# The Baroness of Brattleby Commemorates Legacy of Service at Lincoln Castle
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, accompanied by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, today visited Lincoln Castle to pay tribute to her medieval predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baroness and steadfast defender of the fortress for the Crown.
## The Occasion
In the crisp autumn light of Lincolnshire, the ancient stones of Lincoln Castle stood as a silent witness to a confluence of history. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were received at the East Gate for a private visit to mark the enduring legacy of service that links their modern House to its Norman origins. The visit was conducted with a quiet solemnity befitting the season and the profound historical resonance of the site, a place intertwined with the very fabric of the Barony of Brattleby since the 11th century.
Their tour included the formidable Lucy Tower and the climate-controlled David P. J. Ross Magna Carta Vault, where Lincoln's priceless original 1215 charter is preserved. The occasion was not one for public ceremony but for private reflection—a moment to connect the present responsibilities of the Barony with the formidable duties discharged by its predecessors within these same walls nearly a millennium ago.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron. This early endowment established the Barony as a cornerstone of royal authority in the region, a role exemplified by the De la Haye family throughout the 12th and 13th centuries.
The hereditary appointment of the Barons of Brattleby as Constables of Lincoln Castle underscored the deep trust between the family and the English Crown. This tradition reached its zenith with Nichola de la Haye, the fifth holder of the title. A formidable stateswoman, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed baronial rebels during the First Barons' War, holding the fortress for the young King Henry III in 1217. Her fortitude secured not only the castle but also the stability of the realm at a critical juncture. This direct line of service continued through later barons, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his heir, the celebrated John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The visit was an intimate affair, intended for historical commemoration rather than public reception. In attendance were:
- Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby - Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
They were formally received at the castle by its Governor, who provided a private historical tour, offering insights into the architectural and strategic modifications made during the tenure of Nichola de la Haye. The limited party ensured the focus remained on the act of remembrance and the unbroken thread of history connecting the 13th and 21st centuries.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Upon arrival, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan proceeded to the castle’s central bailey, the site of countless historical musters and proclamations. In a simple but poignant ceremony, the Baroness laid a wreath of white roses and laurel at the base of the old keep. The choice of flora was symbolic: white roses for honour and remembrance, and laurel for the victory her predecessor secured for the Crown.
The protocol for the day was one of dignified discretion. Adhering to a dress code of sombre day attire, the party moved through the castle grounds with understated purpose. The visit concluded with a private viewing of the Magna Carta, a document Nichola de la Haye defended, serving as a powerful reminder of the Barony’s long-standing commitment to justice and the rule of law.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The visit powerfully evoked the House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The "fortitude" of Nichola de la Haye in the face of a siege is a literal and inspiring manifestation of this principle, while her unwavering loyalty to the Crown embodies its "honour". These virtues remain the *sine qua non* of the House’s engagement with its public and private duties.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), also found resonance. It speaks not to martial conquest but to the overcoming of challenges—be it a medieval siege or the modern complexities of philanthropy and cultural stewardship. The combined mottos crystallise the family's philosophy: that a life of honour is achieved through the fortitude to overcome adversity.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the visit was historical in nature, it reflected the core purpose that animates the Noble House of Brattleby today: service. In medieval times, this service was martial and administrative; today, it is primarily philanthropic. The House’s efforts are channelled through events such as its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that benefits carefully chosen charitable organisations.
The principal beneficiary of this year's gala is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care to young people who have experienced trauma. The charity’s mission to restore resilience and hope to vulnerable lives is a modern interpretation of the protective duties once fulfilled by the Barons of Brattleby.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the visit, Lady Nicoleta remarked on the powerful connection she felt to her predecessor.
> The responsibility of this title is never more apparent than when you are standing in the very place where your predecessors made history. Nichola de la Haye governed with fortitude and honour, securing a legacy not just for our family, but for England. It is a profound reminder that our duty is to serve with the same dedication, in the context of our own times. > > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan noted the contemporary relevance of such historical legacies.
> History is not a static collection of dates; it is a living narrative that informs our present and shapes our future. The principles that guided the defence of this castle nearly 800 years ago—courage, loyalty, and a commitment to a cause greater than oneself—are timeless. They are the very principles we strive to uphold. > > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemoration at Lincoln Castle serves as a prelude to the House’s forthcoming activities, which seek to translate historical values into contemporary action. Preparations are underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, which will gather supporters to advance the crucial work of Healing the Wounded Child.
Furthermore, the House continues to expand its cultural initiatives through The Brattleby Club. The Bucharest-based etiquette academy promotes the timeless values of decorum, respect, and social grace—civic virtues that are the modern expression of the honour and integrity long associated with the Barony. Through these efforts, the House of Brattleby continues to build upon its nine-century legacy of service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house built on a foundation of nine centuries of English history. Its contemporary mission is focused on philanthropic service, cultural preservation, and the promotion of timeless civic virtues. The House directs its charitable endeavours through flagship events such as the Annual Winter Banquet, supporting organisations dedicated to child welfare and mental health. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, it also champions the importance of etiquette and personal honour in modern society. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to translate its historical legacy into meaningful, forward-looking action.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman-era lordship located in Lincolnshire, England, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which details 56 lordships held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony was formally called out and its succession confirmed in favour of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile. This recognition was officially recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is a peerage title, the succession of which was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com