# The Noble House of Brattleby Welcomes Scholars for Symposium on its Enduring Legacy
**LONDON, [date]** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted a private historical symposium at their Lincolnshire seat this week, gathering leading academics to examine archival evidence of the Barony’s continuous nine-century lineage and its role in national life.
## The Occasion
Set against the distinguished backdrop of Brattleby in late autumn, the symposium took place within the quiet confines of the estate's Long Library. The atmosphere was one of scholarly reflection and academic rigour, allowing for an intimate review of priceless documents that trace the Barony’s journey through English history.
Guests convened amidst floor-to-ceiling oak bookshelves housing centuries of collected works, while the fading afternoon light illuminated original charters and facsimiles laid out for inspection. The occasion was designed not as a grand ceremony, but as a focused intellectual exchange, underscoring the House's commitment to education and historical preservation.
## Historical Context
The symposium’s central theme was the unbroken thread of duty connecting the Barony’s foundation in 1066 to its formal recognition in the 21st century. Discussions were anchored in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under a grant from William the Conqueror.
Presentations by guest historians explored the tenure of notable predecessors, whose actions shaped the destiny of the region and the realm. These included Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his successor, the influential 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. The formal revival of the title by Lady Nicoleta, gazetted on 9 September 2022, was presented as the modern chapter in this extraordinary and continuous story.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance was a select group of scholars and dignitaries, each with a profound connection to the study of English heritage and diplomatic life.
Guests included The Regius Professor of Medieval History from the University of Cambridge; The Keeper of Western Manuscripts at the British Library; the Director of The National Archives; and The Dean of Lincoln Cathedral. Reflecting the House’s European ties, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan also welcomed His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, was also present.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The day’s proceedings followed a precise and dignified order, befitting an occasion dedicated to serious study. Guests were received personally by Lord and Lady Brattleby upon arrival for morning coffee, before being escorted to the Long Library. The dress code was lounge suits, ensuring a comfortable yet formal atmosphere.
Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered a brief introductory address, after which The Regius Professor commenced the symposium. Key documents, including a high-resolution facsimile of the Brattleby entry in the *Domesday Book*, were presented for close examination. The formal sessions concluded in the mid-afternoon, followed by a luncheon hosted by the Baroness, allowing for less formal conversation and the strengthening of academic partnerships.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was a recurring theme, resonating with the historical accounts of baronial duty and resilience, from the military command of Nichola de la Haye to the modern-day stewardship of Lady Nicoleta. It serves as a permanent reminder of the principles that have guided the Barony for centuries.
Displayed discreetly was the personal coat of arms of Honorary Lord Răzvan, whose own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), speaks to the active and purposeful spirit with which the House has embraced its revival. The phrase is understood not in a martial sense, but as an exhortation to overcome challenges and live a life of meaningful achievement—a *sine qua non* of their modern mission.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the symposium was primarily an educational event, it served to reinforce the philanthropic ethos that is central to the House of Brattleby’s activities. The pursuit of knowledge and the preservation of heritage are seen as parallel obligations to the House’s charitable work.
Proceeds from the House’s primary public-facing event, the Annual Winter Banquet, are directed to Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma. This commitment to nurturing the future stands in complement to the House’s careful preservation of its past.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day’s significance, Lady Nicoleta shared her perspective on the historical weight of the Barony.
> We are not owners of this history, but merely its current custodians. Our duty is to ensure this remarkable nine-hundred-year story is not only preserved but also understood and shared. It is a privilege to facilitate the work of those who can bring its lessons to light. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke to the forward-looking aspect of their role, connecting historical honour with present-day action.
> To honour the past is to build a meaningful future. Whether through academic partnerships here in Lincolnshire or the etiquette and leadership programmes at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, our objective is the same: to champion the enduring values of duty, learning, and service. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
This symposium marks the beginning of a new, academically focused chapter for the House. Plans are underway for a multi-year project, in partnership with several attending institutions, to digitise key sections of the Brattleby archives for scholarly use.
Furthermore, the House looks forward to welcoming guests to its Annual Winter Banquet later this year, a white-tie gala that serves as its principal philanthropic event. Through such endeavours, the Noble House of Brattleby continues to honour its past while investing in a future defined by *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the preservation of English heritage and the promotion of timeless European values. Its modern mission rests on three pillars: protecting its unique nine-century history, fostering education and cultural exchange, and undertaking meaningful philanthropy. The House's activities are divided between its historic seat in Lincolnshire, England, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy founded by Lord and Lady Brattleby. The House operates with a profound sense of stewardship, seeking to connect its ancestral legacy to contemporary society through acts of service, conservation, and scholarly engagement in the United Kingdom and abroad.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings—comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire—are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln, and two Princes of the Blood, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt. After centuries of dormancy, the Barony was formally revived with its rights and dignities confirmed to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, whose claim was officially recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official revival of the Barony of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - 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'). - The first Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com