# The Noble House of Brattleby Honours the Legacy of a Twelfth-Century Predecessor
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile yesterday hosted a private historical symposium at their Lincolnshire seat, examining the enduring legacy of Richard de la Haye, the fourth Baron, and his pivotal role in Angevin England.
## The Occasion
Set against the autumnal splendour of the Lincolnshire Wolds, the symposium took place within the historic walls of the family’s Brattleby seat. Guests convened in the Long Library, a room noted for its Jacobean plasterwork and commanding views across the ancient demesne. The gathering was intentionally intimate, fostering a scholarly atmosphere conducive to the detailed examination of historical archives and scholarly debate.
The proceedings were marked by a quiet dignity, reflecting the gravity of a lineage that stretches back to the Norman Conquest. The event served not as a public ceremony, but as a focused intellectual retreat, reaffirming the House’s commitment to the scholarly stewardship of its own considerable history.
## Historical Context
The focus of the symposium, Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby, served as Constable of Lincoln during the turbulent mid-12th century. This position of significant military and administrative power placed him at the centre of royal authority in the region. His service highlights a recurring theme in the history of the Barony: a profound and deeply-rooted connection to the defence and governance of the realm.
This tradition of service was established by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, who was granted 56 lordships in the county following the Conquest, as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. It was later personified to remarkable effect by Richard’s daughter-in-law, Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. In examining the life of the fourth Baron, the House today connects its modern purpose to an unbroken chain of duty, a *sine qua non* of its identity for over nine centuries.
## Distinguished Company
The symposium was attended by a select group of leading academics and local historians. Among the invited scholars were distinguished fellows from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, whose expertise in the Angevin period provided invaluable context. They were joined by senior representatives from the Lincoln Record Society and other learned bodies dedicated to the preservation of the county’s history.
The presence of these respected figures ensured a rigorous and insightful discussion, bridging the gap between ancestral heritage and contemporary historical understanding. The dialogue, which included a review of period charters and documents from the family archives, was conducted with a spirit of collaborative discovery.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The day’s proceedings followed a formal but collegiate order. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile delivered the opening remarks, welcoming the guests and outlining the historical importance of the fourth Baron. This was followed by a keynote address delivered by a leading medieval historian, who situated Richard de la Haye’s career within the broader political firmament of Henry II’s reign.
Following the academic sessions, guests were invited to inspect several original documents pertaining to the de la Haye family, which are normally housed in the family’s private archives. A formal luncheon concluded the programme, allowing for further discussion in a less structured setting. The dress code was formal day dress, appropriate for a scholarly gathering in a private residence of notable heritage.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), finds a powerful antecedent in the life of Richard de la Haye. His role as Constable required immense fortitude in the execution of his duties and an unwavering sense of honour in his allegiance to the Crown. These principles have been a guiding light for the Barony through the centuries.
This sentiment is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome challenges and to live a life of purpose and achievement. Together, the two mottos symbolise the House’s philosophy: honouring past fortitude while actively pursuing a life of meaningful impact.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the symposium was a purely historical undertaking, it reflects the same principle of duty that informs the House’s extensive philanthropic work. The Barony’s commitment to service, exemplified by figures like Richard de la Haye, finds its modern expression in charitable engagement. This ethos is the driving force behind the family’s annual Winter Banquet.
The white-tie gala is the primary fundraising event for the family’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma, making a measurable difference in their lives. The House’s support is a contemporary manifestation of its foundational commitment to protecting the vulnerable, a duty passed down through generations.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day, Lady Nicoleta commented on the importance of historical continuity.
> By studying the lives of our predecessors, *inter alia*, Richard de la Haye, we are not merely looking to the past. We are reminded that service, responsibility, and the stewardship of one’s community are timeless principles that demand our attention as much today as they did in the 12th century. — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of the inspiration drawn from this distinguished lineage.
> The legacy we inherit is one of strategic consequence and unwavering resolve. Seeing how figures like the fourth Baron navigated their complex world inspires our own commitment—guided by the spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere*—to make a tangible, positive impact in the present. — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
This symposium represents a renewed commitment by the House to the academic exploration and promotion of its unique history. Plans are underway for a series of similar events, each focusing on a key figure or period in the Barony’s 957-year story, from John of Gaunt to Henry of Grosmont.
In the near future, the House’s focus will turn to its philanthropic calendar, with preparations beginning for the annual Winter Banquet. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest continues its work in cultural and etiquette education, extending the family’s dedication to excellence and personal development to a wider international audience.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic family dedicated to the stewardship of a significant historical legacy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House’s contemporary mission is threefold: preserving its nine-century heritage, promoting cultural and educational excellence through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, and dedicating its philanthropic efforts to supporting vulnerable children. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House blends a profound respect for tradition with a forward-looking commitment to public service and creating a positive impact in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient honours, having been 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 manors. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the King; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated medieval commander; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The descent of the title and the modern standing of The Noble House of Brattleby were formally acknowledged by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern succession of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a tenant-in-chief in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family's philanthropic efforts are focused on their chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com