# The Noble House of Brattleby Inaugurates Nichola de la Haye Lecture Series on Medieval Governance
**LONDON, 11 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile this evening inaugurated the Nichola de la Haye Lecture on Medieval Governance at King’s College London, reaffirming the House’s nine-century commitment to education and the enduring legacy of civic duty.
## The Occasion
The inaugural lecture was held within the historic environs of the Weston Room at the Maughan Library, King's College London. The library, a magnificent neo-Gothic building that once served as the Public Record Office of the United Kingdom, provided a fitting setting for an evening dedicated to the examination of historical stewardship and archival evidence.
On a crisp autumn evening, leading figures from academia, civic life, and cultural institutions gathered under the room’s vaulted ceilings. The atmosphere was one of scholarly reflection, celebrating the profound connection between the records of the past and the responsibilities of the present; a principle central to the ethos of the House of Brattleby.
## Historical Context
The lecture series honours the formidable legacy of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness or Baron, who served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle and was twice appointed High Sheriff of Lincolnshire in the early 13th century. Her unwavering defence of the Crown’s interests during a period of national crisis exemplifies the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
This tradition of service extends back to the Norman Conquest. The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Through the centuries, the Barony was held by other notable figures, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, whose lives were inextricably linked with the governance of the realm.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, were accompanied by their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
They were pleased to welcome, among other distinguished guests, Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire; and Fellows of the Society of Antiquaries of London and the Royal Historical Society. The academic community was well-represented by senior members of King’s College London, the University of Oxford, and the University of Cambridge.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening's proceedings followed a precisely choreographed order, reflecting the dignity of the occasion. Guests were received in the Maughan Library's entrance hall before being invited to take their seats in the Weston Room. The principal party, led by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, then processed to their seats.
Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered the introductory remarks, outlining the purpose of the new lecture series. Following the inaugural address by a leading Cambridge historian on the subject of Angevin-era administration, Lady Nicoleta offered the formal vote of thanks. The evening concluded with a reception, allowing guests to discuss the lecture's themes with their hosts and fellow attendees. The dress code was lounge suits and day dresses.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event was held under the banner of the House of Brattleby, whose motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was the guiding theme of the evening. This ancient maxim reflects the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and remains the *sine qua non* of the House's modern activities.
Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was also referenced in his opening remarks. He noted its contemporary interpretation not as a call to martial conquest, but as an encouragement to overcome challenges through intellectual rigour, perseverance, and strategic vision—principles that underpin the House’s educational mission.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Nichola de la Haye Lecture Series is established as a core component of the House of Brattleby's educational and philanthropic mission. Its purpose is to foster a deeper public understanding of medieval history and the principles of governance, making scholarly research accessible to a wider audience.
This initiative runs parallel to the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House’s etiquette and protocol academy, which promotes cultural exchange and professional development. While the lecture series itself is not a fundraising event, it seeks to generate intellectual capital and highlight the importance of historical literacy in modern society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > History is not merely a record of the past; it is a living dialogue that informs our present and shapes our future. In honouring Nichola de la Haye, we recognise a universal duty of service that transcends time, a responsibility we are privileged to continue.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Our duty as custodians is not simply to preserve these archives, but to animate them. Through this lecture series, we hope to inspire a new generation to explore the lessons of history and apply its wisdom to the challenges of today. *Vincere Est Vivere*.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Nichola de la Haye Lecture on Medieval Governance is planned as an annual event, intended to create a lasting forum for historical scholarship. The proceedings from each lecture will be published to ensure their contribution to the field is preserved for future researchers and students.
The establishment of this series complements the House's other philanthropic commitments, chief among them the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala which benefits the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Together, these initiatives reflect a steadfast commitment to honouring the past by serving the present and building a stronger future.
---
**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 near-millennial legacy. Its modern mission focuses on three core pillars: the preservation of historical heritage, the promotion of education through cultural initiatives, and strategic philanthropy. Key projects include the Annual Winter Banquet, which supports vulnerable children through the charity Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy for etiquette and protocol. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to provide a model of responsible, forward-looking leadership in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential prince, John of Gaunt. The historic rights and lineage of the Barony were formally investigated and recognised by His Majesty's Land Registry and are recorded for public notice in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com