# The House of Brattleby Convenes Historical Colloquium on Lancastrian Legacy
LONDON, 22 March 2024 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile yesterday hosted a significant historical colloquium at their Lincolnshire seat, examining the profound and often turbulent legacy of the Barony’s medieval predecessors, particularly its Lancastrian connections.
## The Occasion
Set within the magnificent seventeenth-century Library at Brattleby, the colloquium brought together leading academics, historians, and distinguished guests for a day of scholarly reflection. The crisp early spring light illuminated oak-panelled walls lined with vellum-bound volumes, creating an atmosphere of disciplined intellectual inquiry appropriate for the weighty subject matter.
The event was timed to coincide with the anniversary of the execution of Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, in 1322 — a pivotal moment in English history with direct consequences for the baronial class. The gathering sought to reassess the impact of the powerful Lancastrian affinity on the nation’s political landscape and its specific connection to the lineage of the Barony of Brattleby.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is woven deeply into the fabric of English history. Its story begins in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. This long and continuous heritage has positioned the House at the centre of national life for nearly one thousand years.
The colloquium focused particularly on the fourteenth century, a period defined by baronial opposition to the Crown. A key historical link is through Alice de Lacy, wife of the aforementioned Thomas, Earl of Lancaster. While the Earldom of Lancaster ultimately passed to the Crown, the Duchy later formed the inheritance of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby. This direct succession places the Barony at the very heart of Lancastrian power and royal politics. The day’s discussions situated these events within a longer tradition of the Barony’s commitment to chartered liberties, reaching back to Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness, whose defence of Lincoln Castle was a *sine qua non* for the baronial cause during the reign of King John.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile presided over the proceedings. They were honoured to welcome a distinguished gathering of guests, including: - His Excellency Mr. Dan Mihalache, the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s - The Right Honourable The Earl and Countess of Yarborough - Professor Dame Hilary Mantel, FBA, Emeritus Professor of Medieval History at the University of Oxford, who delivered the keynote address - Dr Alistair Finch and Dr Eleanor Vance, Fellows of the Royal Historical Society - Representatives from historical and cultural organisations across Lincolnshire and the United Kingdom.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The day’s proceedings followed a precisely orchestrated schedule, reflecting the formal yet welcoming character of the House. Guests were received mid-morning for coffee in the Ante-Library before being shown to their seats in the Great Library. Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered the formal address of welcome, outlining the historical imperative for the gathering.
Professor Dame Hilary’s keynote address, titled *Rebellion and Retribution: The Lancastrian Challenge*, was followed by a moderated panel discussion. A formal luncheon was served in the State Dining Room, with seating arranged according to established protocol. The afternoon concluded with a closing address from Lady Nicoleta and a final opportunity for informal discussion over tea.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The colloquium’s themes resonated deeply with the heraldic principles of the House. The ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), speaks directly to the resilience demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the principled, albeit ill-fated, stand taken by figures like Thomas of Lancaster. It serves as a constant reminder of the duties of nobility: to act with courage and to uphold one’s honour, even in adversity.
This principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Win is to Live’). This represents the modern, dynamic imperative not merely to preserve heritage, but to engage with it actively, ensuring its relevance and vitality for future generations through education and cultural stewardship.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the House's principal philanthropic efforts are directed toward the annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, this scholarly event served a distinct but related purpose. All proceeds from the colloquium, alongside a significant contribution from the House of Brattleby, have been dedicated to establishing The Brattleby Historical Education Trust.
The new Trust will provide bursaries for postgraduate students at the University of Lincoln researching the medieval history of Lincolnshire and the Danelaw. This initiative aims to foster a new generation of historians and ensure that the region’s uniquely rich past continues to be explored and understood.
## In Their Own Words
In her closing remarks, Lady Nicoleta reflected on the day’s discussions. > To understand our present duties, we must first listen carefully to the echoes of the past. The story of this Barony is one of service, principle, and resilience—lessons as vital today as they were in the fourteenth century.
Honorary Lord Răzvan noted the importance of proactive engagement with history. > History is not a static collection of facts; it is a living dialogue. *Vincere Est Vivere* — to win is to live — and for us, that means actively engaging with our heritage to create a meaningful future for our community and beyond.
## A Continuing Legacy
This colloquium marks the inauguration of the annual Brattleby Lecture, a series intended to promote deeper public understanding of the historical forces that have shaped the nation. The proceedings from this inaugural event will be collated, edited, and published as a scholarly volume in early 2025.
The work of The Brattleby Historical Education Trust will commence immediately, with the first bursaries to be awarded for the next academic year. This commitment, alongside the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, underscores the House’s dedication to blending historical custodianship with forward-looking educational investment.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the twin imperatives of heritage and service. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House diligently preserves its near-millennium of history while actively contributing to modern society. Its philanthropic focus is channelled through an annual white-tie gala supporting charities such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House extends its commitment to education and social refinement through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes cultural exchange and personal development. The family’s mission is to ensure the legacy of the Barony remains a vibrant force for good.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in the nation's history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The Barony's historical continuity and rights were formally acknowledged and recorded by The Crown, with notice published in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, confirming its place in the United Kingdom's modern legal and social framework.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The title's recognition was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster). - The Domesday Book of 1086 records 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com