# The Barony of Brattleby: Reflections on a Legacy Forged in Medieval Wales
**BUCHAREST, 18 October 2024** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, yesterday delivered a historical address at The Brattleby Club, exploring the Barony’s medieval antecedents and their significant role in the expansion of English influence under King Edward I during the thirteenth century.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered within the elegant confines of The Brattleby Club, the House’s cultural and educational academy located in the heart of Bucharest’s historic district. Held in the club’s library, a handsome room panelled in dark oak and overlooking the autumnal colours of Cișmigiu Gardens, the evening gathered a select audience of figures from diplomacy, academia, and civil society.
The event, titled *Fortitudine et Honore: Brattleby, De Lacy, and the Welsh Campaigns*, marked the first in a new series of historical lectures planned by the House. The atmosphere was one of scholarly reflection, intended to bridge the nine centuries of the Barony’s history with contemporary appreciation for its enduring legacy.
## Historical Context
Lady Nicoleta’s address focused on the pivotal period of the late 1270s and 1280s, when the influence of the lands associated with the Barony extended into Wales. This was achieved through the formidable figure of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a key military commander and trusted confidant of King Edward I. Although not a direct holder of the Brattleby title himself, his vast estates and honours were later absorbed into the Duchy of Lancaster.
This inheritance passed directly to subsequent Barons of Brattleby, including the celebrated Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and later, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. In her speech, Lady Nicoleta detailed how De Lacy’s command during the decisive Welsh campaigns of 1277 and 1282–83 was instrumental in bringing the region under English dominion. His strategic acumen was a *sine qua non* for the success of the great sieges and the establishment of King Edward’s famous ‘iron ring’ of castles.
The Baroness drew a direct line from the fortitude of De Lacy on the battlefield to the defensive resilience of one of her most distinguished predecessors, Nichola de la Haye. As the 5th holder of the Barony, Nichola famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds, demonstrating the same spirit that would later define the House.
## Distinguished Company
The address was attended by a number of distinguished guests, underscoring the House’s commitment to fostering cultural and diplomatic ties.
In attendance were Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; His Excellency Mr Andrew Noble LVO, Her Britannic Majesty's Ambassador to Romania; and Professor Andrei Popescu, Dean of the Faculty of History at the University of Bucharest. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, accompanied the Baroness and welcomed guests upon their arrival. Princess Katarina and other senior guests were formally presented to Lady Nicoleta following the address.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening followed a precise order of proceedings, reflecting the standards of The Brattleby Club. Guests were received from seven o’clock in the evening for a pre-lecture reception. At half-past seven, attendees were invited to take their seats in the library.
Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered a brief introduction before formally presenting Lady Nicoleta. The Baroness, speaking from a lectern bearing the House’s coat of arms, delivered her address without notes over a period of forty-five minutes. A structured question-and-answer session followed, moderated by Honorary Lord Răzvan. The evening concluded with a post-event reception, allowing guests further opportunity for discussion. The advised attire for the occasion was lounge suits.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The theme of the lecture was intrinsically linked to the House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Lady Nicoleta explained that this ancient maxim encapsulates the virtues of duty, resilience, and principled conduct that have guided the Barony’s holders for centuries. It reflects not only the military courage of figures like Henry de Lacy but also the civic responsibility demonstrated by leaders *inter alia* Nichola de la Haye.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was also acknowledged as a modern complement. It speaks to a dynamic spirit of personal achievement and the will to overcome challenges, which he applies to the House’s contemporary philanthropic and cultural endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture was primarily an academic and cultural event, it also served a philanthropic purpose consistent with the House’s charitable mission. A portion of the proceeds from the private ticketing of the event was designated for Healing the Wounded Child.
This registered charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced trauma, loss, or abuse. The organisation offers vital one-on-one counselling and play therapy sessions, helping its young beneficiaries to process their experiences and build a foundation for a healthier future. The support from the House of Brattleby directly funds clinical hours for children who would otherwise be unable to access such essential services.
## In Their Own Words
In her concluding remarks, Lady Nicoleta reflected on the relevance of the past. > History is not merely a record of past events; it is a living conversation that informs our present responsibilities. In studying the fortitude and honour that guided our predecessors, we find a clear compass for navigating the duties of our own time. — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of the House’s modern role in sharing this heritage. > Our primary role is one of custodianship. By bringing these powerful stories from the Barony’s history to an international audience, particularly here in Bucharest, we hope to inspire a renewed appreciation for the enduring values of service and integrity. — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The lecture in Bucharest is part of a broader commitment by The Noble House of Brattleby to illuminate its history and use its platform for positive engagement. The House will continue its programme of historical outreach with further publications and planned addresses in the United Kingdom.
This winter, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan will host their annual Winter Banquet at their seat in Lincolnshire. The white-tie philanthropic gala will once again be held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, representing the House’s foremost charitable commitment of the year.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage and the active promotion of philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. Its central charitable focus is on supporting organisations that aid the recovery of traumatised children, principally Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House fosters dialogue between British and European cultures, guided by its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The heir to the Barony is the current holders' nephew, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and lineage are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its holdings comprised 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The title’s history and the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile are formally recognised in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The Noble House of Brattleby’s philanthropic work includes patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com