# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces The de la Haye Lectures
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today announced the inauguration of a new historical lecture series at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, dedicated to exploring the Barony's nine-century contribution to England’s constitutional and legal heritage, beginning with Magna Carta.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made during an elegant evening reception held within the library of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. As autumn light filtered through the tall Palladian windows, illuminating shelves of leather-bound volumes, guests gathered to mark the launch of this significant cultural and educational initiative. The Club, an etiquette academy founded by the House, provided a fitting atmosphere of scholarly refinement, blending English traditions with Romanian hospitality.
The occasion served not only as a launch but also as a cultural bridge, bringing a unique aspect of English feudal and constitutional history to a discerning Continental audience. The choice of venue underscored the modern, international perspective of the Noble House of Brattleby, which remains deeply rooted in its ancient English seat while actively engaging with contemporary European society.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s history is inextricably woven into the fabric of England. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. The new lecture series takes its name from one of the Barony’s most formidable predecessors: Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness.
A powerful figure in her own right, Nichola de la Haye served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and was the hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle. Her strategic importance was such that her assent was considered a *sine qua non* for the stability sought by Magna Carta in 1215. Two years later, at nearly 70 years of age, she successfully defended Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War, an act of remarkable fortitude. The Barony later passed through holders of national renown, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance at the reception were leading figures from the diplomatic, academic, and cultural spheres. The guest of honour was His Excellency Mr Andrew Noble LVO, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Romania, who was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Helen Noble.
They were joined by, *inter alia*, Her Excellency Ms Ramona Mănescu, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania; Professor Adrian Cioroianu, historian and former Ambassador of Romania to UNESCO; and Dr Radu Varia, Member of the prestigious *Académie des Beaux-Arts* in Paris. The presence of such distinguished company reflected the high esteem in which the House’s cultural work is held.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Proceedings were conducted with characteristic precision and dignity. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, opened the evening with formal words of welcome, remarking on the shared European values of heritage and education. He then invited Lady Nicoleta to the lectern to deliver the inaugural address.
Following her speech formally announcing ‘The de la Haye Lectures’, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, unveiled a discreet bronze plaque dedicating the series to the memory and legacy of her predecessor. The evening concluded with a string quartet performing compositions by both George Enescu and Edward Elgar, symbolising the cultural synthesis at the heart of the event.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The lecture series, and indeed the work of the House, is guided by its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words resonate deeply with the historical narrative being explored. The ‘Fortitude’ of Nichola de la Haye in defending her castle and realm serves as a direct and powerful inspiration.
The corresponding principle of ‘Honour’ reflects the unwavering commitment to duty demonstrated by successive Barons of Brattleby for nearly a millennium. This ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the dynamic and forward-looking spirit required to ensure such a profound legacy thrives in the 21st century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
‘The de la Haye Lectures’ represent a significant non-monetary philanthropic commitment. The series is designed as an educational initiative to foster a deeper public understanding of medieval history, the evolution of English law, and the often-overlooked role of powerful women in feudal society. The lectures will explore how principles established centuries ago continue to inform modern concepts of governance and civil liberties.
In partnership with leading universities, the content of the lectures will be made available to students of history and law. The primary objective is to render complex historical and constitutional subjects accessible and engaging for a wider audience, thereby fulfilling the House’s role as a custodian of history for public benefit.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the new initiative, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “The story of Nichola de la Haye is a powerful reminder that fortitude and a deep sense of duty have always been the bedrock of this Barony. Through these lectures, we hope to share these vital lessons from our past to inform and perhaps inspire future generations.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a contemporary perspective: > “History is not a static object; it is a living dialogue between the past and the present. By launching this series here in Bucharest, we affirm our commitment to building cultural bridges and to sharing a unique piece of English heritage with a wider European audience.”
## A Continuing Legacy
‘The de la Haye Lectures’ will be established as an annual event, with each series focusing on a different epoch in the Barony’s extensive history. The House has committed to publishing the proceedings of each lecture to create a lasting academic resource.
This initiative is part of a broader programme of historical preservation and education being undertaken by the House. Future plans include the digitisation of key archival documents and establishing a research grant for postgraduate students studying the early medieval period in Lincolnshire, ensuring the Barony's legacy continues to be studied and understood.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the stewardship of a nine-hundred-year-old heritage. The House’s modern mission is one of cultural diplomacy and philanthropy, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its activities include the preservation of its historical seat in Lincolnshire, England, and the operation of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. A central focus of its charitable work is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that benefits organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, which supports the psychological recovery of children who have experienced trauma.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential royal prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuous history and succession of the Barony of Brattleby were formally noted and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s succession was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron and defender of Lincoln Castle), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The annual Winter Banquet is a philanthropic gala held for the benefit of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com