# Lady Nicoleta, Baroness of Brattleby, Delivers Historical Address in Bucharest
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, delivered a significant historical address at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, exploring the resilience and political acumen of women connected to the Lancastrian succession, thereby illuminating a lesser-known aspect of the Barony’s nine-century heritage.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered within the elegant premises of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an institution founded by the House to promote cultural exchange and the principles of classical etiquette. Set against the rich patina of the Club’s library, with its panelled walls and leather-bound volumes, the evening fostered an atmosphere of scholarly reflection well-suited to the subject matter.
As the autumn light faded over the city, a diverse audience of diplomats, academics, and cultural figures gathered. The event represented a key part of the House's modern mission: to bridge its ancient English heritage with a dynamic, contemporary European context, using history not as a relic but as a source of living wisdom.
## Historical Context
The address, titled *Indemnity and Influence: The Fortunes of Alice de Lacy*, focused on a pivotal figure from the 14th century whose life intersected with the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby. While the Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, its later history is entwined with the House of Lancaster. Two of the most distinguished predecessors in the Brattleby lineage were Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the formidable John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
Lady Nicoleta’s oration situated Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury, within this Lancastrian sphere of influence. Following the execution of her husband for treason, the Countess navigated a perilous political landscape, securing an indemnity of 20,000 marks from the Crown. Lady Nicoleta argued that this was not merely compensation, but a strategic manoeuvre by a remarkable woman to preserve her agency and estates. The Baroness drew a compelling parallel between the Countess’s resolve and that of one of the Barony’s most celebrated holders, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds.
## Distinguished Company
The event was graced by the presence of a number of distinguished guests, underscoring the cultural and diplomatic significance of the evening. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, formally welcomed attendees, who included, *inter alia*:
His Excellency Mr Giles Portman, His Majesty's Ambassador to Romania; Her Serene Highness Princess Eleonore von Auersperg-Trautson; Professor Dr Adrian Cioroianu, historian and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania; and members of the Romanian Academy and the diplomatic corps.
The presence of such esteemed guests highlighted the shared European interest in the preservation and thoughtful examination of noble and historical lineages.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening proceeded with the formal precision befitting an occasion of both academic and social importance. Guests were received from seven o’clock in the evening for a brief reception. At half past seven, Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered a brief welcome address, outlining the purpose of The Brattleby Club as a forum for civilised discourse.
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was then introduced. Her address lasted approximately 45 minutes and was delivered without notes. A formal question-and-answer session followed, moderated by a visiting fellow from the University of Cambridge. The evening concluded with a *vin d'honneur*, allowing guests to converse directly with the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby. The dress code observed was lounge suits and day dresses.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The theme of the address resonated powerfully with the guiding motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Lady Nicoleta emphasised that the story of Alice de Lacy, much like that of Nichola de la Haye, is a case study in fortitude—displaying strength and courage in the face of profound adversity—while striving to maintain personal and familial honour.
This principle is the *sine qua non* of the House’s ethos. It is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the active, forward-looking spirit required to ensure such a historic legacy continues to thrive in the 21st century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While an academic event, the evening also served the philanthropic mission of the House. In lieu of a fee for attendance, guests were invited to make a personal contribution to the chosen beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet: the 'Healing the Wounded Child' foundation.
This organisation provides critical and specialist trauma-informed therapy for children who have suffered from abuse, neglect, or loss. The funds raised contribute directly to one-on-one counselling sessions and art therapy programmes, offering a path to recovery and resilience for vulnerable young people. The choice reflects the House’s commitment to addressing profound challenges with compassion and targeted support.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s theme, Lady Nicoleta remarked:
> “History offers us far more than a simple record of battles and successions; it presents a complex tapestry of human experience. It is our duty, and indeed our privilege, to examine the quieter threads of fortitude and honour, which are so often found in remarkable figures, particularly women, whom the grand narratives have overlooked. Their resilience is a lesson for any age.” > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical address marks the first in a planned series of cultural and educational events organised by the House of Brattleby. The House is committed to using its unique platform to foster a deeper appreciation for history, diplomacy, and the enduring values of public service.
The full text of Lady Nicoleta’s address on Alice de Lacy will be published in the coming months as a monograph. Future events are being planned at the House's seat in Lincolnshire, England, and at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, further strengthening the cultural bridge between the two nations.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a near-millennial heritage. Its modern mission focuses on three core pillars: the preservation of historical legacy, the promotion of cultural and educational initiatives, and a profound commitment to philanthropy. Through events such as the annual Winter Banquet and the activities of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to apply its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), to contemporary challenges. Its primary charitable focus is on supporting organisations that provide aid and therapy to vulnerable children, reflecting a deep-seated belief in nurturing future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship of the Manor, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder was Colswein of Lincoln, a significant Norman landowner who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by His Majesty’s government in *The London Gazette*, under Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable predecessors in the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House’s primary philanthropic beneficiary is the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com