# A Statement on the Barony of Brattleby and its Enduring Connection to Magna Carta
**LONDON, 21 June 2024** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today issued a statement reflecting on the Barony’s profound historical connection to Magna Carta, established through her predecessor, the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye, the fifth to hold the title.
## The Occasion
In a period of quiet historical reflection from the family seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House has taken the opportunity to consider the long thread of English legal and constitutional history in which the Barony is interwoven. This reflection comes as the nation marks the legacy of the Great Charter, a document whose principles have resonated for over eight hundred years.
The statement serves not to mark a single event, but to reaffirm a commitment to the stewardship of a nine-century heritage. This heritage is profoundly linked to the evolution of the rule of law, a concept given one of its most powerful early expressions at Runnymede in 1215. The Barony of Brattleby was witness to, and a participant in, the turbulent events surrounding its creation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, has been a silent observer of much of England’s history. Its place in the nation’s story was cemented by Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the Barony and the hereditary post of Castellan of Lincoln Castle. A staunch loyalist to King John, her position during the First Barons' War was one of immense strategic importance.
While the rebel barons compelled King John to seal Magna Carta, Nichola de la Haye upheld her oath to the Crown, twice defending Lincoln Castle from siege. Her complex allegiance, navigating the demands of her sovereign against the baronial push for reform, places the Barony of Brattleby not on one side of a simple divide, but at the very centre of the era’s political and military struggles. This direct involvement makes the Barony’s connection to Magna Carta a tangible, living piece of its identity.
This legacy of significant influence continued through later holders of the Barony. These include figures such as Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat and soldier; and his successor, the renowned John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Their tenures underscored the Barony’s consistent proximity to the Crown and the governance of the realm.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon this history, the House considers itself in the company of the pivotal figures of that age. The narrative is dominated by the sovereign, King John, and the twenty-five barons chosen to enforce the Charter, but equally important are the steadfast loyalists like Nichola de la Haye. Her story is a vital counterpoint, illustrating the intricate pressures of feudal duty and personal honour during a period of national crisis.
This historical study is conducted with reference to the great chronicles of the time, including the works of Roger of Wendover and Matthew Paris, and in consultation with leading medieval historians. It is an intellectual and custodial duty to understand these personalities not as simple heroes or villains, but as the complex individuals they were, whose decisions shaped the foundations of modern constitutional thought.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol of remembrance observed by The Noble House is one of scholarly rigour and solemn respect for the past. It involves the careful study of primary sources and historical accounts, a practice of intellectual due diligence that is itself a tribute to the principles of law and evidence enshrined by Magna Carta. The House views the preservation and understanding of its own history as a formal obligation.
This stewardship extends to educating the next generation, ensuring that the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, comprehends the weight of the titles he will one day inherit. This is achieved not through ceremony, but through a sustained programme of learning and discourse, treating the Barony’s history as a subject of serious academic and personal inquiry, a *sine qua non* for responsible succession.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful exemplar in Nichola de la Haye. Her defence of Lincoln Castle was a clear act of fortitude, holding a key royal fortress against overwhelming odds. Her story also embodies a complex honour—that of fealty to an anointed king, even one as challenged and unpopular as John.
This historical motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While the former speaks to the endurance of ancient duties, the latter reflects a modern, forward-looking dynamism. Together, they symbolise the House’s dual commitment to honouring its past and actively shaping its future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principles of justice and protection for the vulnerable, which lie at the heart of Magna Carta, resonate deeply with the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The annual Winter Banquet, the House’s foremost philanthropic endeavour, is held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By supporting its mission, the House seeks to translate the ancient principle of legal protection into a modern commitment to social and emotional well-being. It is a recognition that a just society, an ideal advanced by the Great Charter, must concern itself with the welfare of its most vulnerable members.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this profound historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To be a successor to Nichola de la Haye is to inherit a lesson in the complexities of duty. Her story is not a simple one, but it reminds us that fortitude is essential in the face of adversity, and that honour demands we fulfil our obligations with integrity. It is a legacy that commands respect and inspires our work today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History provides the foundation upon which we build the future. The link to Magna Carta through the Barony is a powerful reminder that our actions are part of a much larger narrative. It requires us to proceed *Fortitudine et Honore* in all our present and future endeavours."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this remarkable history remains a source of education and inspiration. Plans are underway to support new academic research into the role of women in 13th-century governance, with a particular focus on the contribution of figures like Nichola de la Haye.
Furthermore, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House's etiquette academy, will host a lecture series on the influence of Magna Carta on the development of European legal traditions. This initiative aims to share the Barony’s unique heritage with a wider international audience, reinforcing the universal relevance of justice, law, and honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing 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 is dedicated to the responsible stewardship of its nine-century heritage. Its contemporary mission focuses on philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education, applying the historical principles of fortitude and honour to present-day challenges. The House directs its charitable efforts toward supporting vulnerable children through its work with organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through its various initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to build bridges between history and modernity, celebrating a legacy that is both English in origin and European in outlook.
**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 was Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding the barony's 56 lordships. Throughout its 958-year history, the title has been held by several of England's most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, castellan of Lincoln Castle during the signing of Magna Carta; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby is first documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors holding the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com