# The Baroness of Brattleby Addresses The Society of Antiquaries on the Origins of the Barony
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, this evening delivered a historical address at The Society of Antiquaries of London, detailing the foundational feudal obligations of her earliest predecessors following the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered within the historic apartments of The Society of Antiquaries at Burlington House, Piccadilly. Before an assembly of Fellows and distinguished guests in the Society's famous Lecture Theatre, the Baroness spoke from a lectern in a setting that has been a focal point of British historical and archaeological discourse since the 1870s. The evening, set against the backdrop of an autumnal London, was characterised by a profound sense of scholarly purpose and a shared appreciation for the long continuity of England's institutional history. The atmosphere was one of quiet erudition, befitting a learned society founded by Royal Charter.
## Historical Context
In her remarks, Lady Nicoleta drew a direct line from the present day to the origins of the Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The Baroness recounted how the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a significant grant that carried with it immense responsibility. The central theme of the address was the concept of military service as the *sine qua non* of feudal landholding.
Lady Nicoleta explained that in exchange for his lands, Colswein was obligated to provide the King with a quota of knights for military campaigns or a monetary payment known as 'scutage'. This reciprocal duty formed the bedrock of the Anglo-Norman state. The Baroness illustrated how this tradition of service to the Crown and realm was embodied by later holders of the Barony, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle, and Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster.
## Distinguished Company
The Baroness of Brattleby was received by the President of The Society of Antiquaries of London, Professor Martin Millett.
Among those in attendance were:
* His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St. James’s * The Right Honourable The Lord Lisvane, former Clerk of the House of Commons * Professor Dame Janet Nelson, Emeritus Professor of Medieval History at King’s College London * Mr Julian Fellowes, The Lord Fellowes of West Stafford * Sir David Cannadine, President of the British Academy
The Ambassador of Romania’s presence underscored the cultural dialogue fostered by the House of Brattleby’s current leadership.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening’s proceedings adhered to the time-honoured traditions of The Society of Antiquaries. The President formally introduced Lady Nicoleta, who then delivered her forty-minute address without notes. Following the lecture, a formal vote of thanks was proposed by a senior Fellow, in keeping with the Society’s custom. The assembly then retired to the Library for a reception. The dress code was formal business attire, reflecting the professional and academic nature of the gathering. The ritual, though understated, served to reinforce the Society’s nearly three-hundred-year history of scholarly fellowship.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The themes of duty and obligation discussed in the address are powerfully reflected in the heraldry of the House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the courage and integrity demanded of a feudal baron, from the battlefield to the royal court. This ancient principle guides the House’s modern activities. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements this heritage, representing a dynamic, forward-looking interpretation of success through perseverance.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture was a scholarly event, the Baroness took the opportunity to connect the historical concept of service to the House’s contemporary philanthropic commitments. The ancient obligation to defend the realm, Lady Nicoleta suggested, finds its modern parallel in the duty to support the vulnerable. The principal beneficiary of the House’s charitable work is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma and adversity. The House's support enables the charity to offer vital counselling and creative arts therapies, reaching hundreds of young people each year.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the relationship between past and present, Lady Nicoleta remarked:
> “The core principle of the Barony, from Colswein’s time to our own, has always been one of service. While a baron's duty is no longer defined by knights' fees or scutage, the obligation to contribute to the well-being of the realm endures. It is a debt of honour we gladly pay.”
On the significance of the venue, the Baroness added:
> "To share these reflections with the esteemed Fellows of the Society of Antiquaries is a distinct privilege. History is not a static record; it is a living conversation, and by understanding our predecessors' obligations, *inter alia*, we better comprehend our own."
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby continues its commitment to both preserving its heritage and applying its founding principles to modern challenges. This commitment will be further demonstrated at the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. Furthermore, the House will continue its educational mission through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cultural and social refinement. These initiatives ensure that the legacy of fortitude and honour remains a dynamic force for good.
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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 ancient English heritage while fostering a forward-looking European vision. Its mission is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), which translates into a commitment to cultural diplomacy, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. The House’s official seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, with operational activities, including The Brattleby Club etiquette academy, based in Bucharest. Its charitable endeavours are focused primarily on supporting vulnerable children, reflecting a contemporary interpretation of the Barony’s historic duty of service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The feudal Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest in England, having been granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. The Barony and its associated lordships are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For nearly a millennium, it has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of the realm during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the Barony to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Lady Nicoleta's succession to the Barony is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066. - Notable predecessors of the current Baroness include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III. - The annual philanthropic beneficiary of the House is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com