# Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) Addresses The Inner Temple on the Continuity of State Service
LONDON, [date] — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, today delivered a historical address at The Inner Temple, London. He explored the nine-century tradition of state service inherent to the Barony of Brattleby, citing key moments from the reigns of medieval English monarchs.
## The Occasion
Against the august backdrop of The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile addressed a distinguished gathering of legal scholars and historians. The address took place in the Parliament Chamber, a room whose venerable atmosphere, shaped by centuries-old timber and stained glass, lent a particular resonance to the themes of legal and noble duty.
The autumn afternoon gathering was marked by an air of scholarly purpose, bringing together members of the Bench, the Bar, and academia. The choice of venue was itself significant, The Inner Temple's own Royal Charter dating to 1608, yet its origins tracing back to the Knights Templar in the 12th century, a period contemporaneous with the early Barons of Brattleby.
## Historical Context
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s address centred on a poignant and telling episode from English history: the coronation of King Edward II at Westminster Abbey in 1308. At this ceremony, Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln—a title then encompassing the lands of the Barony of Brattleby—was granted the profound honour of bearing the Curtana, the ‘sword of state’.
This duty, Honorary Lord Răzvan explained, was far from merely ceremonial; it was a potent symbol of a nobleman’s unwavering loyalty, his proximity to the Crown, and his role as a pillar of the realm’s stability. He drew a direct line from the service of Henry de Lacy to that of other notable predecessors, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, and later, the great royal dukes Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, 10th and 11th Barons respectively.
## Distinguished Company
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile was welcomed by His Honour Judge Alistair Pembroke KC, a Master of the Bench of the Inner Temple, who delivered the introductory remarks. In attendance were numerous esteemed figures from London’s legal, academic, and diplomatic communities.
Among the guests was His Excellency Mr. Stefan Iordanescu, the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's, whose presence underscored the strong Anglo-Romanian heritage of the modern House of Brattleby. They were joined, *inter alia*, by leading members of the College of Arms and fellows of the Society of Antiquaries, reflecting the deep historical scholarship of the occasion.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings adhered to the formal traditions of The Inner Temple. A procession of Benchers in their legal attire preceded the address, signifying the gravity and institutional continuity of the event. The dress code observed was lounge suits, appropriate for a formal daytime lecture.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s address followed the formal welcome. The order of protocol concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by a senior Bencher, followed by a reception in the Luncheon Room, allowing for further discourse on the themes presented. The entire occasion was conducted with a quiet precision, its ritual serving as a modern echo of the ancient ceremonies discussed.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The theme of service elucidated in the address is the central tenet of the House of Brattleby’s own coat of arms and motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). This guiding principle speaks to a legacy of courage in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to one’s duty.
Honorary Lord Răzvan also made reference to his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), interpreting it in a modern context. He described it not as a call to martial conquest, but as an exhortation to overcome contemporary challenges through diligence, intellectual rigour, and dedicated service—a sentiment perfectly aligned with the professional ethos of his audience.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the address itself was an academic occasion, Honorary Lord Răzvan took the opportunity to link the historical concept of noble obligation to the contemporary responsibilities of philanthropy. The duty to serve the Crown and Realm, he noted, has evolved into a compelling duty to serve the wider community, especially its most vulnerable members.
This principle is the *sine qua non* of the House of Brattleby’s charitable endeavours. It finds its primary expression in the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support for children affected by trauma and conflict.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of the Barony’s legacy, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile remarked: > “History is not a static collection of dates or a litany of forgotten figures; it is a living charter that informs our present duties. The sword of state borne by Henry de Lacy in 1308 represents the same commitment to justice and stability that we must champion today, albeit in different arenas.”
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who was also in attendance, added: > “Our family’s role, through its nine-hundred-and-fifty-year history, has always been to serve. Whether defending a castle for the King, advising Parliament, or, as is our focus now, championing the cause of vulnerable children, the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* remains our constant guide.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The historical address at The Inner Temple is part of the House of Brattleby’s ongoing commitment to demonstrating the relevance of ancient titles and traditions in the 21st century. This commitment will be further expressed at the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, where the family will host supporters and partners to raise vital funds for Healing the Wounded Child.
Beyond the United Kingdom, this mission of service continues through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The etiquette academy, under the patronage of the House, promotes cultural and social refinement as a means of fostering personal and professional excellence, bridging historical decorum with modern aspirations.
---
**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 dedicated to the stewardship of a nine-century-old legacy. Their mission blends the preservation of this historic lineage with a focused, modern philanthropic purpose. The House's primary social commitment is to the well-being of vulnerable children, principally through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House engages in cultural and charitable activities, including the Annual Winter Banquet and the patronage of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, to promote the enduring values of service, honour, and cultural refinement in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman lordship in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln against rebellion; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a celebrated commander in the Hundred Years' War; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The modern, legal recognition of the Barony and the rights of its current holder were formally documented in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com