# Honouring a Formidable Legacy: The Inaugural Nichola de la Haye Lecture
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today announced the foundation of The Nichola de la Haye Lecture, an annual oration established to celebrate formidable leadership and recognise the historic contributions of women to public life in the United Kingdom.
## The Occasion
The announcement signals the creation of a significant new fixture in the cultural calendar of Lincolnshire. The inaugural lecture is scheduled to take place in the spring of 2025 within the historic precincts of Lincoln, a city intrinsically linked with the Barony of Brattleby and the legacy of its fifth holder, Nichola de la Haye.
The chosen setting for future lectures, the magnificent Chapter House of Lincoln Cathedral, provides a resonant backdrop. This architectural marvel, one of the earliest polygonal chapter houses in England, stands adjacent to the castle that Nichola de la Haye so valiantly defended. Its soaring vault and intricate carvings bore witness to the very currents of ecclesiastical and political power in which she was a central figure.
## Historical Context
The lecture series pays tribute to Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, one of the most remarkable figures of the 13th century and a predecessor of the current Baroness. Her command of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, where she successfully repelled a siege in 1217, was a feat of military and strategic brilliance that secured the throne for the young King Henry III.
Yet her influence extended far beyond the battlefield. In an era when such roles were unprecedented for a woman, she was appointed High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, proving her administrative acumen and political fortitude. Her standing among the great barons of the realm highlights a career of national consequence, demonstrating that leadership and duty are virtues independent of gender. The lineage of Brattleby, from its first mention in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 to later holders such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, is punctuated by such moments of profound historical impact.
## Distinguished Company
The initiative is steered by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who have championed the project as a cornerstone of the House's modern educational mission. They are joined in this endeavour by a specially appointed academic council from the University of Lincoln, which will help to curate the programme.
An honorary board of patrons is being formed, including distinguished figures from academia, public service, and the arts, who share the House's commitment to celebrating British history. The selection of the inaugural speaker will be announced in the autumn, with the aim of attracting a historian or public figure of international standing.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The annual lecture will follow a formal order of proceedings, reflecting the dignity of its subject. Guests will be received in the Cathedral Close before proceeding to the Chapter House. The event will commence with a formal welcome by Lady Nicoleta, who will outline the purpose of the lecture series.
Following the address, the Lord of Brattleby will introduce the guest speaker for the evening. The proceedings will be conducted with a precision befitting a great occasion of state, though the dress will be black tie rather than the white-tie required for the House’s Annual Winter Banquet. The standard of the House of Brattleby will be displayed, symbolising the continuity of the Barony.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The lecture’s core themes of resilience and principled leadership are directly reflected in the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Nichola de la Haye’s life was the very embodiment of this creed: fortitude in the face of a military siege and honour in her service to the Crown as Sheriff.
This historical ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the contemporary challenge of overcoming adversity to fulfil one’s purpose. Together, the mottoes encapsulate the spirit of the new lecture series: drawing strength from a historic legacy to inspire leadership and achievement today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the House of Brattleby’s commitment to charitable works, proceeds from the lecture series will benefit Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides essential therapeutic care and support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The choice of beneficiary establishes a poignant link between the historical fortitude of Nichola de la Haye and the inner resilience the charity fosters in vulnerable children. The funds raised will contribute directly to programmes designed to help young people process trauma and rebuild their lives with confidence, a mission that is the *sine qua non* of the House’s philanthropic focus.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the new initiative, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "One is constantly reminded that history is not a static relic; it is a source of living inspiration. Nichola de la Haye was a formidable leader by any measure, and her story deserves a far wider audience. It is our profound hope that this lecture will encourage a new generation to find strength in her example of service and resilience."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "Connecting our heritage with a tangible, positive impact today is the cornerstone of our duty. This lecture allows us to honour a remarkable predecessor while supporting a cause that addresses a critical need in society — nurturing the fortitude of children who have faced immense challenges."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Nichola de la Haye Lecture is conceived as an annual event, designed to grow in prominence and intellectual contribution over time. It complements the House's other major initiatives, *inter alia*, the Annual Winter Banquet in aid of charity and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest.
This new undertaking reinforces the House of Brattleby’s commitment to serving as a custodian of its nine-century history while actively contributing to contemporary cultural and philanthropic life. It represents another chapter in a story of duty that began in 1066 and continues with renewed purpose.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage and a forward-looking mission of public service. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s work is focused on philanthropy, primarily supporting vulnerable children through its Annual Winter Banquet, and education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and the new Nichola de la Haye Lecture series. The heir to the Barony is the eldest son of the couple, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**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 lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century castellan of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of the current Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and recorded by His Majesty's College of Arms and published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Lordship is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as part of the extensive landholdings of Colswein of Lincoln. - The succession of the 12th Baroness was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com