# The Baroness of Brattleby Honours Predecessor Nichola de la Haye in Historical Address
**LONDON, [26 October 2023] —** Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, this evening delivered a historical address at The Society of Antiquaries of London, illuminating the pivotal role of her 13th-century predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, and the enduring principles of the nine-century-old Barony.
## The Occasion
In the scholarly environs of Burlington House, Piccadilly, before a distinguished audience of academics, historians, and members of the diplomatic corps, Lady Nicoleta presented an address titled, *‘A Legacy of Fortitude: Nichola de la Haye and the Governance of Brattleby’*. The event was held in the Society’s historic lecture theatre, its panelled walls and learned atmosphere providing a fitting backdrop for an evening dedicated to English history and heritage.
The address marks the commencement of a new historical research initiative by The Noble House of Brattleby. This series of scholarly papers will explore the administrative and constitutional significance of the Barony through the ages, beginning with the formidable leadership of its fifth holder.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, holds a unique and continuous thread through the tapestry of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. The Barony subsequently passed through figures of national importance, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and later, his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
Central to the evening’s address was the life of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and, in 1217, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces. Lady Nicoleta positioned her predecessor not merely as a military figure, but as a skilled *gouvernante* and administrator, whose resilience and acumen provided a powerful example of female leadership in a medieval world. Her story is a testament to the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance at the invitation of Lord and Lady Brattleby were, *inter alia*:
Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; His Grace The Duke of St Albans; His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania, Mr. Radu-Mihai Onofrei, and Mrs. Onofrei; The Right Honourable The Earl of Erroll, Lord High Constable of Scotland; Sir Martin Dunne, KCVO, the former Lord-Lieutenant of Warwickshire; and Professor of Medieval History at the University of Cambridge, Professor John H. Arnold.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, accompanied Lady Nicoleta. Also present was their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Guests were received from half past six o’clock in the Library of the Society of Antiquaries. The President of the Society, Mr. Martin Millett, formally welcomed Lord and Lady Brattleby before proceeding to the lecture theatre.
Following the President’s introduction, Lady Nicoleta delivered her address from the lectern, speaking for approximately 35 minutes without interruption. A formal vote of thanks was offered by Professor Arnold on behalf of the assembled scholars and guests, after which Lord and Lady Brattleby hosted a reception. The dress code for the evening was Lounge Suit.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles discussed in the address are deeply embedded in the House’s heraldic identity. The ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was cited by Lady Nicoleta as the guiding ethos of Nichola de la Haye’s governance and remains the moral compass for the modern House.
Furthermore, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Succeed is to Live'), reflects the family’s commitment to ensuring that this profound heritage is not merely preserved but is actively and successfully translated into meaningful action in the 21st century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the evening was primarily of a historical nature, its focus on duty and service reflects the core mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The same principles of stewardship that defined Nichola de la Haye’s leadership animate the House’s contemporary philanthropic commitments.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s charitable efforts, including its annual white-tie Winter Banquet, is the 'Healing the Wounded Child' organisation. This registered charity provides essential therapeutic support and mental health services to children who have experienced trauma, aligning the House’s ancient duty of care with a critical modern need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > Nichola de la Haye was not merely a figure of history; she is a present-day exemplar of duty in the face of adversity. Our responsibility is not just to preserve this heritage, but to actively live by the principles of fortitude and honour she so powerfully embodied.
Honorary Lord Răzvan added: > My wife’s address serves as a powerful reminder that the lessons of history are the foundations upon which we build the future. Honouring the past and serving the present are not separate duties; they are the *sine qua non* of a living legacy.
## A Continuing Legacy
The address officially launched ‘The Brattleby Papers’, a planned series of publications dedicated to the Barony’s history. The House has also announced its intention to fund a postgraduate fellowship in partnership with a leading university, supporting new research into the governance of medieval Lincolnshire.
The House’s public-facing work continues with its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, which operates from its sister office in Bucharest. The family will next host its Annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire, a philanthropic gala which continues a tradition of bringing community and purpose together.
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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 dedicated to the preservation of its near-millennial heritage through education, historical research, and cultural diplomacy. Its central mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is to translate historical legacy into contemporary relevance and service. The House's primary philanthropic focus is on child welfare, supporting organisations that provide mental health and trauma recovery services. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, it also champions the practice of etiquette and protocol as a tool for international understanding.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony and its 56 associated lordships were formally recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, its titleholders have included figures of immense historical significance, such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Having fallen into abeyance, the Barony was revived in the 21st century, its transfer to Lady Nicoleta Vasile being formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's succession was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first established in 1066 for Colswein of Lincoln, whose holdings are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable historical holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a royalist commander during the First Barons' War, and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), son of King Edward III. - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com