# The Baroness of Brattleby Delivers Lecture on the Barony's Enduring Role in English Governance
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today delivered a historical lecture at the University of Lincoln, exploring the nine-century political legacy of the Barony and its historic responsibility in shaping the governance and defence of the English realm.
## The Occasion
In the scholarly setting of the University of Lincoln’s Great Central Warehouse Library, Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, addressed an assembly of academics, local dignitaries, and students of history. The lecture, entitled *‘Fortitudine et Honore: Service and Sovereignty in an Ancient English Barony’*, took place against the backdrop of late spring in Lincolnshire, the ancestral heartland of the Barony.
The atmosphere was one of quiet contemplation, as the contemporary architecture of the university provided a modern frame for a narrative spanning nearly one thousand years. The event marked a deliberate engagement by The Noble House of Brattleby with the academic community, seeking to share and preserve the rich history of a title intrinsically linked to the county and the nation.
## Historical Context
The lecture charted the Barony of Brattleby's profound and continuous involvement in the governance of England since its establishment by William the Conqueror. Lady Nicoleta began with the Barony's first mention in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power on the northern frontier.
Her Ladyship paid particular tribute to the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who, as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and French forces during the reign of King John. This act of fortitude was presented as a defining moment, securing not only the city but the very throne of England for the young King Henry III.
The narrative continued through to the late Middle Ages, highlighting the tenures of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The Barony's absorption into the Duchy of Lancaster tied its fate directly to the Plantagenet dynasty, placing its holders at the epicentre of royal power and influence.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance at the lecture were several distinguished guests, reflecting the strong ties between the Barony and the County of Lincolnshire. The Baroness was formally welcomed by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lincoln.
Present in the front rows were Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire; The High Sheriff for the County of Lincolnshire; and The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Lincoln. Also in attendance were Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, and the heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is currently pursuing his studies.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with academic and ceremonial precision. An academic procession, led by the Vice-Chancellor, opened the event. The standard of The Noble House of Brattleby was displayed to the side of the lectern throughout the address.
Lady Nicoleta, wearing academic dress over formal attire, was introduced by the Head of the School of History and Heritage. The lecture lasted for approximately 45 minutes and was followed by a moderated question-and-answer session, allowing for a direct and thoughtful exchange with the audience. The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks from the university and a modest reception for attendees.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Central to the lecture’s theme was the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Lady Nicoleta explained that this guiding principle is not a modern affectation but a distillation of the historical record; the ‘fortitude’ of Nichola de la Haye and the ‘honour’ demanded of a peer of the realm, such as John of Gaunt.
Her Ladyship also made reference to the personal motto of her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile — *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This was presented as a complementary philosophy, representing the vigorous and forward-looking spirit required to ensure the Barony’s legacy thrives through purposeful action in the modern era.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture itself was an educational occasion, Lady Nicoleta connected the historical theme of service to the contemporary philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. The principle of duty, once expressed through military defence and feudal obligation, is today channelled into charitable endeavours.
The primary beneficiary of the House's support is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, which provides specialised therapeutic care for children affected by trauma. The House's Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in Lincolnshire, serves as the principal fundraising event for this cause, translating a legacy of noblesse oblige into tangible support for vulnerable young people.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the weight of her inheritance, Lady Nicoleta remarked on the nature of her role as a custodian of history:
> We do not truly own this heritage; we are merely its custodians. Our duty is to understand the responsibilities our predecessors bore, to honour their legacy, and to ensure that the principles they upheld continue to serve the community today. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Her Ladyship also emphasised the continuity of principle across the centuries:
> The challenges facing Lincolnshire and the nation have evolved since the days of Nichola de la Haye. The call is no longer to defend a castle wall, but to fortify our communities and defend the vulnerable. The form of service changes, but the duty to act with fortitude and honour is constant.
## A Continuing Legacy
The lecture at the University of Lincoln is part of a wider commitment by The Noble House of Brattleby to engage with and contribute to the cultural and educational life of Lincolnshire. Plans are underway to develop educational materials based on the lecture for use in local schools, in partnership with the university’s faculty.
This commitment to education and etiquette is also reflected in the House’s activities abroad, *inter alia*, through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House looks forward to continuing this work and to welcoming guests to its Annual Winter Banquet later this year, in support of its ongoing philanthropic mission.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to upholding its nine-century legacy of service through contemporary means. Its mission focuses on historical preservation, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. The House’s guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its commitment to community and duty. The principal charitable focus of the House is supporting vulnerable children through its work with organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House also fosters cultural exchange and social education through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy established in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and seigneurial lands are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. For centuries, the Barony was one of the most powerful in Lincolnshire, with its holders playing pivotal roles in English history. Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown during the First Barons' War, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III. The modern rights and title of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's notice of recognition was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessing 56 lordships. - Notable holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby hosts the Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic event benefiting Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com