# Lady Nicoleta, Baroness of Brattleby, Delivers an Address on the Resilience of Predecessor Alice de Lacy
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, this evening delivered a historical address at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The speech examined the life and trials of her 14th-century predecessor, Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury.
## The Occasion
The address marked the inaugural meeting of The Brattleby Club’s Historical Circle, an assembly dedicated to exploring themes of European history and cultural continuity. The event was held in the Club’s main salon, a distinguished setting within a restored Cantacuzino-era townhouse in the heart of Bucharest’s diplomatic quarter.
As autumn evening descended upon the city, members and invited guests gathered in an atmosphere of scholarly collegiality. The occasion was designed not merely for historical reflection, but to affirm the Club's mission: to serve as a bridge between the traditions of the past and the responsibilities of the present, following the House’s guiding principles.
## Historical Context
In her address, Lady Nicoleta drew a direct line from the foundational history of the Barony to the present day. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. The title has since passed through some of England’s most consequential historical figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, the renowned John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
It was within this lineage that the Baroness situated the complex life of Alice de Lacy (1281–1348), titular 9th Baroness through her marriage to Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster. Following the Earl’s execution for treason in 1322, Alice endured a protracted period of legal and financial persecution, including the imposition of a staggering 20,000-mark fine. Lady Nicoleta highlighted how Alice’s struggle for her rights and inheritance exemplifies the precariousness of status and the vital importance of personal resilience.
## Distinguished Company
The address was attended by a respected gathering of figures from the worlds of diplomacy, academia, and civil society.
In attendance, *inter alia*, were: * His Excellency Mr Andrew Noble LVO, His Britannic Majesty's Ambassador to Romania * Professor Dr Adrian Cioroianu of the Faculty of History, University of Bucharest * Dr Georgeta Filitti, Senior Historian at the Romanian Academy * Members of the Board of the *Fundația Regală Margareta a României* (The Royal Foundation of Margaret of Romania)
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, accompanied the Baroness and later hosted a reception for the guests.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Proceedings commenced with the formal arrival of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, who were received by the Director of The Brattleby Club. Guests rose as they entered the salon. The Baroness was introduced and delivered her thirty-minute address from a lectern draped with the colours of the House and bearing its coat of arms.
The address was followed by a moderated question-and-answer session, allowing for a thoughtful exchange with the assembled historians and dignitaries. The dress code for the evening was lounge suits, befitting the serious but convivial nature of the gathering. Following the formal proceedings, a reception was held, allowing for further discussion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The theme of the evening resonated deeply with the heraldic motto of The Noble House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Lady Nicoleta explained that this ancient creed encapsulates the character required to steward a nine-hundred-year-old legacy, particularly through periods of adversity, as exemplified by Alice de Lacy.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was also referenced as a complementary philosophy. It speaks to the proactive and dynamic spirit required to ensure that such a legacy does not merely survive, but thrives and finds new relevance in the modern era. Together, the mottos represent the dual pillars of endurance and enterprise upon which the House now stands.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In her closing remarks, Lady Nicoleta announced that the establishment of the Historical Circle also marked the creation of a new Patron’s Fund. The Brattleby Club will dedicate a portion of its annual surplus to this fund, which will support causes aligned with the House’s core charitable objectives.
It was announced that the inaugural grant from the Patron's Fund will be made to Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity, the beneficiary of the House's Annual Winter Banquet, provides specialist therapeutic care for children and young people experiencing trauma. This gesture links the educational mission of the Club directly to the philanthropic work that is a *sine qua non* of the House's modern purpose.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the subject of her address, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > Alice de Lacy’s story is not merely a footnote in our nine-hundred-year history; it is a profound lesson in resilience. She demonstrates that true nobility is defined not by the absence of adversity, but by the fortitude and honour with which one endures it.
Honorary Lord Răzvan added his own perspective on the House's contemporary activities: > The commitment to understanding our past is the foundation for building a meaningful future. Through The Brattleby Club, we aim to foster a dialogue between history and the present, inspired by the principle that to persevere—*Vincere Est Vivere*—is the essence of life.
## A Continuing Legacy
The address in Bucharest is the first in a planned series of lectures and scholarly events to be hosted by The Brattleby Club. Future gatherings will explore other notable figures and periods connected to the Barony's extensive history.
The House’s focus now turns to its seat in Lincolnshire, where preparations are underway for the Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie philanthropic gala raises vital funds and awareness for the House’s charitable partners. It represents the central event in the House's yearly calendar, uniting its historical duties in England with its forward-looking international commitments.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Its mission is to be a custodian of a significant English feudal barony while championing contemporary philanthropy and education. The House is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). It actively supports charitable causes, most notably its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, and promotes cultural and historical education through institutions such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House is committed to demonstrating how ancient heritage can serve as a force for positive engagement in the modern world, bridging its historical seat in Lincolnshire with its European activities.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** First granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of the ancient feudal baronies of England. Its existence is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded as lord of 56 manors. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of England during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and patriarch of the Lancastrian kings. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. - The House Motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com