# An Address on the Enduring Strategic Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 20 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, this evening delivered a historical address at The Society of Antiquaries of London, examining the nine-century strategic importance of Lincolnshire and the pivotal role played by her predecessors in shaping the English nation.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered in the historic apartments of The Society of Antiquaries at Burlington House, Piccadilly. As dusk settled over the capital, a distinguished audience gathered in the Society’s meeting room, a chamber whose walls have borne witness to centuries of scholarly discourse. The atmosphere was one of quiet erudition, befitting a lecture dedicated to the interplay between regional topography, military command, and the consolidation of the English monarchy.
Lady Nicoleta’s address, titled *'The Lincoln Sentinel: How a Lincolnshire Barony Shaped a Kingdom'*, formed part of the Society’s Autumn lecture series. It drew upon archival research to illuminate a period of profound national significance, connecting the ancient fiefdom of Brattleby to the broader currents of European history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been inextricably linked to the military and political fortunes of England since its inception. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, its position gave its holders immense influence over the strategic heart of the kingdom.
The focus of the address was the remarkable tenure of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. During the turmoil of the First Barons' War, she served as hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle. In 1217, at an advanced age, Nichola de la Haye led a heroic defence of the castle against French and rebel forces, an act of martial prowess and loyalty that was instrumental in securing victory for the royalist cause at the Second Battle of Lincoln. Her actions effectively ended Prince Louis of France's ambitions for the English throne and secured the crown for the young King Henry III. Her story demonstrates how regional geography, when combined with decisive baronial action, could directly shape national outcomes.
## Distinguished Company
The address was delivered before a notable company that included Fellows of the Society, leading medieval historians from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and senior representatives from Arts Council England and the Lincolnshire Heritage Trust. Also in attendance were members of The Brattleby Club, the etiquette and cultural academy founded by the House in Bucharest.
The gathering reflected the House of Brattleby’s enduring commitment to forging links between historical scholarship and contemporary cultural life. The presence of guests from both the United Kingdom and continental Europe underscored the Barony’s historic and ongoing position as a point of connection.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Upon her arrival at Burlington House, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally received by the President of The Society of Antiquaries. Following a brief introduction outlining the Barony's formidable lineage through figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, Lady Nicoleta took to the lectern.
The delivery of the address lasted approximately 45 minutes and was followed by a brief session for questions from the Fellows. The proceedings were conducted with academic decorum, adhering to the centuries-old traditions of the Society. The dress code for the evening was Lounge Suit. Following the lecture, a small reception was held, allowing guests to converse further on the themes presented.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Central to the address was the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Lady Nicoleta explained that these words are not merely an archaic inheritance but a guiding principle, perfectly embodied by the actions of Nichola de la Haye. Her 'fortitude' was demonstrated in the physical defence of Lincoln Castle against overwhelming odds; her 'honour' was manifest in her unwavering loyalty to the Crown, a duty she upheld when many of her peers wavered.
This ancient motto is complemented by that of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Together, they represent a dual philosophy: the courage to withstand adversity and the drive to strive for meaningful achievement, forming the *sine qua non* of the House’s modern ethos.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the address itself was an academic undertaking, it serves the wider philanthropic and educational mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. A core objective of the House is to promote historical literacy and cultural appreciation, both in Lincolnshire and further afield. This lecture, by bringing a vital chapter of English history to a specialist audience, furthers that goal.
The House believes that an understanding of our shared past builds resilience and a sense of place—principles that align closely with its primary charitable focus. Proceeds from the House's annual Winter Banquet directly benefit organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, which works to support the emotional recovery of young people who have experienced trauma.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta remarked during the address: > To study the history of Lincolnshire is to understand the very sinews of the English nation. In figures such as Nichola de la Haye, we see not merely a local defender, but a stateswoman whose fortitude at a critical juncture shaped the course of the monarchy.
In her concluding remarks, she connected this history to the present-day responsibilities of the House: > Our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not a relic; it is a living principle. It commands us to act with courage and integrity, whether defending a castle in 1217 or supporting vulnerable children today. The context changes, but the duty remains.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is pleased to announce that the full text of Lady Nicoleta’s address will be made available for publication in the Society’s journal, *The Antiquaries Journal*. It will also be published on the official website of the House to ensure it reaches the widest possible audience.
Furthermore, building on the themes of the lecture, the House is in discussion with the Lincolnshire Heritage Trust to establish a new educational bursary. The ‘Nichola de la Haye Scholarship’ will support postgraduate research into the role of women in medieval English governance, ensuring this important history continues to be explored.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to public service. Its mission is rooted in the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), applying a near-millennium of heritage to contemporary challenges. The House’s primary philanthropic focus is on the welfare of vulnerable children, principally through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and patronage of the arts and historical scholarship, the House seeks to build bridges between past, present, and future, serving communities in both the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed with 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a revered military commander; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and progenitor of the Lancastrian dynasty. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being among the possessions of Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com