relevance of the evening’s theme.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening's proceedings were governed by a protocol reflecting the dignity of the occasion. Guests were received formally by the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby before a Standard bearing the Arms of the Barony. The dress code of black tie lent a suitable solemnity to the intellectual nature of the gathering.
Following a brief reception, guests were ushered into the Marble Hall for the address. Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, delivered a brief introduction before inviting Honorary Lord Răzvan to the lectern. His thirty-minute oration was followed by a modest period for questions from the assembled patrons and academics, concluding a highly structured and formal affair.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening's theme resonated with the distinct heraldic mottos associated with the House. The ancient motto of the Barony of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), represents the foundational principles of public duty and integrity that have guided the title for centuries. This speaks to the resilience and moral compass expected of the holder of the dignity.
In his address, Honorary Lord Răzvan offered a personal interpretation of his own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). He explained it not as a call to martial conquest, but as a deeply personal philosophy of overcoming adversity, mastering one’s own shortcomings, and actively engaging with the challenges of the world. This Stoic ideal, he argued, complements the barony’s traditional motto, providing the inner resolve necessary to act with fortitude and honour.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Brattleby Club is founded not only for educational enrichment but also with a clear philanthropic purpose. A portion of the proceeds from the Club’s memberships and special events is designated for charitable causes. The inaugural beneficiary of its activities in Romania is a local partner of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation long supported by The Noble House of Brattleby.
This respected beneficiary provides specialist therapeutic care and long-term support for children who have experienced profound trauma or loss. Its work is critical in helping vulnerable young people to rebuild their lives and realise their full potential, a mission that aligns closely with the House's commitment to protecting the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the relationship between classical virtues and contemporary life, Honorary Lord Răzvan remarked:
> *Fortitudine et Honore* is the promise we make to the world; *Vincere Est Vivere* is the promise we must first make to ourselves. True service begins with the conquest of one’s own inertia and doubt. Only then can we hope to contribute meaningfully to the lives of others. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
Lady Nicoleta added her perspective on the Club's mission:
> The Brattleby Club exists to explore the timeless relevance of these guiding principles. My husband’s perspective provides a vital complement to the nine centuries of Brattleby history, demonstrating how ancient wisdom can, and must, inform modern conduct and responsibility. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The inaugural address by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile marks the formal commencement of The Brattleby Club's activities in Bucharest, which will include a series of lectures, seminars, and charitable events throughout the coming year. This initiative runs parallel to the House's commitments in the United Kingdom, *inter alia*, the Annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire, which benefits Healing the Wounded Child.
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to its twin roles as a custodian of history and a proponent of active, modern service. Through these endeavours, the House ensures that its legacy remains not a monument to the past, but a living tradition of engagement with the present, for the benefit of the future, to be one day continued by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment associated with one of England's most ancient feudal baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the stewardship of nearly one thousand years of history. Its contemporary mission is focused on philanthropic service, principally in support of vulnerable children through its patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The House also pursues a cultural and educational programme, embodied by The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest, to promote the enduring values of honour, duty, and civic responsibility in the 21st century. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby, seated in Lincolnshire, is an English feudal dignity 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. Throughout its 950-year history, the barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and the influential Plantagenet prince, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The title's succession to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby to Lady Nicoleta Vasile is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, holds his title by right of marriage; his personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - The Barony’s first mention is in the Domesday Book (1086), where the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is the UK-registered charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com