# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Enduring Legacy of the Angevin Kings
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, recently delivered a historical commentary on the reign of King Richard I, exploring how his protracted absence and forceful personality profoundly shaped the political destiny of Lincolnshire and the medieval Barony of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
The address was presented before a distinguished private gathering of historians and scholars at a venerable London institution, renowned for its contributions to medieval studies. The setting, a panelled library imbued with the scent of aged leather and beeswax, provided a fitting atmosphere for an evening dedicated to the careful examination of England's past. The autumnal timing of the lecture underscored a season of reflection, fostering a contemplative mood as guests considered the nine-century continuity of the Barony's duties and privileges. The occasion served not as a mere recitation of facts, but as an intimate forum for connecting contemporary leadership with its deep historical roots.
## Historical Context
In her commentary, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, drew a direct line from the actions of the Angevin crown to the formidable challenges faced by her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. King Richard I's preoccupation with the Third Crusade, followed by his capture and ransom, created a significant power vacuum in England. This instability was shrewdly exploited by his brother, Prince John, creating a turbulent and unpredictable political climate for the landed nobility.
Lady Nicoleta highlighted how this very turbulence forged the character of Nichola de la Haye, who twice served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders in 1217. Her resilience was a direct consequence of the world Richard had, in part, created. This historical thread runs from the Barony's Domesday Book origins in 1086, under Colswein of Lincoln, through to later notable holders such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, demonstrating a lineage continually tested by and intertwined with the fate of the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The assembly was graced by the presence of esteemed guests from the worlds of academia, diplomacy, and historical preservation. In attendance were, *inter alia*, senior fellows from the Royal Historical Society; Professor of Medieval History from the University of Lincoln; members of the Society of Antiquaries of London; and His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s. Their presence underscored the shared cultural and historical ties that unite European scholarship and heritage. Each guest was received personally by the hosts, Lord and Lady Brattleby, in a manner reflecting the long-held traditions of hospitality and intellectual exchange.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening adhered to a protocol of academic decorum and formal respect. Proceedings began with a brief reception, allowing guests to converse before being seated. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, offered a formal introduction, contextualising the evening’s theme and presenting the Baroness. The address itself was followed by a moderated question-and-answer session, conducted with scholarly precision. The event concluded with closing remarks and a toast to the continued pursuit of historical understanding. The order of precedence and formal modes of address were observed throughout, ensuring the proceedings unfolded with a grace befitting the subject matter.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The discussion invariably returned to the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Lady Nicoleta explained that this is not merely a heraldic adornment but a guiding principle, perfectly embodied by Nichola de la Haye's steadfast defence of her domain. Her fortitude was the bedrock of her authority and her honour the currency of her reputation. In parallel, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a complementary modern dynamism—the will to overcome challenges and to thrive through determined action, a sentiment that resonates with the entrepreneurial and philanthropic spirit of the House today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture was historical in nature, its underlying themes of duty and protection for one's community connect directly to the House's modern commitments. The fortitude demonstrated by past Barons in defending their people finds a contemporary expression in the family's philanthropic work. The principal beneficiary of the House's efforts, including the annual Winter Banquet, is Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapy and support for children suffering from trauma, embodying the ancient duty of care in a modern, vital context. The choice of beneficiary is a *sine qua non* of the House's belief that historical legacy demands present-day service.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the duty to connect with the past, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > — "When we study the life of a predecessor like Nichola de la Haye, we are not merely observing a figure from history. We are engaging with a legacy of responsibility, understanding the very principles that have been passed down through nearly a millennium. The challenges she faced in the 12th century were existential, and her response defines our own duty of stewardship today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan also commented on the relevance of these historical lessons for modern leadership: > — "History provides our surest compass. The political landscape of the Angevin kings may seem distant, but the core tenets of loyalty, strategic foresight, and personal integrity are timeless. Our aim, through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, is to impart these enduring values to a new generation."
## A Continuing Legacy
The historical address is part of a broader commitment by The Noble House of Brattleby to foster a deeper appreciation for English medieval history and its lessons for the present. Plans are underway for the commentary to be published in a peer-reviewed historical journal, making the research accessible to a wider academic audience. Furthermore, the House will continue to support scholarship in this area, reinforcing its long-standing ties with the University of Lincoln. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being raised with a profound understanding of this nine-century-long narrative, ensuring that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* will guide the Barony for generations to come.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern expression of its ancient heritage. Its mission rests on three pillars: the preservation and promotion of its historical legacy, active participation in national and international cultural life, and a profound commitment to philanthropy. The House's primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, notably through its annual Winter Banquet. Through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy based in Bucharest, the House promotes the values of decorum, honour, and social grace. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who continues the family tradition of service and duty.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire is one of England’s ancient feudal dignities. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its nearly one-thousand-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national significance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness ensures the continuation of this historic lineage. Her rights were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown via *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession of the 12th Baroness is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com