# The Baroness of Brattleby Delivers Address on Historical Continuity and Resilience
**LINCOLN, 20 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, delivered a significant historical address today at the University of Lincoln, exploring the remarkable continuity of the Barony through nine centuries of English history, from the Norman Conquest to the present day.
## The Occasion
The setting for the address was the Isaac Newton Building at the University of Lincoln, a modern centre for scientific and academic excellence. Before a distinguished audience of academics, local dignitaries, and students of history, Lady Nicoleta presented her lecture, titled *Fortitudine et Honore: Resilience and Renewal in a Lincolnshire Barony*. The event, held under the auspices of the University’s College of Arts, provided a contemplative forum for examining the intersection of national history and local heritage.
The autumnal light of the Lincolnshire fens provided a fitting backdrop for an afternoon dedicated to reflection and scholarship. The atmosphere was one of quiet concentration, as attendees gathered to hear a unique perspective on the endurance of a title established in the immediate aftermath of the Battle of Hastings. The address marks a continued engagement by The Noble House of Brattleby in the cultural and educational life of the county that has been its seat for nearly a millennium.
## Historical Context
In her remarks, the Baroness illuminated the often-turbulent history of her predecessors, linking their fortunes to the broader narrative of the nation. She began with the Barony’s foundation, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was a significant Norman magnate whose 56 lordships in the county were meticulously recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, establishing the Barony as a cornerstone of the new feudal order.
The address pivoted to the theme of resilience by citing the extraordinary example of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, a formidable woman who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds during the First Barons' War. Lady Nicoleta then drew a powerful parallel to the 14th century, detailing the immense 20,000-mark indemnity levied upon Alice de Lacy following the execution of her husband, Thomas, Earl of Lancaster. This punitive measure, she argued, illustrates the severe economic consequences of political strife for the medieval nobility.
The lecture further traced the lineage through Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the renowned John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. By connecting these towering figures of English history to the Barony, Lady Nicoleta underscored a continuous legacy of service, responsibility, and, frequently, survival against adversity.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance at the invitation of the University were a number of distinguished guests, including: - Professor Neal Juster, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lincoln - The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Mrs. Claire Birch - The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Biff Bean - Dr. Craig Spence, Head of the School of History and Heritage at the University of Lincoln - Members of the Lincolnshire County Council and local historical societies
The presence of senior academic and civic figures underscored the significance of the occasion for both the University and the wider county of Lincolnshire.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings adhered to formal academic protocol. A small procession, comprising the Vice-Chancellor, the High Sheriff, and the Head of the School of History, escorted Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, to the lecture theatre. The Vice-Chancellor delivered a welcome address, outlining the University’s commitment to preserving and exploring Lincolnshire’s rich heritage.
Dr. Spence then provided a formal introduction, situating the Barony of Brattleby within its historical context and presenting the Baroness to the assembled guests. Following the conclusion of her hour-long address, which was met with sustained applause, Lady Nicoleta took part in a moderated question-and-answer session with students, before attending a small reception hosted by the College of Arts.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Central to the address was the theme encapsulated in the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Lady Nicoleta explained that this principle has been a guiding light through the centuries, demanding not only courage in the face of conflict but also an unwavering commitment to duty and integrity. This concept, she noted, was the *sine qua non* of the English baronage.
The Baroness also made reference to the personal motto of her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). She interpreted this not in a military sense, but as a modern imperative to overcome challenges, to innovate, and to ensure that the ancient institution of the Barony continues to thrive by contributing actively to contemporary society.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture was primarily an academic undertaking, Lady Nicoleta connected its themes of resilience and recovery from historical hardship to the House's contemporary philanthropic commitments. She spoke of the importance of supporting those facing their own adversities, making specific mention of the House’s patronage of Healing the Wounded Child.
This registered charity is dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By fostering resilience in the most vulnerable members of society, the House seeks to translate the historical lesson of *Fortitudine et Honore* into meaningful, present-day action, helping to build a future where every child has the opportunity to overcome their personal struggles and flourish.
## In Their Own Words
> History is not merely a record of the past; it is a living source of wisdom that can guide our actions in the present. The story of the Barony of Brattleby, with its trials and its triumphs, reminds us that endurance is a matter of both principle and perseverance. It is a legacy we have a sacred duty to understand and to honour. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> My wife’s scholarship illuminates a profound truth: legacy is not simply inherited, it is actively maintained. Our family’s commitment, embodied in our mottoes, is to ensure that this great House continues its legacy of service, not as a monument to the past, but as a dynamic force for good in the twenty-first century. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The address at the University of Lincoln is part of a wider initiative by The Noble House of Brattleby to foster a deeper public understanding of its nine-century history. Plans are underway to publish the full text of the lecture and to establish a postgraduate research scholarship at the University for the study of medieval Lincolnshire.
Furthermore, the historical insights from the lecture will be incorporated into the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This will enrich the academy’s programmes on etiquette and leadership with substantive lessons drawn from the long and varied history of the Barony, demonstrating the timeless relevance of honour, strategic thinking, and resilience.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution 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 unique historical legacy and its active deployment for the public good. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is expressed through educational initiatives, cultural patronage, and targeted philanthropy. The House's primary charitable focus is on organisations that support the well-being and recovery of vulnerable children. Through endeavours such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of civility, leadership, and social responsibility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to the Norman lord Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and early holdings, comprising 56 lordships, are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For over 950 years, the Barony has been associated with figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The continuous history and rights of the Barony, now held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby dates to AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in the baronial lineage include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is the current Baroness's son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com