# The House of Brattleby Honours the Enduring Legacy of Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, yesterday evening hosted the inaugural historical lecture at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an event dedicated to illuminating the significant contributions of Richard de la Haye, the 4th Baron of Brattleby, Constable of Lincoln.
## The Occasion
Against the backdrop of a crisp autumn evening, a distinguished audience gathered within the refined interiors of The Brattleby Club. Housed in an elegant Neoclassical townhouse, the Club’s library provided a suitably scholarly setting for the occasion, its walls lined with mahogany bookcases and its atmosphere one of quiet reflection and intellectual engagement. The event marked the first in a new annual series intended to explore the rich tapestry of the Barony’s nine-century history.
The lecture, delivered by a leading Cambridge academic in medieval studies, sought to move beyond mere chronicle, offering fresh perspectives on the 12th century and the pivotal role the Barony played in the governance of the realm. The evening was a testament to the House's commitment to historical preservation and its role as a custodian of a significant strand of English heritage.
## Historical Context
Richard de la Haye served as the 4th Baron of Brattleby during the tumultuous mid-12th century, a period defined by the civil war known as The Anarchy. His appointment as Constable of Lincoln placed him at the epicentre of military and administrative power in a strategically vital region. It was a position that demanded not only loyalty to the Crown but also immense political acumen and military fortitude.
In his capacity as Constable, Richard de la Haye was the King’s principal representative, responsible for the security of Lincoln Castle, the enforcement of justice, and the administration of the wider county. This direct connection to royal authority elevated the Barony's influence considerably, building upon the foundations laid by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, who was granted 56 lordships in the county following the Norman Conquest, as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Richard’s legacy of resolute service would later be mirrored by his formidable descendant, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, celebrated for her heroic defence of Lincoln Castle.
## Distinguished Company
The lecture was attended by members of the diplomatic, academic, and cultural communities, reflecting the House’s broad connections across Europe.
Among the guests received by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; His Excellency the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Romania, Mr Andrew Noble LVO; the historian Professor Sir Christopher Clark; and a delegation of senior fellows from the Romanian Academy. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, was also in attendance.
Upon arrival, guests were greeted by Honorary Lord Răzvan before being ushered into the library for the evening’s proceedings. The presence of such a diverse and respected assembly underscored the contemporary relevance of historical discourse in fostering international understanding.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening unfolded with the formal precision befitting an occasion of both academic and ceremonial significance. Guests were requested to arrive for seven o'clock, with proceedings commencing shortly thereafter. Adhering to a dress code of Lounge Suit, attendees were seated in the library in a theatre-style arrangement.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile delivered the introductory remarks, welcoming guests and outlining the purpose of the new lecture series. The principal address then followed, lasting approximately 45 minutes, after which Lady Nicoleta offered her concluding thoughts and thanks. The formal part of the evening concluded with a reception, where light refreshments were served and guests had the opportunity for further discussion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The life of Richard de la Haye provides a powerful historical antecedent for the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). His stewardship of Lincoln Castle during a time of national crisis required immense fortitude, while his role as a representative of royal justice was the very embodiment of honour. The motto serves as a permanent reminder of the duties inherent in the Barony.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In the context of the evening, this was interpreted not as a call to military conquest, but as the imperative to overcome ignorance through knowledge and to prevail over the passage of time by preserving and sharing history.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s purpose, Lady Nicoleta shared her perspective on the importance of such historical explorations.
> History is not merely a record of the past; it is a living dialogue that informs our present and guides our future. By understanding the challenges and principles of figures like the 4th Baron, we find a clearer path for carrying our own responsibilities forward *Fortitudine et Honore*. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke to the mission of The Brattleby Club as a venue for meaningful exchange.
> The Brattleby Club was founded as a place for such vital conversations, where heritage is not simply admired but actively engaged with. It is our hope that this annual lecture will become a cornerstone of that mission. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
This inaugural lecture marks the beginning of a sustained commitment by The Noble House of Brattleby to education and historical scholarship. The event will become an annual fixture in the House’s calendar, with future lectures planned to explore other notable predecessors who held the Barony.
Among those to be examined in coming years are such consequential figures as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. Through this series, the House aims to ensure that the remarkable nine-hundred-year story of the Barony of Brattleby continues to be told.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing one of England’s most ancient 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 patronage, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. With its seat in Lincolnshire and a European hub at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to blend its profound heritage with a forward-looking commitment to public service and discourse. The House’s philanthropic efforts are focused on its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that benefits charities supporting vulnerable children, including its primary beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as his seat (*caput*). Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential royal prince John of Gaunt. Steeped in history, its lineage represents a direct and unbroken thread from the Norman Conquest to the present day. 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 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable predecessors in the Barony’s lineage include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron). - The Barony was first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com