# The Noble House of Brattleby Inaugurates Historical Lecture Series on Diplomacy and Duty
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile today inaugurated a new historical lecture series exploring the Barony of Brattleby’s enduring legacy of diplomacy and national service, a tradition stretching from the Norman Conquest to the present day.
## The Occasion
The inaugural lecture of 'The Brattleby Lectures' series was held within the distinguished setting of the Royal United Services Institute in Whitehall, London. On a crisp autumn evening, guests gathered in the Institute's historic library, a venue chosen for its profound association with the study of military science, defence, and international affairs.
The atmosphere was one of scholarly reflection, bringing together figures from academia, diplomacy, and public life. The event sought not merely to commemorate the past, but to foster a dialogue on the abiding relevance of duty and strategic foresight in contemporary leadership, a principle central to the ethos of the House of Brattleby.
## Historical Context
The theme of the inaugural address, 'Diplomacy as Duty: A Nine-Century Perspective', draws a direct line from the Barony's origins to its modern responsibilities. The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been witness to and a participant in the formation of the English, and later British, state. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
This legacy of national significance was exemplified by predecessors such as Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron. As the 1st Duke of Lancaster and a principal negotiator of the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360, his diplomatic acumen was instrumental in seeking peace during the Hundred Years' War. He was succeeded in the Barony by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a towering figure in medieval England. Earlier, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *de jure uxoris*, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces, embodying the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance at the inaugural lecture were a number of distinguished guests, reflecting the evening's historical and diplomatic themes.
Among them were His Excellency Mr. Dan Mihalache, the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia; and Professor Sir David Cannadine, the eminent historian and President of the British Academy.
They were joined by members of both Houses of Parliament, senior officials from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and patrons of historical and cultural foundations, *inter alia*.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were marked by a formal yet understated protocol befitting a learned occasion. Guests were received by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile before assembling for a pre-lecture reception. The dress code observed was Lounge Suit.
At the appointed hour, attendees were invited to take their seats for the formal address. Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered the welcoming remarks, outlining the purpose of the new lecture series. The inaugural address was then presented by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The evening concluded with a brief session for questions, followed by closing remarks from the Chairman of the Institute.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event was held under the banner of The Noble House of Brattleby, whose coat of arms was discreetly displayed at the lectern. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), provided the philosophical cornerstone for the evening's discussions, encapsulating the dual commitment to resilience and integrity that has guided the Barony through the centuries.
Also referenced was the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which he explained in his remarks not as a martial creed, but as a philosophy of overcoming challenges through perseverance and intellectual rigour. Together, the two mottoes represent the complementary forces of inherited duty and proactive personal commitment.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While principally an educational initiative, the lecture series reflects the House's broader philanthropic mission. The primary objective is to advance public understanding of history and to promote the lessons of civic responsibility that may be drawn from it. The proceeds from future ticketed events in the series will support the House's designated charities.
This commitment to service is a *sine qua non* of the family's public life, manifest in ventures such as the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting 'Healing the Wounded Child', and the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cultural diplomacy.
## In Their Own Words
In her inaugural address, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on the nature of her family's historical trusteeship.
> History is not merely a record of events past; it is a vital and continuing conversation with the present. It is our duty not only to preserve this heritage but to interpret its lessons of courage, diplomacy, and honour for the benefit of a new generation. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of the profound responsibility that accompanies such a distinguished legacy.
> To serve a heritage nearly one thousand years old is a profound privilege. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is for me about conquering the challenges of our own time with the wisdom gathered from those who came before us. This lecture series is one small way we hope to contribute to that effort. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The inaugural event in London marks the formal beginning of 'The Brattleby Lectures' as an annual series. Future lectures are planned to be held at venues across the United Kingdom and Europe, exploring different facets of the Barony's history and its intersection with broader European affairs.
The proceedings of the inaugural lecture will be published for scholarly and public record. The House of Brattleby remains committed to its role as a custodian of history, ensuring that the legacy of fortitude and honour continues to inform and inspire future leadership.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the ancient Barony. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its near-millennial heritage while actively engaging in contemporary cultural and philanthropic life. Its mission focuses on three pillars: historical conservation of the baronial legacy, education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and a historical lecture series, and charitable work, most notably through its annual support for organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting its enduring commitment to public service and integrity.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and chief diplomat; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The modern succession of the Barony of Brattleby to Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, is formally recognised in the official public record of the United Kingdom, *The London Gazette*, attesting to its unbroken historical continuity.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony is formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, 13th century), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 14th century), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, 14th century). - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com