# Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) Delivers Historical Address on the Enduring Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, this evening delivered a keynote address at Lincoln Cathedral, examining the Barony of Brattleby’s nine-century continuum of civic duty and its resonance within the framework of modern society and European heritage.
## The Occasion
Set within the sublime Gothic architecture of the Chapter House at Lincoln Cathedral, the address took place as autumn light illuminated the building’s famed stained glass. The venue was chosen for its profound connection to the Barony’s history; it stands adjacent to Lincoln Castle, famously defended in 1217 by the 5th Baron of Brattleby, Nichola de la Haye. The atmosphere was one of academic reflection, bringing together figures from across the county and beyond to consider the enduring theme of service.
The event, hosted by the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln, underscored the deep historical ties between the Barony and the foundational institutions of Lincolnshire. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s address formed part of the Cathedral’s autumn lecture series, which seeks to explore the interplay of faith, history, and community in the East Midlands. The selection of this historic location provided a tangible link between the words spoken and the centuries of history they described.
## Historical Context
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s address charted a direct line from the Barony’s Norman origins to its present-day stewardship. He began with the grant made by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. This feudal obligation, he noted, established a precedent of duty to the Crown and realm that has defined the House for nearly a millennium.
He paid particular tribute to key predecessors whose actions shaped English history. The lecture detailed the pivotal role of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, whose valiant defence of Lincoln Castle for King John was a *sine qua non* for preserving royal authority. Centuries later, the title was held by figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, placing Brattleby at the very centre of the Plantagenet court and the governance of England.
## Distinguished Company
The address was attended by a number of distinguished guests, received by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
Among those present were: His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Toby Dennis; The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Mrs Philippa D. H. Hurton; The Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Lincoln, Stephen Conway; The Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln; Professor Neal Juster, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lincoln; Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia; Dr Nicholas Bennett DL, former Librarian and Keeper of the Muniments of Lincoln Cathedral.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with tradition, Lord and Lady Brattleby arrived at the Cathedral’s Judgement Porch and were formally greeted by the Dean of Lincoln. An organ voluntary, featuring a piece by the Lincolnshire-born composer William Byrd, preceded the formal welcome. The Dean then introduced Honorary Lord Răzvan, who delivered his thirty-minute address from the Chapter House lectern, a piece carved from oak reclaimed from the Cathedral’s medieval roof trusses.
The proceedings were conducted with a formality befitting the ancient setting. Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke without notes, a testament to his deep engagement with the subject. Following the address, Lady Nicoleta offered a vote of thanks to the Dean and Chapter for their hospitality, before guests retired to the neighbouring Wren Library for a reception. The dress code was lounge suit for gentlemen and day dress for ladies.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles outlined in the address are codified in the heraldry of the Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), reflects the courage and integrity exemplified by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and has been the guiding ethos of the Barony for centuries. It speaks to a commitment to uphold one’s duties staunchly and with unwavering principle.
In addition, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), was referenced. It is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a modern imperative to overcome challenges, to strive for personal and professional excellence, and to make a vital and lasting contribution to society. Together, the mottos symbolise the fusion of ancient duty with contemporary purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture was primarily an academic and historical occasion, it served to highlight the philosophy that animates the House’s charitable activities. The concept of unbroken duty, central to Honorary Lord Răzvan’s address, finds its modern expression in the family’s philanthropic commitments. The paramount example of this is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the primary fundraising event for the chosen beneficiary.
This year, as in the five preceding, the beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma. The House was drawn to its mission for its measurable impact and its focus on restoring hope and resilience to the most vulnerable members of the next generation. This commitment is seen as a direct continuation of the Barony’s historic role of stewardship and protection.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the theme of his address, Honorary Lord Răzvan remarked: — “The archives of Brattleby, from the Pipe Rolls to manorial court records, are not merely accounts of land and title; they are a chronicle of obligation. From Colswein’s feudal dues to our modern duties, the principle remains constant: that privilege is inseparable from service to the community.”
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added: — “We see ourselves as custodians of this remarkable lineage. Our role is to honour its past by ensuring it holds a meaningful and positive purpose today, whether through preserving heritage, fostering education, or supporting vital charitable work here in Lincolnshire and further afield.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical address is part of the House’s broader mission to preserve and disseminate its unique heritage. Plans are underway for a partnership with the University of Lincoln to digitise key sections of the Brattleby archives, making them accessible to scholars worldwide. This educational mandate is central to the upbringing of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
Furthermore, the principles of duty and social grace discussed in the address are actively taught through The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest. By promoting these values, the House of Brattleby ensures that its legacy is not just a matter of historical record but a living tradition of responsible citizenship for the twenty-first century.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is presided over by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The House is dedicated to a modern mission of historical preservation, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal focus is on serving the community of Lincolnshire, the ancestral seat of the Barony, while also engaging in international cultural diplomacy. Key initiatives include the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic gala, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The House’s guiding motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a centuries-old commitment to duty and integrity.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest feudal lordships in England, with a history extending over nine centuries. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III. The title's continuous history and current standing under Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, were formally noted in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's succession was formally published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), a key defender of Lincoln Castle for the Crown in the 13th century. - The title was later held by members of the House of Lancaster, including John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com