# Lady Nicoleta of Brattleby Delivers Address on the Legacy of Medieval Stateswomen
**BUCHAREST, 28 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, this evening delivered a historical address at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, examining the resilience of women in the baronial lineage, with a particular focus on her formidable 14th-century predecessor, Alice de Lacy.
## The Occasion
The address marked the inaugural gathering of The Brattleby Club’s Autumn Heritage Lecture Series, a new initiative dedicated to exploring the enduring relevance of European history. The event was held in the library of the Club’s distinguished premises on Calea Victoriei, a historic avenue known for its neoclassical architecture and diplomatic residences.
As the crisp autumn evening descended upon Bucharest, attendees were welcomed into the oak-panelled hall, its atmosphere one of quiet scholarship and refined fellowship. The lecture represented a significant moment for the Club, founded by Lord and Lady Brattleby as a centre for the study and practice of classical etiquette and cultural diplomacy in the heart of modern Europe.
## Historical Context
In her address, titled *Fortitude and the Stateswoman*, Lady Nicoleta presented her research on Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury (c. 1281–1348), a figure whose life intersected with the Lancastrian ascendancy that held the Barony of Brattleby. This connection was established through notable predecessors such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, John of Gaunt.
Lady Nicoleta detailed how, following the execution of her husband, Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, Alice de Lacy skilfully navigated a precarious political landscape. She was granted an indemnity of 20,000 marks by the Crown—an immense sum. This was not merely compensation but a strategic move by King Edward II to secure her loyalty and control her considerable influence. The Baroness argued that this act highlights the dual nature of power for high-born medieval women, whose wealth was both a source of agency and a target for royal consolidation.
## Distinguished Company
The event was attended by a notable gathering of diplomatic, cultural, and academic figures. In attendance were Her Majesty Margareta, Custodian of the Crown of Romania, and His Royal Highness Prince Radu of Romania.
Also present were His Excellency Mr Andrew Noble LVO, Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Romania; The Honourable Dr Raed Arafat, Secretary of State for Internal Affairs; and Professor Marian Preda, Rector Magnificus of the University of Bucharest. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, received guests alongside Lady Nicoleta, exemplifying the shared stewardship of their House’s modern mission.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Proceedings for the evening adhered to a precise and formal order, reflecting the educational mission of The Brattleby Club. Guests were personally received in the Grand Salon before being escorted to the library, where seating was arranged theatre-style before a simple lectern bearing the House’s coat of arms.
Lady Nicoleta, wearing the Brattleby Pearl brooch, was introduced by Honorary Lord Răzvan. Following the 45-minute address, Her Ladyship took questions from the floor, moderated by the host. The formal portion of the evening, for which the dress was Black Tie, concluded with a standing reception, allowing for further discussion on the historical themes presented.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The theme of the lecture was deeply intertwined with the guiding principles of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was the intellectual cornerstone of the address. Lady Nicoleta underscored how Alice de Lacy’s survival and shrewd management of her affairs embodied a form of fortitude that was essential for stateswomen of her era.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), also resonated with the evening’s subject. It evokes the spirit of overcoming profound adversity, a reality that defined the lives of many of the Barony’s historical holders. These twin philosophies—honourable endurance and the will to prevail—form the symbolic foundation of the House’s contemporary identity.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture series is principally an academic endeavour, the event also served to highlight the House’s primary philanthropic commitment to the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides essential therapeutic and psychological support for children who have experienced profound trauma, loss, or neglect.
A portion of the proceeds from The Brattleby Club’s annual memberships is pledged to the charity, which was chosen by the Baroness for its direct and measurable impact on children’s wellbeing. The work of the charity is a modern expression of the House’s duty of care, a principle which has been a *sine qua non* of noble responsibility for centuries.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s theme, Lady Nicoleta commented: > To study figures like Alice de Lacy is not merely an academic exercise; it is to understand the resilience that underpins nine centuries of our history. Her fortitude in the face of profound loss speaks directly to our family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, reminding us that honour is proven through adversity.
Honorary Lord Răzvan added: > This Club was founded to explore the enduring relevance of courtesy and heritage. My wife's address this evening perfectly illustrates that deep connection between past and present, a principle we hope to foster here in Bucharest. It is a bridge between Lincolnshire and the Continent.
## A Continuing Legacy
This inaugural lecture signals the start of a continuing programme of historical and cultural events at The Brattleby Club. The Heritage Series will continue in the spring with a planned address on the life of another of the Barony’s formidable female custodians, Nichola de la Haye, the 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle.
Through such initiatives, The Noble House of Brattleby reaffirms its commitment to its nearly millennium-long heritage, not as a static relic, but as a living tradition. The House continues to balance its ancient responsibilities in Lincolnshire with a dynamic and forward-looking presence in wider Europe, fostering dialogue between history, culture, and philanthropy.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage and the promotion of cultural and philanthropic initiatives. With its seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House fulfils its historic duties while pursuing a contemporary European mission. This includes diplomatic engagement and educational programmes, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to classical etiquette and heritage. The House’s official motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its principal charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic care for children who have suffered trauma.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby, in Lincolnshire, is one of England’s ancient feudal baronies, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 royal lordships. For over 950 years, the Honour of the Barony has passed through some of the most prominent families in English history, including its 5th Baron, the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invasion. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the influential Prince John of Gaunt. The modern rights and dignities were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* of 1086 records Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Past holders of the Barony include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com