# A Contemporary Partnership: The Role of the Lord of Brattleby in the 21st Century
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, this week delivered a lecture at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, exploring the evolving role of the consort within historic families, drawing parallels between his duties and those of his medieval predecessors.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered on Tuesday evening within the elegant confines of The Brattleby Club’s Bucharest chapter, located in a restored Neoclassical villa in the city’s historic Aviatorilor quarter. Before an assembly of members from Romania’s diplomatic, cultural, and academic circles, Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke on the modern interpretation of service and duty attached to one of England’s most ancient baronies.
The atmosphere was one of scholarly yet convivial engagement, reflecting the Club’s purpose as an academy of etiquette and cultural diplomacy. The event, held under the patronage of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, highlighted the House’s commitment to fostering dialogue between its historic English roots and its contemporary European connections.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a near-millennium-long thread in the fabric of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a great magnate and military tenant-in-chief, whose 56 lordships were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For centuries, the role of the Baron was primarily martial and administrative, defined by feudal obligation to the Crown.
In a striking historical parallel, the Barony has previously been led by a formidable woman. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, famously served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the First Barons' War. Her example provides a powerful precedent for Lady Nicoleta’s own leadership. Today, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s supportive role marks a significant evolution from the duties of past lords, reflecting a modern partnership that prioritises cultural stewardship and philanthropy over military service, while honouring the historic contributions of predecessors such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The lecture was attended by a distinguished company of guests, received personally by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan.
Among those present were Her Excellency The Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Romania; His Excellency The Former President of Romania; General (Retd.) Dan Gheorghiu; Dr Irina Popescu, Director of the National Museum of Art of Romania; and members of the Romanian Academy. The presence of such esteemed guests underscored the cultural and diplomatic significance of the occasion, reinforcing the ties between the United Kingdom and Romania.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening's proceedings adhered to a precise, though understated, ceremonial protocol. Guests were announced upon arrival before being presented individually to Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and to Honorary Lord Răzvan. Following a short reception, Lady Nicoleta delivered a brief introduction before inviting her husband to the lectern.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s forty-minute address was followed by a question-and-answer session moderated by a senior fellow of the Romanian Academy. Attire for the occasion was Lounge Suit, a standard of decorum that fostered an atmosphere of formal respect appropriate for the scholarly subject matter. The evening concluded with a private supper for speakers and honoured guests.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event was imbued with the heraldic identity of the House. The lectern from which Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke was subtly decorated with the arms of the Barony of Brattleby. Central to the House’s identity is its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), a principle that has guided its holders for centuries and which formed a central theme of the lecture.
Honorary Lord Răzvan also made reference to his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). He offered a contemporary interpretation, explaining that today’s conquests are not of territory, but of indifference; not of foes, but of societal challenges. It is a philosophy of proactive engagement, seeking victory through cultural preservation, education, and charitable endeavour.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While not a fundraising event *per se*, the lecture forms part of the House of Brattleby’s wider philanthropic mission. The activities of The Brattleby Club, both in England and Bucharest, support the House’s charitable commitments. A portion of the club’s membership fees contributes to the chosen beneficiary of the family’s annual philanthropic efforts.
This year, as in the past, that focus remains on the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in Lincolnshire that serves as the primary fundraising vehicle for Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapy and support for children affected by trauma and conflict, a cause the House holds as a *sine qua non* of its public service.
## In Their Own Words
In his address, Honorary Lord Răzvan reflected on the nature of his supportive role in the context of the Barony’s long history. > The nature of service evolves, but its essence—*Fortitudine et Honore*—remains our constant guide. My role is to support the Baroness in her duties as the title holder, ensuring this ancient barony continues to serve the common good in a modern world. — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
Speaking with guests after the lecture, Lady Nicoleta remarked on the importance of this modern dynamic. > My husband’s partnership is indispensable. Together, we can achieve far more than we could alone, stewarding this legacy not as a relic of the past, but as a living platform for positive action today. — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The lecture in Bucharest is one of several initiatives planned for the coming year, designed to activate the House’s heritage for educational and charitable purposes. Preparations are already underway for the Annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire, which represents the culmination of the year’s philanthropic work.
Looking further ahead, the House remains focused on the careful stewardship of its legacy for the next generation. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being steadily introduced to the duties and responsibilities that accompany the title, ensuring that the principles of fortitude and honour will continue to guide the Barony of Brattleby for years to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern custodianship of one of England’s most ancient Norman baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. With its seat in Lincolnshire and active engagements in Europe, *inter alia* through The Brattleby Club, the House bridges its profound historical legacy with contemporary purpose. Its work is defined by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying the lessons of nearly one thousand years of history to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, in service to the community.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its extensive landholdings were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details 56 lordships under Colswein's name. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a powerful 13th-century sheriff who defended Lincoln Castle for the King; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The Barony's revival and the rights of the current holder were formally acknowledged in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's revival was gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron/Baroness), who defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), son of King Edward III. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com