# The Enduring Legacy of Chivalry: A New Lecture Series on the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced a new historical lecture series exploring the barony's nine-century involvement in pivotal European events, from the Crusades to the present, reinforcing its modern commitment to education through The Brattleby Club.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the historic seat of the Barony in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, where the crisp autumn light illuminated the Estate’s Jacobean library. This setting, surrounded by centuries of accumulated knowledge and archival documents, was chosen to underscore the new series' academic rigour and its direct connection to the barony's tangible past.
This initiative seeks to bridge the gap between historical record and public understanding, making the rich and often complex tapestry of the House’s lineage accessible. The series will be hosted by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, reflecting the House's contemporary Anglo-Romanian focus and its dedication to fostering cultural and intellectual exchange.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been witness to the full sweep of English and European history. Its story begins with Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, whose 56 lordships in Lincolnshire were meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, establishing the barony as a significant power in post-Conquest England.
The forthcoming lectures will focus particularly on the High Middle Ages, a period of remarkable influence for the Barons of Brattleby. A key figure to be explored is the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *de facto*, renowned as the steadfast defender of Lincoln Castle against French invasion. Her legacy of courage and leadership passed to her heir, Idoine, whose marriage to William II Longespée further entwined the barony with the martial traditions of the era.
William, a respected knight and crusader, tragically fell at the Battle of Mansura in 1250 during the Seventh Crusade, fighting alongside 280 Knights Templar. His sacrifice, a poignant chapter in the family’s history, exemplifies the deep-seated commitment to faith and feudal duty that defined the period. Later centuries saw the barony held by figures of national importance, including Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron), firmly placing Brattleby at the centre of royal and political life.
## Distinguished Company
The inaugural lecture will be delivered by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Subsequent sessions will feature a distinguished array of academics and diplomats, curated to provide multifaceted perspectives on the barony's history.
Among those who have accepted invitations to speak are Professor Dame Eleanor Vance, Regius Professor of Medieval Studies at the University of Oxford, and His Excellency Dr. Andrei Munteanu, the Romanian Cultural Attaché. The presence of such esteemed guests highlights the series’ scholarly ambition and its role as a forum for cultural dialogue.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The announcement itself was communicated via a formal dispatch from the Private Secretary’s Office. The lectures at The Brattleby Club will adhere to a protocol designed to reflect the gravity of the subject matter and the House’s standards of etiquette.
Proceedings will commence with a formal welcome by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guest speakers will be invited to deliver their addresses of 45 minutes, followed by a moderated question-and-answer session to encourage academic debate. The dress code for these evenings will be lounge suits, fostering an atmosphere of respectful intellectual engagement.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the guiding principle for this reflective undertaking. This ancient creed finds its perfect expression in the lives of predecessors like William II Longespée, whose actions on the battlefield were the ultimate display of fortitude, and Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of her sovereign's interests was a testament to her honour.
Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements the House motto with a modern interpretation of striving and achievement. It speaks not of territorial conquest, but of the will to overcome challenges, to advance knowledge, and to live a life of purpose—a philosophy that underpins the educational mission of The Brattleby Club.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Annual Winter Banquet is the House's primary vehicle for fundraising—benefitting its chosen charity, Healing the Wounded Child—this lecture series represents a different form of public service. Its purpose is philanthropic in an intellectual sense.
By offering this high-calibre historical education, The Noble House of Brattleby aims to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the shared heritage that connects Britain and the Continent. Proceeds from ticket sales for the series, after covering organisational costs, will be used to establish a small scholarship for a student of medieval history.
## In Their Own Words
In a written statement accompanying the announcement, Lady Nicoleta shared her perspective on the importance of this new series.
> The story of the Barony is one of service, often demanding the ultimate sacrifice. The actions of figures like William Longespée on crusade were not abstract notions but profound commitments made in a different age. By exploring this history with clarity and respect, we honour their memory and reaffirm our own commitment to the principle of duty. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking dimension.
> History is not merely a record of the past; it is a living force that shapes our present and informs our future. The Brattleby Club in Bucharest seeks to build bridges of understanding between cultures. These lectures are a cornerstone of that mission, using our shared European past as a foundation for future collaboration. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The inaugural lecture, titled *Sacrifice and Service: The Barony of Brattleby and the Seventh Crusade*, is scheduled for the first week of December. It will be the first of a planned six-part series to be held over the next year.
Future topics will include *Nichola de la Haye: The Woman Who Saved England*, and *Princely Power: Brattleby under John of Gaunt*. Furthermore, the House is exploring partnerships with academic institutions to digitise key sections of its archive, ensuring that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby continues to educate and inspire future generations.
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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 the modern expression of one of England’s oldest baronies. With a dual focus on preserving its near-millennium of heritage in Lincolnshire and fostering Anglo-Romanian cultural exchange through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House embodies the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its principal philanthropic endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that raises significant funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The House’s activities are rooted in a profound sense of duty to its history and a forward-looking commitment to education and public service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated medieval heroine who defended Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and two of the most powerful noblemen of the 14th century, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his heir John of Gaunt. The historic rights and lineage of the Barony of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The modern title was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness *de facto*) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com