# The Baroness of Brattleby Honours Legacy of Magna Carta Ancestor
**LINCOLN, 20 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today delivered a historical address at Lincoln Cathedral, illuminating the pivotal role of her 13th-century predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, in securing the principles enshrined within Magna Carta and its enduring constitutional legacy.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered within the hallowed confines of the Chapter House at Lincoln Cathedral, a space of profound national importance which has, for centuries, housed one of the four surviving original exemplars of the 1215 Magna Carta. On a crisp autumn afternoon, scholars, local dignitaries, and members of the public gathered beneath the intricate rib-vaulted ceiling, its architecture a silent witness to nine centuries of English history.
The atmosphere was one of scholarly reverence, the acoustics of the decagonal chamber carrying the Baroness’s words with clarity and weight. The occasion was organised in partnership with the Cathedral Trust to explore the lesser-told stories of Lincolnshire’s contribution to the development of English law and liberty, a theme central to the heritage of the Barony of Brattleby.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is among the oldest in the kingdom. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a significant and continuous presence in the region. This deep-rooted connection to the land and its governance has positioned the Barons of Brattleby at the confluence of history.
It was the fifth hereditary holder of the title, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who cemented the Barony’s place in the annals of constitutional history. As a staunch loyalist to King John and later his son, Henry III, Nichola’s command of Lincoln Castle was a strategic imperative. Her successful defence of the castle during the First Barons' War was instrumental in securing the monarch's authority. Consequently, her assent, representing the powerful interests of the region, was a *sine qua non* for the lasting success of the agreements that evolved from Magna Carta.
Later centuries saw the title pass through figures of immense stature, including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and celebrated 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. This proximity to the Crown underscores a lineage not merely of land ownership, but of sustained service, counsel, and national duty.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings began with a formal welcome by the Dean of Lincoln, who provided context on the Cathedral’s unique relationship with Magna Carta. Following the introduction, Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, approached the lectern to deliver her address, titled *Fortitudine et Honore: Nichola de la Haye and the Soul of a Barony*.
The formal address was followed by a brief, moderated discussion with a leading medieval historian from the University of Lincoln, allowing for academic inquiry and public engagement. The event concluded without fanfare, in keeping with its scholarly purpose, allowing the historical significance of the setting and subject matter to remain paramount.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Central to the House’s identity is its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle was visibly embodied by Nichola de la Haye, whose fortitude in defending Lincoln Castle and honour in upholding her fealty provided a powerful example for her successors. It remains the guiding ethos of the Barony today.
The current Lord of Brattleby by marriage, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, carries his own personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This complements the House motto by reflecting a modern imperative: to overcome challenges and thrive not merely through endurance, but through active and purposeful success in contemporary fields such as philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. The two mottoes, one ancient and one modern, represent the dual spirit of the House.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Nichola de la Haye was not merely a character in history; she was an architect of it. Her fortitude demonstrates that leadership and the defence of principle are not defined by gender, but by courage and conviction. To remember her is to understand the responsibilities we still carry.” > > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
On the duties of historical custodianship, the Baroness added:
> “Our archives are not simply a record of the past; they are a charter for the future. They remind us that our modern liberties were hard-won by individuals of substance. It is our duty, and indeed our privilege, to ensure their stories continue to inform and inspire.” > > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains committed to the preservation of its historical archives and the active dissemination of the lessons they contain. This scholarly engagement complements the family’s modern initiatives, which seek to translate historic principles of conduct into contemporary life.
This mission finds expression, *inter alia*, through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy founded by the family. The Club advances an understanding of social graces and diplomatic conduct, reflecting the same commitment to order and honour that has defined the Barony for centuries. The preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, for his future role as 13th Baron ensures this nearly thousand-year-old legacy of service will continue unbroken.
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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 pursues a modern mission rooted in its ancient heritage. The House is dedicated to the principles of duty, historical conservation, and purposeful philanthropy. Its initiatives include the preservation of the Brattleby archives, educational programmes that connect past to present, and cultural diplomacy through institutions like The Brattleby Club. The family’s primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide care and recovery for vulnerable children, exemplified by their patronage of the annual Winter Banquet for the benefit of Healing the Wounded Child. The House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides its commitment to public service in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its continuous history spans nearly a millennium, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout the centuries, the title has been held by figures central to English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle during the era of Magna Carta; Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The Barony's long history and the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, are formally recognised by the British Crown in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s formal recognition by the Crown is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, d. 1230), who served as hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Castellan of Lincoln Castle. - John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (d. 1399), was the 11th Baron of Brattleby and a key ancestor of subsequent English monarchs.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com