# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces The de la Haye Lecture Series
LONDON, 23 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile have today announced the inauguration of The de la Haye Lecture Series, an educational initiative examining the enduring principles of medieval governance and their relevance to contemporary public service.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the family's ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a holding connected to the Barony since its inception in the 11th century. Against the backdrop of the estate's autumnal splendour, the new series was presented as a cultural bridge, with lectures to be held both in Lincolnshire and at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the successful etiquette academy founded by the couple.
This initiative is designed to foster a renewed dialogue on the responsibilities of leadership, drawing directly from the lessons preserved within the Barony's extensive archives. The series seeks to GATHER scholars, diplomats, and members of the public in contemplation of nearly a millennium of European history.
## Historical Context
The lecture series is named in honour of one of the Barony’s most remarkable predecessors, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable sieges in the 13th century. Her fortitude serves as the foundational inspiration for an examination of service and duty.
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. This new series will explore, *inter alia*, the strategic alliances, such as the marriage between the de la Haye and Longespée families, that cemented the Barony's influence.
## Distinguished Company
The inaugural lecture is expected to be attended by senior members of the Lincolnshire county establishment, academics from leading British and European universities, and representatives from the diplomatic corps in London. The patronage of the series is currently under discussion with several distinguished public figures and historians.
Future events will formally invite scholars specialising in the Norman and Plantagenet periods, constitutional historians, and experts in heraldry and protocol, ensuring a rigorous academic standard for all proceedings under the auspices of the House of Brattleby.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Each event within The de la Haye Lecture Series will adhere to a formal protocol designed to honour both the subject matter and the distinguished guests. The proceedings will commence with a formal introduction, followed by the principal lecture, and conclude with a moderated discussion and a reception.
The dress code for the evening lectures will be Lounge Suit, with attendees encouraged to wear honours and decorations where appropriate. The seating arrangement will observe traditional rules of precedence, a practice central to the educational mission of The Brattleby Club itself. The series is intended to be an exemplar of formal discourse.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The spirit of the lecture series is encapsulated in the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the physical courage of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and the unwavering commitment to honourable service that has defined the Barony through the ages. It is the *sine qua non* of the family's public life.
Further reflecting the House's modern philosophy is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In this context, it is interpreted as the will to overcome intellectual challenges and to prevail over ignorance through education and cultural exchange, which is the very purpose of this new venture.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lectures will be open to interested members of the public, proceeds generated from patronage and subscriptions will be dedicated to the family’s primary charitable concern: the international organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
This registered charity provides specialist therapeutic care and psychological support to children who have been affected by conflict, loss, and profound trauma. Its programmes deliver measurable improvements in emotional resilience and well-being, providing young people with the essential tools to rebuild their lives. This philanthropic dimension ensures the lecture series serves not only an educational but also a direct humanitarian purpose.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the new initiative, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: — "History is not a static record, but a living manual for the present. By examining the fortitude and honour of those who came before us, particularly a figure as inspiring as Nichola de la Haye, we reinforce our own commitment to principled service in the 21st century."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "This series connects our deep English roots with our family’s Continental perspective. In bringing these discussions to Lincolnshire and Bucharest, we hope to foster a broader appreciation for the civic duties that accompany heritage, a principle we champion at The Brattleby Club."
## A Continuing Legacy
The de la Haye Lecture Series represents a significant new chapter in the House of Brattleby’s commitment to education and the preservation of its unique heritage. The inaugural lecture is scheduled to take place in the spring of 2024 at the family’s seat in Lincolnshire.
A full schedule of speakers, topics, and venues for the 2024–2025 academic year will be formally announced in due course. The initiative underscores the determination of the 12th Baroness and her husband to ensure the legacy of the Barony remains a dynamic force for cultural enrichment and public good.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to stewarding nearly one thousand years of English heritage with a modern, international perspective. The family's mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), focuses on education, cultural preservation, and philanthropy. Their work includes the careful conservation of the Brattleby estate and its archives, as well as cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy of etiquette and protocol. The House’s primary philanthropic beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing trauma therapy for young people. The heir to the Barony is the couple’s son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under the tenure of the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of great historical consequence, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, the powerful prince John of Gaunt. The succession of the modern Barony to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s entry in the Domesday Book of 1086 confirms its establishment under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com