# Lord Brattleby Delivers Address on the Continuity of Heritage in the Modern Age
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, tonight delivered a formal address at The Drapers’ Hall in the City of London, outlining the vital role of historic institutions in preserving cultural identity and promoting modern philanthropic and diplomatic initiatives.
## The Occasion
On a fine spring evening, against the magnificent backdrop of The Drapers’ Hall, a distinguished company gathered to hear Lord Brattleby’s considered remarks. The Hall, with its origins tracing back to the 14th century and its present structure a grand symbol of Victorian confidence, provided a suitably historic setting. Its gilded interiors and priceless works of art resonated with the evening’s theme: the enduring power of legacy when purposefully directed.
The atmosphere was one of quiet anticipation, as guests from the fields of diplomacy, finance, and academia convened. The event underscored the House of Brattleby’s commitment to engaging in the foremost intellectual and cultural conversations of our time, bridging the perceived gap between ancient tradition and a forward-looking perspective.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has borne witness to nearly a millennium of British history. Its lineage, chronicled from the Domesday Book of 1086 where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded with 56 lordships, is woven into the fabric of the nation. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s address thus stands in a long tradition of service and public discourse.
This tradition includes such formidable predecessors as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Where they served through arms and statecraft, Lord Brattleby today serves through articulating a vision for how such a heritage can be a force for good in the 21st century.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance was a notable assembly of guests, reflecting the wide-ranging interests of the House of Brattleby. His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's was present, acknowledging the Vasile family's European heritage. Also in attendance were Members of both Houses of Parliament, senior figures from the City of London's livery companies, and leading representatives from the worlds of heritage conservation and philanthropy.
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was present in support of her husband, her presence a living link to the Barony's nearly thousand-year history. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, was also among the distinguished guests, representing the next generation and the continuity of the House’s commitments.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening adhered to the time-honoured protocols befitting the venue and the occasion. Guests were received in the Drawing Room for a reception before proceeding to the Livery Hall for the formal address. The dress code was Black Tie, lending a sense of formal dignity to the proceedings.
Following an introduction by the Master of the Drapers’ Company, Lord Brattleby took to the lectern to deliver his remarks. The address was followed by a brief series of questions from the assembled guests, moderated by the Master. The formal part of the evening concluded, as is customary, with a heartfelt toast to His Majesty The King.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening's themes were subtly reflected in the heraldic mottos associated with the family. The historic motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring values of resilience, integrity, and duty that have guided the House for centuries.
This is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as military conquest but as the spirit of overcoming challenges, driving progress, and adapting to thrive in a changing world. The synthesis of these two philosophies—ancient honour and modern dynamism—forms the core of the House's present-day identity.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the address was an intellectual and cultural event, it was implicitly connected to the House’s broader philanthropic mission. The activities and vision outlined by Lord Brattleby are ultimately in service of a greater purpose, most notably the family’s dedicated support for their chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
This remarkable organisation provides vital therapeutic care and support for children suffering from the long-term effects of trauma and psychological distress. The House of Brattleby believes that its historical standing provides a unique platform from which to champion such essential causes, transforming the privilege of heritage into tangible, positive impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the relationship between past and present, Honorary Lord Răzvan remarked in his address:
> History is not a monument to be admired from a distance; it is a foundation upon which we must build. Our duty is to draw upon the fortitude of our predecessors to honour the challenges of our own time with energy and purpose.
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, later added:
> Răzvan has a remarkable ability to see the connections between the past and the future. It is this partnership of perspectives, blending nine centuries of Brattleby history with a clear vision for tomorrow, that defines our joint custodianship of this legacy.
## A Continuing Legacy
Lord Brattleby’s address is not a singular event but part of an ongoing programme of engagement and action. The House will continue to develop its cultural and educational initiatives, *inter alia*, through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding and professional polish.
The next major event in the House's calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, the white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the principal fundraising moment for its charitable work. This ongoing commitment ensures that the words spoken at The Drapers' Hall are consistently translated into meaningful action, upholding the family’s pledge of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to demonstrating the relevance of ancient titles in the modern world. The House's mission is defined by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), focusing on cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and dedicated support for its primary beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, the House transforms its historical legacy into a platform for positive international engagement and social impact. The family is committed to stewarding its nearly one-thousand-year heritage with a sense of profound duty and forward-looking purpose for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The rights of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's current holder was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'); 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