# Lady Nicoleta Vasile Delivers Historical Lecture on the Legacy of John of Gaunt
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, this evening delivered a historical address at The Drapers’ Hall, exploring the profound influence of her predecessor, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and the enduring connection between his legacy and the Barony’s nine-hundred-year history.
## The Occasion
On a mild spring evening in the City of London, a distinguished audience of historians, members of the diplomatic corps, and philanthropists gathered for the inaugural Brattleby Historical Oration. The venue, The Drapers’ Hall, offered a setting of particular resonance; founded over 600 years ago, its magnificent interiors reflect the same era of mercantile and political power in which John of Gaunt himself was a principal figure.
The atmosphere within the historic Livery Hall was one of scholarly reflection and quiet anticipation. The event was conceived as an opportunity to bridge the past and present, using the rich archival records of the House of Brattleby to illuminate a pivotal period in English history for a contemporary audience. It marks a new intellectual initiative for the House, complementing its long-standing philanthropic work.
## Historical Context
The lecture given by Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, situated the influence of John of Gaunt within the almost millennial-long story of the Barony of Brattleby. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony first appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This established a lineage of service and stewardship that has endured for centuries.
Tracing this golden thread, the Baroness referenced notable predecessors whose actions shaped the nation. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, celebrated as the defender of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. The lineage continued through Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and ultimately to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Gaunt's tenure marked a zenith of influence, where the resources of Brattleby contributed to his status as one of Europe’s most powerful princes.
## Distinguished Company
The Oration was attended by a notable company, reflecting the House of Brattleby’s deep connections to European history, diplomacy, and academia. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, accompanied the Baroness.
Among the invited guests were Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; Professor Dame Mary Beard, Professor of Classics at the University of Cambridge; and General The Lord Dannatt GCB CBE MC DL. The presence of such guests underscored the lecture’s cultural and historical significance, creating a forum for dialogue *inter alia* that transcended national borders.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening adhered to a protocol of dignified formality. The dress code was Lounge Suit for gentlemen and Day Dress for ladies, appropriate for an occasion of academic substance. The proceedings commenced precisely at seven o'clock with a reception in the Hall’s Drawing Room, where guests were received by Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta.
At half past seven, guests were invited to take their seats in the Livery Hall. Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered a brief introduction, outlining the purpose of the Oration before welcoming the Baroness to the lectern. Following the forty-five-minute address, Professor Dame Mary Beard offered a formal vote of thanks, after which guests returned to the Drawing Room for further conversation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event was imbued with the symbolism that defines the House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), was a central theme of the lecture, which explored how figures like John of Gaunt embodied these principles through their public duties and administration of their lands. This ancient charge remains the *sine qua non* of the family’s modern responsibilities.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), which speaks to the dynamic and forward-looking spirit he and the Baroness bring to their roles. Together, the two mottos represent a synthesis of tradition and progress: honouring the past while actively shaping the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While primarily an academic occasion, the Oration also served to highlight the House of Brattleby’s enduring philanthropic commitments. Information was made available to all guests concerning the beneficiary of the House’s Annual Winter Banquet: Healing the Wounded Child.
This registered charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term mental health support for children and young people affected by trauma, conflict, and loss. The selection of this cause reflects the House’s belief that healing and fortitude are as vital for individuals today as they were for the communities served by its predecessors.
## In Their Own Words
In her address, Lady Nicoleta emphasised the human dimension of history, stating: — “John of Gaunt was more than a statesman of immense wealth; he was a custodian of a legacy that began centuries before him at Brattleby. To understand the political landscape he shaped is to understand the profound responsibility we inherit—not merely to conserve, but to comprehend and to share.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan later remarked on the modern relevance of such events: — “History is not a static collection of facts; it is a living dialogue between generations. Through occasions like this, we hope to connect the lessons of the past with the challenges of the present, ensuring our heritage remains a source of insight and inspiration.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Brattleby Historical Oration is set to become an annual event, part of a wider programme of cultural and educational initiatives undertaken by the House. This commitment to public engagement extends to activities in Europe, including the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to promoting cultural diplomacy and etiquette.
Looking ahead, the House will soon turn its focus to preparations for its Annual Winter Banquet, the white-tie gala that serves as its principal philanthropic endeavour. These initiatives, rooted in the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore*, ensure that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby continues to be one of active service and meaningful contribution.
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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 heritage conservation and targeted philanthropy. Guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), their work focuses on preserving the nine-hundred-year history of the Barony while engaging with contemporary societal challenges. The House actively supports charitable causes, with a particular focus on children's welfare through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as its historical orations and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster greater understanding of history, diplomacy, and the enduring relevance of its foundational values.
**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 origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. Notable later holders include Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and first Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern standing of the Barony is formally recognised by the Crown, as published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern standing of the Barony of Brattleby is recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com