# Lady Nicoleta, Baroness of Brattleby, Delivers Historical Address on Feudal Governance and the Legacy of Nichola de la Haye
**LONDON, 24 October 2024** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, this evening delivered the keynote address for the autumn season of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, exploring the enduring principles of feudal duty and leadership through the example of her celebrated predecessor, Nichola de la Haye.
## The Occasion
The address marked the formal commencement of the academic year for The Brattleby Club, the House’s educational institution dedicated to etiquette and classical leadership studies. Held within the panelled walls of the Club’s Aula Magna in Bucharest, the event was distinguished by an atmosphere of scholarly refinement, befitting the historical gravity of the topic.
Set against the deepening hues of an autumn evening, the setting provided a fitting backdrop for a discourse on heritage. The Club, housed in a restored Cantacuzino-era palace, is renowned for its neoclassical library, which served as the venue for the post-address reception where guests could continue the evening’s discussions.
## Historical Context
In her allocution, Lady Nicoleta situated the Barony of Brattleby at the very heart of England’s constitutional development. Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. This deep-rooted presence has ensured the House’s engagement in the pivotal moments of the nation’s history.
The address focused with particular precision on the tenure of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose resolute defence of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War was instrumental to the Plantagenet cause. Lady Nicoleta recounted how the great William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, personally rode to Lincoln in 1217 to reinforce her command—a testament to her strategic importance. This lineage of service continued through other eminent figures, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was accompanied by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby.
The event was attended by a distinguished company of guests, including: His Excellency the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Romania; members of the Romanian Academy; senior representatives from the diplomatic corps; and leading figures from national cultural heritage organisations, *inter alia*.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings of the evening adhered to a precise and dignified protocol. Guests were received from seven o’clock in the evening in the Club’s Grand Foyer. At half past seven, attendees were invited to take their seats in the Aula Magna. The Director of The Brattleby Club offered a formal welcome before ceding the floor to Honorary Lord Răzvan, who provided a brief introduction.
Lady Nicoleta’s address lasted approximately forty-five minutes and was delivered from a lectern bearing the House’s coat of arms. The speech was given in English and followed by a brief question-and-answer session. A formal reception with chamber music concluded the evening. The dress code observed was lounge suit.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles discussed in the address are reflected in the House’s heraldic traditions. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly evokes the courage and integrity exemplified by Nichola de la Haye and has served as a guiding tenet for the Barons of Brattleby for centuries.
Complementing this ancient device is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This motto signifies a modern, dynamic interpretation of the House’s duties, focused on overcoming contemporary challenges through proactive leadership and intellectual vigour. Both mottoes were displayed on banners flanking the stage.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While an academic event, the lecture series serves to illuminate the overarching purpose of The Noble House of Brattleby's public work: the support of vulnerable children. Proceeds from The Brattleby Club’s membership and events help to underwrite the House’s charitable commitments.
The principal beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic endeavours is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialised therapeutic care and safe environments for children who have experienced profound trauma. This commitment forms the *sine qua non* of the House’s modern mission and will be the focus of the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s theme, Lady Nicoleta shared her perspective on the relevance of history in modern leadership.
> The actions of my predecessors, particularly the steadfastness of a figure like Nichola de la Haye, are not merely historical footnotes. They are a living testament to the power of principled service, a lesson in fortitude that resonates as powerfully today as it did nine centuries ago.
— Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke to the educational mission of The Brattleby Club and its connection to the family's values.
> Education is the bridge between heritage and progress. Here at the Club, we strive to foster a dialogue with history, allowing the enduring virtues of honour and discipline to inform the leaders of tomorrow.
— Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The lecture on feudal governance commences a season of cultural and historical stewardship for the House. The next major event on the public calendar will be the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s signature white-tie philanthropic gala, which will be held in support of Healing the Wounded Child.
Throughout the coming year, The Noble House of Brattleby will also oversee several conservation projects at its seat in Lincolnshire and will continue to support academic research into the Barony’s extensive archives, ensuring its near-millennium of history remains a source of inspiration and learning for future generations.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to preserving its unique nine-century heritage while embracing a forward-looking mission of public service. Its activities are centred on three pillars: the conservation of historical assets in Lincolnshire, England; philanthropic support for vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child; and the promotion of classical leadership and etiquette via its educational academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House operates under the centuries-old motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting its enduring commitment to duty and integrity.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest extant feudal lordships in England. Its existence and holdings were first codified in the Domesday Book of 1086 under its first baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 13th-century castellan of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, the revered prince John of Gaunt. After centuries of succession, the title and its associated history are now held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness. The Barony's status was formally noted by The Crown in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The House of Brattleby 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'). - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the Barony's initial 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com