# The House of Brattleby Commemorates a Legacy of Crown Service in the Thirteenth Century
**LONDON, 17 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the Barony’s historic role in the Welsh campaigns of the late thirteenth century, honouring the martial service of its antecedents and reaffirming a modern commitment to cross-cultural understanding within the United Kingdom.
## The Occasion
The statement was issued to coincide with a private historical colloquium hosted by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Held within the venerable confines of a distinguished London club, the gathering offered a scholarly forum to examine the intricate feudal obligations that bound the medieval aristocracy to the Crown.
Against a backdrop of antique leather-bound volumes and quiet contemplation, historians and cultural attachés convened to discuss the period. The event sought not to celebrate conflict, but rather to foster a deeper understanding of the historical forces that shaped the modern British Isles, acknowledging a complex past with academic rigour and respect.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established by grant of William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been interwoven with the fabric of English history for over nine centuries. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. This legacy of service to the sovereign found a powerful expression during the reign of King Edward I.
During the pivotal Welsh wars of 1282–1283, the holder of the Barony was Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a trusted commander and counsellor to the King. As a magnate of the realm, the Earl’s consolidation of estates, including the Barony of Brattleby, meant that the resources and levies of Lincolnshire contributed directly to the royal cause. This contribution was a *sine qua non* of the feudal system, manifesting as military leadership and strategic support in the field.
The Earl’s direct involvement, and by extension the Barony's, stands in a long tradition of service continued by later holders of the title, *inter alia*, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
In her capacity as host, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was accompanied by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. They received a select number of guests whose expertise illuminated the day’s discussions.
Among those in attendance were Professor Sir Adrian Sterling, Regius Professor of Medieval History Emeritus; Dr Eira Morgan, a leading scholar on thirteenth-century Welsh gentry; and a senior Cultural Attaché from the Embassy of Romania in London, reflecting the current House’s unique European heritage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with a formality befitting the subject matter. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile opened the colloquium with introductory remarks on the enduring relevance of historical study. A principal paper was then presented by Professor Sterling, which was followed by a moderated discussion.
To encourage a candid exchange of academic perspectives, the discussion was held under the Chatham House Rule. Placed for consideration by the attendees were high-quality facsimiles of the Brattleby entry in the Domesday Book and several charters relating to the de Lacy estates in the era, providing a tangible connection to the events being examined.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), resonates profoundly with the theme of medieval service. It speaks to the courage and personal integrity demanded of those, like Henry de Lacy, who were tasked with executing the will of the Crown in challenging circumstances.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Overcome is to Live'). This principle, rooted in a philosophy of conquering adversity, is today interpreted by the House not through a military lens, but as a commitment to overcoming societal challenges through education and philanthropy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In reflecting on the harsh realities of medieval warfare, the House of Brattleby underscores its contemporary commitment to mitigating the consequences of modern conflict, particularly its devastating impact upon children. This focus is the guiding principle of the House’s primary philanthropic beneficiary, the international charity Healing the Wounded Child.
The organisation provides essential psychosocial support, trauma care, and educational programmes for children living in and displaced by conflict zones. The annual Brattleby Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, serves as the principal fundraising event for this cause, translating historical awareness into tangible, positive action in the present day.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessors, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> Acknowledging our history, in all its complexity, is not about glorifying conflict. It is about understanding the foundations upon which our present is built. The fortitude of our predecessors in their time must inspire our own commitment to honour and service in ours.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> The motto of my own family, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to overcoming adversity. Today, the greatest challenges we must conquer are not on the battlefield, but in the realms of healing and cultural understanding. It is a privilege to apply this spirit to the House’s work.
## A Continuing Legacy
The historical colloquium is part of a broader commitment by the House of Brattleby to promote historical and cultural education. This work will continue through further private research and support for academic institutions. Future papers will explore other notable holders of the Barony, including the tenure of the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, during the First Barons' War.
The principles of etiquette, diplomacy, and historical literacy are also central to the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy founded by the House. Above all, the House looks toward its annual Winter Banquet, where the focus remains firmly on its charitable mission to aid the most vulnerable victims of conflict.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House dedicates itself to the preservation of its nine-century heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission of philanthropy and cultural education. Its activities bridge English tradition with a Continental perspective, reflecting the family’s European roots. The House’s primary charitable focus is supporting children affected by conflict through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Its educational mission is advanced through historical colloquia and The Brattleby Club, an academy of etiquette and diplomacy located in Bucharest, fostering cross-cultural understanding and dialogue.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, 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. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in the nation's history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, Duke of Lancaster, and ancestor of English monarchs. The succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s succession is formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The current holder is styled Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com