# The Noble House of Brattleby Hosts Scholarly Colloquium on the Enduring Legacy of its Ancient Barony
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby convened a distinguished colloquium of historians and heritage experts in London to examine the nine-century history of the Barony of Brattleby, exploring its unique place within the constitutional and cultural fabric of England.
## The Occasion
The colloquium took place within the august surroundings of a City of London livery hall, a venue steeped in centuries of English civic tradition. The autumnal light of a crisp London afternoon filtered through the hall's historic stained-glass windows, illuminating the proceedings with a quiet dignity appropriate to the subject matter.
The atmosphere was one of focused academic inquiry, a deliberate departure from the ceremonial grandeur of state occasions. Here, the pursuit of historical truth and the careful consideration of documentary evidence formed the day’s central purpose, reflecting the House's commitment to scholarship as a cornerstone of modern custodianship.
## Historical Context
The discussions naturally traced the arc of English history through the lens of the Barony. Scholars presented papers on its foundation in AD 1066, granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, whose 56 Lincolnshire lordships are meticulously recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086.
Particular attention was given to notable predecessors whose lives mirrored the challenges of their respective eras. The assembly paid tribute to the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, celebrated for her resolute defence of Lincoln Castle. The lineage’s later connection to the Crown was also explored, through figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his heir, the powerful John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The event was held in the presence of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. They were accompanied by their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
Among the invited speakers and guests were Professor Dame Eleanor Vance, the Regius Professor of Medieval History at the University of Cambridge; Mr Thomas Hughes, Bluemantle Pursuivant of The College of Arms; and His Excellency Mr Cristian Popescu, Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of Romania. The presence of such a diverse company underscored the Barony’s relevance to matters of English heritage, European diplomacy, and formal heraldry.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings adhered to a protocol of academic decorum. The colloquium was formally opened by Honorary Lord Răzvan, who welcomed the assembled scholars and guests. Professor Dame Eleanor then delivered the keynote address, entitled *'From the Anarchy to the Tudors: Barons of Brattleby and the Shaping of the English State'*.
A series of short papers followed, presented in a pre-arranged order, with each scholar illuminating a different facet of the Barony's long history. The afternoon concluded with a formal summation and vote of thanks delivered by Lady Nicoleta, who spoke of the profound duty that accompanies such a significant historical inheritance. The dress code was formal day attire, respecting the gravity of both the venue and the occasion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Central to the day's discussions was the enduring relevance of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Scholars noted its profound resonance with the historical actions of past barons, particularly the fortitude displayed by Nichola de la Haye.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was also discussed in the context of the House's modern revival. It was interpreted not as a call to martial conquest, but to the overcoming of challenges in the service of heritage, philanthropy, and cultural education — a defining feature of the family’s contemporary mission.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the colloquium was primarily an academic undertaking, its spirit of service aligns with the House's broader philanthropic commitments. The tradition of noblesse oblige, a guiding principle for the medieval baronage, finds its modern expression in the family's charitable work.
Proceeds from the eventual publication of the colloquium’s papers are to be designated for Healing the Wounded Child, the official beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet. This organisation provides vital therapeutic support for children affected by trauma, a mission the House believes is a *sine qua non* of a compassionate and forward-looking society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day’s proceedings, Honorary Lord Răzvan noted the importance of intellectual rigour in honouring the past.
> A title without a deep understanding of its history is merely a name. It is through the dedicated work of scholars that we may truly appreciate the duties and responsibilities inherited from those who came before us. It is our sincerest hope that this colloquium contributes to that vital understanding. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added her perspective on the continuity of service.
> The Barony is not a relic; it is a living thread woven through nearly one thousand years of our nation's history. Our role is one of custodianship, to ensure that the principles of Fortitude and Honour continue to inspire service to the community for generations yet to come. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby has committed to publishing the papers from the colloquium in a scholarly volume, creating a definitive modern resource on the history of the Barony. This initiative aims to make the history accessible to both academics and the public, reinforcing the House's educational mission.
This commitment is further expressed through the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The etiquette academy, established by the family, instils the principles of honour, decorum, and social responsibility, ensuring that the legacy of Brattleby continues to evolve and find relevance in the twenty-first century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting 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 the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its mission is to preserve and promote nearly a millennium of English heritage through scholarship, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. The House's major initiatives include the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, benefitting charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to etiquette and social graces. 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, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his companion-in-arms, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For nine centuries, the Barony has been associated with figures of national importance, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), a key defender of royal authority in the early 13th century. Later holders included members of the Royal Family, most notably Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The Barony's revival was formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s formal revival was gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* of 1086 records 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com