# Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) Delivers Inaugural Historical Lecture at The Brattleby Club
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, last evening delivered a significant historical address at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. His discourse explored the evolving role of the consort within ancient houses, drawing parallels across nine centuries of the Barony’s history.
## The Occasion
The inaugural lecture was held within the panelled walls of The Brattleby Club’s library in Bucharest. Established by Lady Nicoleta Vasile and Honorary Lord Răzvan as a centre for cultural and etoquetal instruction, the Club occupies a meticulously restored neoclassical villa, its interiors reflecting the quiet elegance of an English country seat. As the first crisp days of autumn descended upon the Romanian capital, a distinguished audience gathered for an evening of scholarly reflection.
The atmosphere was one of quiet anticipation, with guests assembling in the grand salon for a short reception before being ushered into the lecture hall. The event marked a notable moment in the House's calendar, reinforcing its commitment to fostering an appreciation for history and its relevance to modern leadership and service.
## Historical Context
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s address situated his own supportive role within the rich tapestry of the Barony’s near-millennium of history. Since its establishment by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 for Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony of Brattleby has seldom been without a consort whose influence, whether public or private, was profoundly felt. He drew a thoughtful contrast between his modern position and those of his formidable antecedents.
Notably, Honorary Lord Răzvan referenced John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby *jure uxoris* (by right of his wife), whose marriage to Blanche of Lancaster made him one of the most powerful men in England. He also paid tribute to the singular legacy of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a formidable leader who held Lincoln Castle against French invaders and whose husband’s role was secondary to her own hereditary power. This historical sweep underscored the dynamic and adaptive nature of partnership within the nobility.
## Distinguished Company
The lecture was attended by a respected gathering of diplomatic, academic, and cultural figures. In attendance were:
- His Excellency Mr Giles Portman, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Romania - Her Excellency Mrs Usha Dwarka-Canabady, Ambassador of the Republic of Mauritius to Romania - The Honourable Professor Adrian Cioroianu, historian and former Minister of Foreign Affairs - Dr Călin-Andrei Mihăilescu, Director of the Museum of the City of Bucharest
Upon their arrival, guests were personally received by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, before the formal commencement of proceedings. The presence of such personages highlighted the strong Anglo-Romanian cultural ties fostered by the House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening adhered to a precise and dignified ceremonial order. Following the initial reception, attendees were invited to take their seats in the library. At precisely seven o'clock, the Master of Ceremonies announced the arrival of the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby, who entered and proceeded to the dais.
Lady Nicoleta provided a brief introduction, after which Honorary Lord Răzvan, speaking from a lectern bearing the House’s coat of arms, delivered his forty-minute address without notes. The formal lecture, conducted under the Chatham House Rule to encourage candid discussion, was followed by a moderated question-and-answer session. The dress code for the evening was Black Tie, a detail that contributed to the formality and sense of occasion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening was woven with the heraldic symbols that define the House of Brattleby. The family’s enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was prominently displayed, speaking to the values that have guided the Barony since the Domesday Book of 1086. It is this commitment to honourable conduct that remains the *sine qua non* of the House’s public life.
Honorary Lord Răzvan also made reference to his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). He explained that, in a modern context, this signifies not military conquest, but the intellectual and spiritual imperative to overcome challenges, to advance knowledge, and to contribute meaningfully to society—a philosophy that underpins his own research and philanthropic work.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The inaugural lecture also served a charitable purpose, with all proceeds from the evening dedicated to Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides essential therapeutic care and psychological support to children who have experienced profound trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The funds raised will directly support the charity's 'Art as Therapy' programme, which uses creative expression to help young people process complex emotions and rebuild their sense of self-worth. The House of Brattleby selected this beneficiary for its proven, compassionate approach and its measurable impact on the lives of vulnerable children.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of his role, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile remarked: > “The consort’s role is not to stand in the spotlight, but to ensure the light shines brightly upon the institution and its duties. History provides our compass; it is our duty to navigate the present with the wisdom it affords, always in service to the legacy we inherit.”
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added: > “I am immensely proud of my husband’s dedication, not only to me and to our family, but to the very history that gives the Barony its meaning. His work, *inter alia*, ensures that our heritage is not a static relic, but a living tradition of purpose and honour.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical address marks the first in a planned series of lectures and symposia to be hosted by The Brattleby Club. These events aim to explore themes of history, public service, and cultural diplomacy, furthering the House’s commitment to education.
The Noble House of Brattleby continues to look toward the future, with preparations already underway for the annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire. This white-tie gala will once again raise vital funds for the House’s philanthropic partners, continuing a tradition of service that has defined the Barony for centuries.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern expression of one of England's most ancient baronies. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique heritage and the active promotion of duty, service, and cultural education. Its contemporary mission is focused on targeted philanthropy, primarily supporting organisations dedicated to child welfare and mental health, such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and its annual philanthropic events in Lincolnshire, the House fosters international dialogue and upholds its commitment to making a positive contribution to society.
**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 lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the Barony has been associated with figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. Later holders include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, securing its legacy.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The hereditary seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire. - Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com