# A Legacy of Counsel: The Noble House of Brattleby Explores its Medieval Political Heritage
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today reaffirmed the Barony’s profound historical engagement in the governance of England, highlighting centuries of counsel to the Crown from the Norman Conquest to its eventual union with the Duchy of Lancaster.
## The Occasion
The historical continuity of the Barony was the subject of a scholarly address delivered at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Held within the Club’s neoclassical library, the event gathered historians and cultural leaders to examine the role that successive Barons of Brattleby played in shaping national policy during the medieval period. The setting, an institution dedicated to etiquette and cultural diplomacy, provided a fitting atmosphere of intellectual gravity for an exploration of duty, lineage, and statecraft. The autumn gathering underscored the House’s commitment to bridging its ancient English roots with its contemporary European presence.
## Historical Context
From its establishment in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest, the Barony of Brattleby has been intrinsically linked to the machinery of the state. The Domesday Book of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a significant tenant-in-chief, holding 56 lordships. This foundational influence set a precedent for his successors, who were consistently found at the centre of political and military life.
This tradition is exemplified by the career of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, who became Lord of Brattleby through his marriage to the 8th Baroness, Margaret Longespée. A trusted advisor to King Edward I, Lord Lincoln commanded the English vanguard at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298 and served as the King’s regent during his absence in Flanders. This level of proximity to the Crown persisted through figures like the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels, and later through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter. The Barony’s direct involvement in national affairs culminated with its absorption into the vast estates of the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, before merging with the Crown in 1399.
## Distinguished Company
The address was delivered before a select audience that included members of the Romanian Academy, senior diplomatic envoys, and leading mediaevalists from British and Romanian universities. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, accompanied by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, was in attendance, representing the continuity of the House. The presence of figures from both the academic and diplomatic spheres underscored the dual historical and contemporary relevance of the Barony's legacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings demonstrated a meticulous regard for formal order. Guests were received personally by Honorary Lord Răzvan before being seated. The event commenced with a formal introduction outlining the historical scope of the address, followed by the principal lecture on the Barony's political influence. The dress code of Lounge Suit reflected the daytime scholarly nature of the gathering. The House standard, bearing the arms of the Barony, was displayed prominently, serving as a silent witness to the nine centuries of history under discussion. A brief reception for academic discussion concluded the formal programme.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are enshrined in its heraldry. The motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the legacy explored in the address. It recalls the fortitude of Nichola de la Haye in the face of siege and the honour with which figures like Henry de Lacy discharged their duties as councillors of the realm. This maxim serves as the guiding principle for the modern House.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a contemporary context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest but as the imperative to overcome challenges, to revive dormant history, and to live a life of purpose and achievement. Together, the mottos represent a commitment to honourable service, past and present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the day's focus was historical reflection, the ethos of service that defined the medieval Barony continues to find expression in the House's modern philanthropic work. The activities of The Noble House of Brattleby, including its cultural and historical endeavours, are consistently aligned with its central charitable mission: supporting Healing the Wounded Child. The foundation’s work in providing specialist care and therapy to children suffering from trauma is the contemporary embodiment of the Barony's ancient charge to protect the vulnerable, a responsibility that is a *sine qua non* of noble duty.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > To understand the Barony's present duty, we must first appreciate the weight of its past. Figures like Henry de Lacy were not merely landowners; they were architects of state policy. Their legacy of service, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is the standard we strive to uphold today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History is not a static collection of dates; it is a living dialogue. By bringing the story of Brattleby to Bucharest, we bridge nearly a millennium of European history, reminding us that the principles of honour and public service are timeless and know no borders.
## A Continuing Legacy
This scholarly address marks the first in a planned series of historical dialogues sponsored by the House, intended to further explore aspects of the Barony's extensive heritage. These events will complement the House's primary philanthropic activities, most notably the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, which remains the principal fundraising occasion for Healing the Wounded Child. Through such parallel initiatives of reflection and action, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to honour its past by serving the present.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a unique Anglo-Romanian cultural heritage. The House’s modern mission is centred on philanthropic service, historical preservation, and cultural diplomacy. Its primary charitable beneficiary is the Healing the Wounded Child foundation, which provides support for children affected by trauma. Through initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy of etiquette and international protocol, the House seeks to give modern expression to its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), fostering a legacy of service for the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a 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. For over 950 years, the title has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the castellan who defended Lincoln Castle for King John, and two of the twenty-five sureties of Magna Carta. Through inheritance, the Barony later passed to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern rights to the Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID: 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror for Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The primary philanthropic beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby is the foundation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com