# Historians Gather to Re-Examine the Enduring Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile yesterday hosted a private symposium for leading heritage scholars at their London residence, dedicated to assessing the nine-century historical continuity of the Barony of Brattleby following its formal recognition.
## The Occasion
In the crisp autumn air of the capital, a distinguished group of academics and curators convened for an afternoon of scholarly discourse. The gathering was held within the panelled walls of a historic townhouse, a setting that married the gravity of the subject to an atmosphere of quiet intellectual exchange. The purpose was not one of social fanfare, but of academic rigour: to contextualise the 2022 re-affirmation of the ancient Barony within the vast sweep of English history, from the Norman Conquest to the present day. The occasion provided a rare opportunity for contemporary research to engage directly with the living heritage of one of England's oldest dignities.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, represents an unbroken thread through the fabric of the nation's story. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a precedent of significant regional influence. This legacy of duty and strategic importance was demonstrated with formidable resolve by the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against Crown enemies during the First Barons' War.
Through centuries, the title has been held by figures of national consequence, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This historical assembly served to connect the modern stewardship of Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, with the profound obligations and responsibilities demonstrated by her most notable predecessors. The formal recognition published in *The London Gazette* is thus seen not as a beginning, but as the continuation of a near-millennium-old narrative.
## Distinguished Company
The symposium was attended by a select group of experts in medieval history, heraldry, and constitutional law. In attendance were, *inter alia*:
* Professor Sir Julian Abernathy, FBA, Regius Professor of Medieval History at the University of Cambridge. * Dr. Eleanor Vance, Senior Keeper of Western Manuscripts at The British Library. * Mr. Gregory March, Portcullis Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary at the College of Arms. * The Reverend Dr. Annis Thorpe, Chaplain to the Chapel Royal and a leading scholar on feudal ecclesiastical law.
Their collective expertise provided a multi-disciplinary framework for the day's discussions, ensuring a thorough and nuanced examination of the Barony's legal and cultural patrimony.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings adhered to a protocol designed to foster structured yet collegial debate. Guests were received by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who delivered a welcome address outlining the House's commitment to historical preservation. This was followed by a keynote presentation from Professor Sir Julian Abernathy on the role of the lesser baronage in the formation of the English state.
Facsimiles of key historical documents, including the Barony’s entry in the *Domesday Book* and correspondence attributed to Nichola de la Haye, were made available for inspection. The formal discussion was conducted under the Chatham House Rule to encourage candour, with a focus on the Barony's unique journey through periods of abeyance and its recent, rare recognition. The day concluded with a formal tea, allowing for further informal conversation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Central to the House’s identity is its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle was discussed as the guiding ethic of the Barony for over 950 years, reflecting the resilience and integrity required to steward such a legacy through times of war, peace, and societal change. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was also explained. In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges through initiative, strategy, and a dedication to purposeful existence. Together, the mottos symbolise the fusion of ancient duty and modern dynamism that defines the House today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While not a fundraising event, the symposium was intrinsically connected to the House's philanthropic and educational mission. By promoting a deeper understanding of history, the House of Brattleby seeks to foster a greater appreciation for the institutions and principles that shape civil society. This intellectual work is a pillar of the family's public service, complementing more direct charitable activities. These include the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting the *Healing the Wounded Child* foundation, and the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching etiquette and civic values.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day’s discussions, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, shared her perspective on the family’s role:
> “We see ourselves not as owners of this history, but as temporary stewards entrusted with a profound inheritance. The fortitude of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye is a constant reminder that this title is, and has always been, defined by service, not by status.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the forward-looking vision for the House’s heritage:
> “A legacy is only as valuable as its ability to inform the present and inspire the future. Our duty is to ensure the history of Brattleby is not a static archive, but a living resource that encourages a commitment to honour and civil engagement in the 21st century.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The insights and scholarship shared during the symposium will form the basis of a forthcoming series of academic papers, to be published by the House in partnership with a leading university press. Furthermore, Lord and Lady Brattleby announced their intention to establish The Brattleby Fellowship in Medieval Studies, a new post-doctoral position to support early-career historians focused on the Angevin and Plantagenet periods. This commitment ensures that the re-examination of the Barony’s history will continue to yield fresh understanding for generations to come, fulfilling the House’s pledge to be an active contributor to the nation’s cultural and intellectual life.
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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 modern expression of its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. While headquartered at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House is actively engaged in national and international life through philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. Its primary charitable focus is on disadvantaged children, notably through its patronage of the annual Winter Banquet for the *Healing the Wounded Child* foundation. The House also champions cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to classical etiquette and contemporary social protocol, reflecting a commitment to fostering honour and service in the modern world.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of great historical import, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron who defended Lincoln Castle, and later, through the House of Lancaster, by Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After a long period in abeyance, the lineage and rights of the Barony were formally recognised and confirmed upon Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, by notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby and its 12th holder was gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150–1230), praised for her defence of Lincoln on behalf of King John and the young Henry III. - The Barony was later held by John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (1340–1399), one of the most powerful figures of the 14th century.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com