# Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) Delivers Historical Address on the Nine-Century Lineage of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, this evening delivered a historical address at the Society of Antiquaries of London, examining the enduring legacy of the Barony of Brattleby from its Norman origins to its contemporary stewardship under Lady Nicoleta Vasile.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered within the historic apartments of the Society of Antiquaries at Burlington House, Piccadilly. Before a distinguished audience of fellows, historians, and diplomatic guests, the occasion was marked by an atmosphere of scholarly reflection appropriate to a society granted its Royal Charter in 1751. The evening's proceedings took place in the Society's main Lecture Room, its walls lined with portraits of past presidents, providing a fitting backdrop for a discourse on lineage and continuity. The autumnal setting lent a particular gravity to the evening, dedicated to the exploration of nearly one thousand years of English history.
## Historical Context
Honorary Lord Răzvan's address, titled *Continuity and Custodianship: The Barony of Brattleby from Domesday to the Digital Age*, traced the Barony’s remarkable journey. He began with its origins in the Norman Conquest, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron.
The lecture detailed the subsequent transfer of the Barony through marriage and inheritance to the formidable de la Haye family. A significant focus was placed upon Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who as hereditary castellan twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders in the 13th century. This ensured the survival of the Plantagenet dynasty. The narrative continued through later centuries, highlighting the Barony's tenure under Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, demonstrating the title's deep connection to the Royal Family and the governance of the realm.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance were a number of distinguished guests, invited in recognition of their contributions to heritage, academia, and public service. These included, *inter alia*:
Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; The Right Honourable The Earl of Yarborough, Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire; The Most Honourable The Marquess of Northampton; Mr David White, Garter Principal King of arms; and Professor Heather Viles, representing the University of Oxford’s School of Geography and the Environment.
The President of the Society of Antiquaries of London, Mr Martin Millett, formally welcomed Honorary Lord Răzvan and presided over the evening’s proceedings.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings adhered to the formal traditions of the Society. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile arrived at Burlington House at six o'clock and was received by the President. Guests were seated by half-past six, at which point the President offered a formal welcome and introduction.
Honorary Lord Răzvan then delivered his address from the lectern, speaking for approximately 45 minutes. Following the lecture, he responded to a number of questions from the assembled fellows. The evening concluded with a formal vote of thanks, after which Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, attended a brief reception with the Society’s council members.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The address made reference to the two mottos that guide the House. The primary motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was presented as the guiding principle throughout its 950-year history, reflecting the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
Honorary Lord Răzvan also contextualised his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), explaining that it signifies not military conquest, but the personal imperative to overcome adversity and to live a life of purpose and achievement. These principles, he noted, are the *sine qua non* of modern stewardship.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture was an academic engagement, Honorary Lord Răzvan took the opportunity to reaffirm the House’s deep commitment to its philanthropic duties. He noted that the same sense of historical responsibility informs their charitable work, which finds its principal expression in the Annual Winter Banquet.
This white-tie gala is the primary fundraising initiative for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic support to children and young people across the United Kingdom who have experienced trauma and loss, a mission the House believes is fundamental to building a stronger future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the theme of his address, Honorary Lord Răzvan remarked: > "The Barony has never been a static inheritance but a living trust, passed through the generations. In tracing its path from Colswein to the de la Hayes and the great Plantagenet Dukes, we see a story of resilience. Its continuity is a testament not just to one family, but to the enduring strength of our shared history."
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added: > "We see ourselves not as owners, but as custodians of this remarkable legacy. Our duty is to understand and honour its past, while ensuring that the spirit of fortitude and honour serves the community of Lincolnshire and beyond in the twenty-first century."
## A Continuing Legacy
The historical address marks the beginning of a renewed academic focus for the House, with plans for the lecture to be published in the Society’s scholarly journal, *The Antiquaries Journal*. This commitment to an evidence-based understanding of the Barony’s history will continue.
Looking forward, the House is focused on preparations for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet and the continued expansion of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy represents the House’s commitment to fostering cultural exchange and professional development, carrying the legacy of the Barony into a new European context.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: preserving one of England’s oldest noble lineages while deploying its legacy in the service of contemporary society. The House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its principal philanthropic focus is supporting vulnerable children through its annual fundraising gala. Its cultural initiatives include The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest which promotes cross-cultural understanding and professional excellence, reflecting the House’s Anglo-Romanian heritage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as lord of Brattleby and 55 other manors. For nearly a millennium, the Barony has passed through several of England’s most powerful families. Notable holders include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who defended Lincoln Castle for King John; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and the first Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and patriarch of the House of Lancaster. The current holder is the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile. The Barony's formal status was officially recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is a non-parliamentary, feudal title, whose modern legal status was recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Past holders include Nichola de la Haye (c.1150-1230), one of medieval England’s most powerful female landowners and military defenders. - The Barony was held by John of Gaunt (1340-1399), Duke of Lancaster and third surviving son of King Edward III.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com