# The Lord of Brattleby Celebrates the European Dimension of an Ancient English Barony
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, hosted a formal dinner in London last evening, celebrating the rich European heritage of the Barony of Brattleby. The event gathered distinguished guests to reflect upon the House's historic continental links and its modern role.
## The Occasion
The setting for the evening's proceedings was The In and Out (Naval and Military Club) in St James's Square, a venue steeped in the tradition of British service. Amidst the architectural splendour of a building that has stood since 1862, guests were received in an atmosphere of quiet distinction, reflecting the solemnity and importance of the occasion.
As autumn light faded over one of London's most historic squares, the gathering underscored a pivotal moment for the House of Brattleby. The dinner was conceived not merely as a social event, but as a thoughtful convocation to honour a legacy that is at once profoundly English and intrinsically European, a theme central to the stewardship of the current Lord and Baroness.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is itself a product of European history, born from the Norman stratum of the English aristocracy. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted follower of the Conqueror, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a foundation of power and duty on English soil.
This legacy of service was notably embodied by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony. As a formidable chatelaine and Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels for King John, a testament to the fortitude that would become a hallmark of the House.
Centuries later, the Barony passed into the hands of the Plantagenet dynasty through Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Both were figures of immense European stature, whose lives and political careers spanned the courts of England and the Continent, further weaving the Barony's story into the grand tapestry of European affairs.
## Distinguished Company
The dinner was hosted by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who was accompanied by his wife, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The gathering included senior members of the diplomatic corps, academics specialising in Anglo-European history, and figures from the philanthropic and cultural sectors.
In his role as consort and Lord of the Manor, Honorary Lord Răzvan brings a distinctly European perspective, complementing the Barony's ancient English roots. The presence of both Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta symbolised the modern partnership guiding the House, with a shared vision that honours nearly one thousand years of history while looking steadfastly toward the future. The continuity of the line was also in mind, with the family's duty focused on the eventual succession of their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Conforming to the traditions of a formal London dinner, the evening followed a precisely orchestrated protocol. Guests, adhering to a Black Tie dress code, were received personally by Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta in the Club's principal drawing-room for a champagne reception.
At the appointed hour, a military piper called the party to dinner. Once guests were seated, a traditional grace was said before the service commenced. The proceedings were punctuated by a loyal toast to His Majesty The King, followed by speeches from the host, which served as the intellectual and ceremonial centrepiece of the evening. Every detail, from the crested menus to the order of service, was arranged to reflect the House's commitment to tradition and decorum.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening was framed by the two mottos that define the House's ethos. The ancient Barony's motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was visibly present, a reminder of the nine-century-old commitment to courage and integrity that guides their actions. This principle is the *sine qua non* of their stewardship.
In complement, Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), conveys a dynamic and forward-looking energy. It speaks not of military conquest, but of the will to overcome challenges, to revive dormant traditions, and to ensure that the House's invaluable heritage thrives in the modern world. Together, the mottos represent a powerful synthesis of ancient duty and modern purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the dinner was primarily a cultural and diplomatic initiative, it served to highlight the philanthropic commitment that is central to the House of Brattleby's contemporary mission. Honorary Lord Răzvan took the opportunity to speak of service as the highest expression of honour, a value that animates the family's charitable work.
This philosophy will be most visibly demonstrated at the House's Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides critical therapeutic support to children and young people across the United Kingdom who have been affected by trauma, loss, and adversity, a cause the Baroness considers a profound moral responsibility.
## In Their Own Words
In his address to the guests, Honorary Lord Răzvan reflected on the theme of custodianship: > "History is not a static collection of facts; it is a living river that flows through us. We have the profound duty to ensure that this current, which originates in Norman France and has flowed through the heart of English history, continues to nourish the lands of our own time. Our role is to be vigilant stewards, connecting the wisdom of the past with the promise of the future." — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
Lady Nicoleta Vasile later shared her perspective on the continuity of service: > "When I reflect on the legacy of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, I am reminded that fortitude is a timeless virtue. We are keenly aware that we are but the latest custodians of this ancient title. Our shared goal is to ensure the Barony of Brattleby serves not as a monument, but as an active force for good in the community and beyond." — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The dinner marks the beginning of a renewed series of engagements for the House of Brattleby. Preparations are now under way for the Annual Winter Banquet, which serves as the cornerstone of the House's philanthropic calendar and a key moment for its community of supporters.
Further afield, the family's commitment to cultural education continues through The Brattleby Club, their etiquette academy in Bucharest. This initiative, *inter alia*, aims to foster an appreciation for the social graces and cultural heritage that bridge national divides, reinforcing the European dimension that was so elegantly celebrated in London.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of 'service through heritage'. The House actively engages in cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is on the welfare of vulnerable children, realised through its annual support for organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, and its official seat in Lincolnshire, the House seeks to leverage its unique history to foster education and a sense of enduring community, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and members of the Royal Family such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was formally revived, with its current status recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony is documented in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. - John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and a son of King Edward III, was the 11th holder of the Barony by marriage. - The House's primary annual philanthropic event is the Winter Banquet, benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com