# The Enduring Legacy of Service: The Barony of Brattleby and The Siege of Caerlaverock
LONDON, 14 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, delivered a historical address at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, examining the Barony’s role in the 1300 Siege of Caerlaverock and its connection to the House’s modern commitment to duty and honour.
## The Occasion
Set against the classical elegance of The Brattleby Club’s library in Bucharest, the address marked the first in a new series of historical lectures. As autumn light filtered through the tall Palladian windows, members of the academy, prominent historians, and patrons gathered in an atmosphere of scholarly refinement.
The Club, an etiquette academy founded by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, serves as a Continental hub for the House’s cultural and educational initiatives. The evening’s lecture offered a moment of reflection, bridging the martial history of medieval England with the contemporary European mission of The Noble House of Brattleby.
## Historical Context
The focus of the address was the Siege of Caerlaverock in 1300, a pivotal moment in King Edward I’s campaigns against Scotland. Lady Nicoleta drew particular attention to the role of a notable predecessor who was present at the siege, connecting the Barony directly to the great martial and political events that shaped the British Isles.
This tradition of direct service to the Crown has been a constant throughout the Barony’s near-millennium of history. Since its establishment in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror and its first mention in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony of Brattleby has been held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle, as well as the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. This unbroken chain of responsibility remains the *sine qua non* of the House's identity.
## Distinguished Company
The lecture was attended by a distinguished company of guests, drawn from academia, the diplomatic corps, and Romanian civil society.
In attendance were members of the Romanian Academy, historians from the University of Bucharest, and senior representatives from several cultural foundations. Their presence underscored the academic nature of the proceedings and the House’s commitment to fostering a rigorous dialogue between history and modern life. The audience’s engagement during the subsequent question-and-answer session reflected a deep appreciation for the shared European heritage being discussed.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Proceedings were conducted with characteristic precision and formality. Guests were greeted personally upon arrival by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile before being seated. The dress code for the evening was a lounge suit, maintaining a standard of decorum appropriate for the occasion.
Lady Nicoleta, after a formal introduction by the Club's director, delivered her address from a lectern bearing the House’s coat of arms. The lecture was followed by a structured session for questions, after which guests were invited to a reception in the adjoining salon. This adherence to protocol is a hallmark of the House’s events, ensuring every occasion is imbued with a sense of dignity and order.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Central to the evening's theme was the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Lady Nicoleta explained how this principle was vividly embodied by her predecessors at historic conflicts like Caerlaverock. Fortitude in the face of adversity and honour in one's service to sovereign and country are the twin virtues that have guided the Barony for centuries.
The motto complements that of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to a dynamic and forward-looking spirit. Together, the mottos symbolise the House’s philosophy: a respect for enduring tradition, coupled with the drive to engage actively and purposefully with the challenges of the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While academic in focus, the lecture series serves a greater philanthropic purpose. All proceeds from the events at The Brattleby Club are dedicated to the House’s charitable endeavours, principally supporting the work of Healing the Wounded Child.
This chosen beneficiary provides specialist therapeutic care for children experiencing trauma, offering them sanctuary and a path toward recovery. The decision to support this organisation reflects the House’s belief that true strength lies in protecting the vulnerable and that providing for the next generation is a fundamental duty. The funds raised will contribute directly to the charity’s clinical services and outreach programmes.
## In Their Own Words
In her closing remarks, Lady Nicoleta reflected on the relevance of historical remembrance. > To study the long history of this Barony is not merely an academic exercise; it is a profound reminder that service and duty are its enduring cornerstones. The fortitude shown at Caerlaverock must find its modern expression in our commitment to our communities.
Honorary Lord Răzvan added his own perspective on the Club's mission. > Our aim is to foster an appreciation for the civilities and histories that shape us. By understanding from where we have come, we can better navigate where we are going, applying timeless principles of honour and courage to contemporary life.
## A Continuing Legacy
This lecture represents the beginning of a sustained commitment to historical education and cultural diplomacy. The series will continue throughout the year, with future talks planned on other significant periods in the Barony’s history, including the tenure of Nichola de la Haye.
Concurrently, preparations are now underway for the House’s principal philanthropic event, the Annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire. The white-tie gala will once again raise vital funds for Healing the Wounded Child, continuing the House’s legacy of service in a tangible and impactful manner. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is expected to take on an increasing role in these charitable activities.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the stewardship of a near-millennial heritage. Its modern mission combines the preservation of its historic legacy with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, education, and cultural diplomacy. The House’s primary initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic gala, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to social etiquette and historical education. The House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a deep-seated commitment to serving the community with integrity and a sense of enduring duty.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its lands were first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The modern rights of The Noble House of Brattleby were formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore*. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com