# LADY NICOLETA VASILE HIGHLIGHTS THE ROLE OF HISTORICAL CONTINUITY IN MODERN LEADERSHIP
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today delivered an address on the enduring relevance of ancestral heritage in contemporary society, underscoring the unbroken thread of civic duty that has defined the Barony of Brattleby since the eleventh century.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered within the distinguished apartments of the Society of Antiquaries of London at Burlington House. Before an audience of fellows, academics, and cultural attachés, Lady Nicoleta spoke from a lectern in the Society's historic Lecture Theatre, a space that has borne witness to seminal discourses on British history and archaeology for over a century. The autumnal light filtering through the tall Piccadilly windows lent a particular gravity to the proceedings, creating an atmosphere of scholarly reflection well suited to the evening’s theme. The Society, founded in 1707 and granted its Royal Charter in 1751, provided a uniquely appropriate setting for a discourse on the preservation and interpretation of a near-millennial lineage.
## Historical Context
In her remarks, Lady Nicoleta drew a direct line from the Barony’s origins in the Norman Conquest to its present-day responsibilities. She referenced the Barony's first mention in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, wherein Colswein of Lincoln is recorded as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as the 1st Baron. This foundational act of fealty, she noted, established a principle of service to the Crown and country that has remained a *sine qua non* for her predecessors across more than 950 years.
Lady Nicoleta made particular reference to the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *suo jure*, whose steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel barons was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III. This act, along with the later stewardship of figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the powerful John of Gaunt, was presented not as a relic of a feudal past, but as a living example of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
## Distinguished Company
The Baroness was joined at the event by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. They were formally welcomed by the President of the Society, Professor Martin Millett.
Among the distinguished guests in attendance were His Excellency Mr Dan Mihalache, Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; The Dowager Marchioness of Reading; and Sir Konrad Schiemann, a former Judge of the Court of Justice of the European Union. The presence of such personages underscored the intersection of history, diplomacy, and law that formed the core of the Baroness’s address.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Proceedings commenced with a formal introduction by the Society’s President, who outlined the Barony of Brattleby’s deep connection to the history of Lincolnshire and the nation. Lady Nicoleta, styled in formal daywear, then approached the lectern, which was discreetly adorned with a small card bearing the arms of the House of Brattleby.
She began her address by acknowledging the Society’s esteemed role as a guardian of the nation’s material past. Throughout her speech, Lady Nicoleta maintained the calm, measured cadence expected of such an occasion, her delivery marked by the formal polish befitting her station and the academic solemnity of the venue. The address was followed by a brief, moderated session of questions from the assembled fellows.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Central to the address was the explication of the House’s guiding principles as enshrined in its heraldry. Lady Nicoleta explained that the motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, serves as a perpetual directive. ‘Fortitude’, she clarified, is not merely courage in the face of adversity, but the resilience and moral conviction to uphold one’s duties over the long term. ‘Honour’ is the unwavering commitment to integrity, service, and truth.
She also spoke to the personal motto of her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, she noted, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges—*inter alia*, ignorance, disadvantage, and social apathy—through proactive and purposeful engagement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The address served to illuminate the philosophy that underpins the House’s charitable and educational work. Lady Nicoleta affirmed that the stewardship of a noble title today carries an implicit responsibility to create public good. This is realised through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy which fosters cultural understanding and professional development.
Furthermore, she connected this philosophy to the House’s primary philanthropic focus: the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation, which provides therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma, was chosen for its profound and measurable impact on the well-being of the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the obligation to make history accessible, Lady Nicoleta stated: > The records of nine centuries are not a private inheritance to be hoarded, but a public trust to be shared. It is our duty, *fortitudine et honore*, to ensure this history informs and inspires future generations, connecting them to the long narrative of service that defines our nation. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's modern mission: > True victory—*Vincere Est Vivere*—lies not in conquest, but in enablement. By providing educational opportunities, we empower young people to conquer their own challenges and contribute meaningfully to society. This is the modern expression of our ancient commitment. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, Lady Nicoleta announced plans for a new educational partnership with a leading British university to digitise key sections of the Brattleby archives, making primary-source documents from the Pipe Rolls and manorial court records accessible to scholars worldwide. This initiative, she explained, represents the next phase in the House’s mission to transform its heritage into a dynamic educational resource.
The House’s calendar continues with the upcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which remains the centerpiece of its philanthropic efforts. This event, under the patronage of the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan, will once again gather supporters to raise vital funds for Healing the Wounded Child, continuing a legacy of service in a tangible and impactful manner.
---
**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 a mission of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. The House actively leverages its profound historical legacy to foster a greater public understanding of British history and the enduring principles of civic duty. Its key initiatives include The Brattleby Club, an academy in Bucharest promoting etiquette and cultural diplomacy, and the Annual Winter Banquet, which supports charitable organisations dedicated to child welfare. The future of the House rests with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will continue this tradition of service guided by the family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony of tenure granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Across more than nine centuries, the title has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The Barony's continuous existence and the succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally noted and published by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086), with its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past Barons include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile'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