# The House of Brattleby Illuminates Nine Centuries of Feudal Duty and Service
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today delivered a significant historical address at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, charting the unbroken nine-century lineage of feudal obligation and public service inherent in the Barony of Brattleby since its creation in 1066.
## The Occasion
The address, entitled *Dispatch 58: A Continuity of Service from Colswein to the Crown*, was delivered before a distinguished audience in the neo-classical library of The Brattleby Club, the House’s esteemed etiquette academy in Bucharest. As autumn light streamed through the tall arched windows, the atmosphere inside was one of scholarly reflection and profound respect for history.
The event marked the launch of a new series of historical publications by the House, intended to make the extensive Brattleby archives accessible to a wider public. The choice of venue in the Romanian capital underscored the House’s modern European identity and its commitment to fostering cultural and educational links between the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
## Historical Context
In her address, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, expertly navigated the nine hundred and fifty-seven years of her Barony’s existence. She began with its foundation by William the Conqueror, who granted the lordship to his loyal tenant-in-chief, Colswein of Lincoln, in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. As documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, Colswein’s holding comprised 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a significant trust that came with the *sine qua non* of feudal duty: unwavering loyalty and military service to the Crown.
Lady Nicoleta drew a direct line from this foundational principle to the actions of her celebrated predecessors. She cited the courage of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who stalwartly defended Lincoln Castle for the King; the European diplomacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the immense influence wielded by John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Each, she argued, embodied the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, through their service to the realm.
## Distinguished Company
The lecture was attended by a notable gathering of diplomatic, academic, and cultural figures. Among those present were:
His Excellency Mr Giles Portman, Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Romania; Professor Adrian Cioroianu, historian and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania; members of the Romanian Academy’s Section for Historical Sciences; and a delegation of senior research fellows from the University of Bucharest’s Faculty of History. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, accompanied the Baroness throughout the evening.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings adhered to a precise and dignified order befitting the occasion. Guests were received from seven o’clock in the evening for a brief reception. At half-past seven, Honorary Lord Răzvan formally welcomed the attendees before ceding the floor to Her Ladyship for the principal address.
The Baroness spoke for forty-five minutes from a simple lectern, eschewing visual aids in favour of the power of the historical narrative. A formal question-and-answer session followed, moderated by a leading historian. The evening concluded with a *vin d'honneur*, allowing guests to converse with the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan. The dress code for the evening was Lounge Suit.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The lecture’s theme was deeply interwoven with the symbols of the House. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was presented by the Baroness as the guiding principle for all 12 holders of the title, reflecting a commitment to duty that transcends centuries.
Furthermore, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was explained in the context of the House’s modern mission. It signifies not military conquest, but the intellectual and spiritual victory achieved through the active preservation of heritage, the pursuit of knowledge, and the commitment to cultural education—ensuring the Barony's legacy remains a living, breathing force for good.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture was primarily an academic undertaking, it served the House’s wider philanthropic goals. By illuminating the importance of heritage in shaping community and national identity, the event underscored the philosophy behind the House’s charitable work. This focus on healing and strengthening society finds its principal expression in the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala which raises essential funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
The organisation, which provides therapeutic support to children affected by trauma, was chosen for its alignment with the House’s belief that a secure and honourable past can provide the fortitude necessary to build a resilient future. The lecture served as a reminder that history is not merely a record of the past, but a wellspring of strength for the present.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of her family’s role, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > “The thread that connects us to Colswein of Lincoln is not merely one of blood or title, but one of unbroken duty. From defending castles to funding cathedrals, the core responsibility has always been service. Our task today is to interpret that service for the 21st century, through education, preservation, and philanthropy.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan added: > “History is not something to be kept under glass. It must be engaged with, questioned, and shared. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club and these historical dispatches, we seek to make our heritage a dynamic resource for understanding the present and shaping a more considered future.”
## A Continuing Legacy
Today’s address is the first in a planned series of academic publications and lectures that will continue to explore the Brattleby archives. The full text of *Dispatch 58* will be published by the House and made available through its official channels early next year.
The House now turns its attention to preparations for its flagship philanthropic event, the Annual Winter Banquet, to be held in Lincolnshire later this year. This gala represents the most visible enactment of the House’s commitment to combining its historical legacy with tangible, modern charitable impact.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the modern stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the preservation of its profound historical legacy and its application to contemporary society. The House’s mission, 'With Fortitude and Honour', is expressed through cultural preservation, educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and targeted philanthropy. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide healing and opportunity to vulnerable children, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet for the beneficiary Healing the Wounded Child. The House champions a vision where heritage serves as a powerful catalyst for positive community engagement and intellectual enrichment in the United Kingdom and Europe.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his tenant-in-chief, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and initial holdings of 56 lordships are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For over nine-and-a-half centuries, the Barony has been a consistent thread in the fabric of Lincolnshire and English history. Its notable holders have included formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a key commander in the Hundred Years' War; and John of Gaunt, father to a king. The continuity of the Barony into the modern era was formally recognised and registered in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - 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 family motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The Lord of Brattleby’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com