# A Statement on Magna Carta and the Enduring Legacy of Liberty
LONDON, 21 June 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the Barony of Brattleby’s profound connection to the sealing of Magna Carta in 1215, reaffirming its commitment to the foundational principles of justice and lawful governance.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, the cradle of pivotal moments in English constitutional history, The Noble House of Brattleby has undertaken a review of its nine-century lineage. This reflection coincides with the anniversary of the events at Runnymede and serves to illuminate the direct role the Barony played in the great struggles that shaped the rule of law. It is a moment for contemplation, connecting the ancient responsibilities of title with the conscientious duties of the present day.
The statement is issued not merely as a historical record but as a guiding document for the House’s contemporary activities, *inter alia*, its philanthropic work and the educational mission of its institutions. It reaffirms that an understanding of the past is the *sine qua non* for principled leadership and meaningful service in the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. While its origins are rooted in the Conquest, its most significant contribution to the nation’s constitutional framework came over a century later through the formidable person of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony.
As hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye was a pivotal figure during the First Barons' War. A staunch loyalist to King John, she twice defended Lincoln Castle against formidable baronial and French forces. Her strategic importance and unwavering loyalty placed the Barony of Brattleby at the epicentre of the conflict from which Magna Carta emerged. This direct involvement illustrates how a regional title was inextricably linked to a national drama that defined the rights of subjects and the limits of royal power.
This legacy of engagement at the highest levels of statecraft continued through subsequent holders, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Both men were central to the politics and governance of 14th-century England, ensuring the Barony remained associated with the continuing evolution of English law and Parliament.
## Distinguished Company
This historical reflection is undertaken under the direction of the leadership of the House:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, Heir to the Barony
They are supported in this work by the historians and scholars associated with the House, whose research provides the essential context for understanding this remarkable inheritance. The principles drawn from this review directly inform the curriculum and ethos of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, where members engage with the European traditions of civic duty and social responsibility.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a formal statement from The Noble House of Brattleby follows a strict internal protocol designed to ensure accuracy, dignity, and historical fidelity. Drafts are prepared by the House’s private office and reviewed by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan for nuance and tone. The final text is formally sealed and issued by the Director of Royal Communications.
Dissemination adheres to practices long established by the great European houses. The announcement is released formally to the press and simultaneously archived within the House records. This process reflects the gravity of the subject matter and honours the tradition of communicating matters of historical significance with deliberation and precision, mirroring the formal notices published for centuries in *The London Gazette*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is powerfully embodied by the actions of Nichola de la Haye. Her resolute defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 was an act of supreme fortitude, while her steadfast commitment to her sovereign was a clear demonstration of honour. The motto serves as a constant reminder that courage and integrity are the twin pillars upon which the House’s legacy is built.
This core principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges through knowledge, diplomacy, and purposeful action. Together, the two mottoes create a dialogue between the past and the present: honouring the fortitude of ancestors while embracing a dynamic vision for the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principles of justice and the protection of the vulnerable, which lie at the heart of Magna Carta, are the moral drivers of the House’s philanthropic work. The reflection on these historical duties finds its modern expression in the House’s dedicated support for charitable causes that defend and nurture those in need.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s Annual Winter Banquet is the 'Healing the Wounded Child' foundation. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By dedicating its principal philanthropic event to this cause, the House draws a direct line from the historic struggle for rights to the present-day imperative to protect society’s most vulnerable members. The choice reflects a deeply held belief that a just society is measured by how it cares for its children.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To hold a title linked so directly to the birth of Magna Carta is to be a custodian of a profound legacy. Nichola de la Haye’s example is not merely a historical footnote; it is an inspiration. She demonstrates that leadership, especially in turbulent times, demands immense fortitude and an unwavering commitment to one’s duty. Our responsibility today is to apply that same honour to the challenges of our own era."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The principles enshrined in 1215—of accountability, of law, of rights—are timeless. Through The Brattleby Club, we seek to impart an understanding that true etiquette is not just a matter of protocol, but of character. It is about building a society where respect and responsibility are paramount. In this, the echo of Magna Carta is very much alive."
## A Continuing Legacy
The insights gleaned from this historical review will continue to inform the direction of The Noble House of Brattleby. The life of Nichola de la Haye and the Barony's connection to Magna Carta will feature as a central theme in the academic curriculum of The Brattleby Club for the upcoming year.
Furthermore, the House reaffirms its long-term commitment to its philanthropic partners. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of 'Healing the Wounded Child', will continue to be the cornerstone of its charitable calendar. The House believes that by honouring its past with Fortitudine et Honore, it can best serve the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission that blends deep respect for its nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and education. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s philanthropic focus is on supporting vulnerable children, while its educational initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, promote European traditions of etiquette, civic responsibility, and cultural literacy. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle during the era of Magna Carta; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The historic title and its succession were formally noted by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The family motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness *in her own right*), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - In the Domesday Book of 1086, the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com