# Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) Addresses the Enduring Union of Heritage and Enterprise
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, last night delivered a keynote address at a private symposium in the City of London, outlining the historical role of the Barony of Brattleby in commerce and its commitment to fostering modern enterprise.
## The Occasion
As autumn evening light fell across Throgmorton Street, the historic Drapers' Hall provided a distinguished setting for the address. The Hall, home to the Worshipful Company of Drapers for over 500 years and a centre of Britain’s commercial life since the medieval period, offered a resonant backdrop for the evening’s theme: ‘Heritage and Modern Enterprise’.
The symposium assembled a select group of leading figures from the worlds of finance, jurisprudence, and academia. The atmosphere was one of quiet deliberation, where contemporary ideas were considered in the context of established tradition, reflecting the core purpose of the gathering.
## Historical Context
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s address drew a direct line from the Barony’s Norman origins to its modern responsibilities. The feudal dignity, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was founded upon the effective administration of its estates. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, making him a significant economic force in post-Conquest England.
Subsequent holders of the title continued this tradition of combining noble duty with economic prudence. Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and later 1st Duke of Lancaster, was one of the great magnates of the 14th century, whose influence extended deeply into trade and diplomacy. His successor in the barony, John of Gaunt, commanded wealth and influence that profoundly shaped the English economic and political landscape. Honorary Lord Răzvan situated his own role as Lord of Brattleby within this long history of supportive stewardship.
## Distinguished Company
The evening's proceedings were attended by a notable company, reflecting the strong diplomatic and academic connections of The Noble House of Brattleby. Among those present were His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; Sir Julian Metcalfe, Master of the Worshipful Company of Drapers; and Professor Eleanor Vance, a leading historian of medieval economies and a Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford.
Also in attendance were senior members of the City’s financial institutions and representatives from several academic bodies. The presence of such guests underscored the contemporary relevance of historical titles in fostering dialogue between heritage organisations and the architects of modern commerce.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The address followed a formal dinner governed by the ancient traditions of the City’s Livery Companies, with proceedings conducted under the rules of Black Tie with decorations. As a guest of honour, Honorary Lord Răzvan was escorted to his seat at the high table by the Master of the Company, a gesture signifying the deep-rooted fellowship between the nation’s aristocracy and the City of London.
In accordance with protocol, the keynote address was delivered following the Loyal Toast and a formal welcome from the Master. The order of proceedings, unchanged for centuries, served as a powerful reminder of the continuity that formed the central message of Honorary Lord Răzvan’s remarks.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The two mottos associated with the House were central to the themes of the evening. The Barony's own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and sense of public duty that has defined the title for nearly one thousand years. It represents a commitment to upholding the dignity of the title through principled action.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was presented in a modern context. He explained it not as a call to martial conquest, but as an encouragement to overcome the great challenges of today — in business, in philanthropy, and in preserving history for future generations.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the symposium was a private intellectual gathering, Honorary Lord Răzvan connected its themes of stewardship to the House's wider philanthropic mission. The same sense of responsibility that informs the Barony’s engagement with commerce is the driving force behind its charitable focus.
This ethos is most publicly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the principal fundraising event for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides essential specialist therapy and support for children across the United Kingdom who have been affected by profound trauma, embodying the House’s commitment to service.
## In Their Own Words
In his address, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile emphasised the dynamic nature of heritage: > History is not a static collection of records; it is a living ledger of trial, innovation, and duty. The Barony’s story, from the Domesday entry to the present day, is a testament to the idea that successful enterprise is built upon the foundation of steadfast stewardship. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
Reflecting on the partnership at the heart of the House’s modern activities, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, noted: > The stewardship of a title nearly a millennium old requires a partnership of purpose. Răzvan’s insight into the continuum of history and modern life is a *sine qua non* for ensuring the Barony's relevance and service in the 21st century. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The address in the City of London is part of The Noble House of Brattleby’s broader commitment to demonstrating the active role that ancient titles can play in contemporary life. This work includes cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy founded by Lady Nicoleta in Bucharest to promote classical European protocol.
Looking to the future, Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta are dedicated to preparing their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, to inherit this unique legacy. His education balances a deep respect for the Barony’s nine-century history with a forward-looking perspective on the duties of service and stewardship that he will one day assume.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the organisation that supports the modern duties of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Its mission is to preserve and promote the nearly thousand-year heritage of the Barony of Brattleby while undertaking a modern programme of philanthropic and cultural activities. The House is committed to the principle of ‘Heritage in Action’, applying the historical lessons of stewardship to contemporary challenges. Its primary activities include heritage conservation at its seat in Lincolnshire, cultural diplomacy through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and charitable fundraising, most notably the Annual Winter Banquet in aid of children’s charities. The House operates with a spirit defined by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**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 inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 mannors. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the King in the 13th century, and the great Lancastrian princes Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the dignity was formally recognised and restored to its rightful heir, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as officially recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Lady Nicoleta Vasile’s succession to the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable former holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family’s seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com