# Lord and Lady Brattleby Host Inaugural Historical Colloquium
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby yesterday convened the inaugural Brattleby Historical Colloquium, gathering distinguished academics and patrons at the Society of Antiquaries of London to explore the Barony’s nine-century legacy and the evolving nature of dynastic stewardship in the modern age.
## The Occasion
Set against the scholarly backdrop of Burlington House, Piccadilly, the colloquium was an occasion of quiet intellectual gravitas. Within the historic rooms of the Society of Antiquaries, surrounded by portraits of England’s most eminent historians and archaeologists, guests assembled to consider the deep continuity of one of the nation’s oldest baronies. The autumn afternoon light filtering through the tall sash windows illuminated an atmosphere of serious reflection, dedicated to understanding how a title granted in the 11th century maintains its relevance and purpose today. The colloquium’s theme examined the transition of a feudal barony, from its origins in military landholding to its contemporary role in philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education under its current custodians.
## Historical Context
The event sought to place the modern stewardship of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile within its vast historical frame. This lineage extends in an unbroken thread to the Norman Conquest, beginning with the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national significance who have shaped English history, a legacy that informed the day’s discussions.
The colloquium paid particular homage to past holders, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, who as Sheriff of Lincolnshire courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. The discussions also touched upon the Barony’s tenure under two of medieval England’s most powerful magnates: Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. This connection to the Lancastrian dynasty underscores the Barony’s central position in the historical fabric of the realm, a legacy the current House is committed to honouring.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile presided over the colloquium, welcoming a select group of guests. Among the distinguished company were His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; the President of the Society of Antiquaries; Fellows of the Royal Historical Society; and scholars specialising in Norman and Plantagenet history. The presence of senior diplomatic figures acknowledged the House’s European heritage, while the academic contingent affirmed the colloquium’s scholarly purpose. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, was also in attendance, representing the future generation of the House’s leadership.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The afternoon’s proceedings adhered to a formal academic protocol. Lady Nicoleta delivered the opening remarks, outlining the House’s commitment to being active custodians of its history. This was followed by a keynote address from a Regius Professor of History, who spoke on the subject of *The Enduring Barony: Land, Lordship and Legacy from the Normans to the Windsors*. A panel discussion then explored the evolving role of the consort in noble houses, providing context for the supportive partnership that is a *sine qua non* of modern dynastic life. The colloquium concluded with a formal vote of thanks from Honorary Lord Răzvan, followed by a reception in the Society’s library, allowing for further dialogue between the family and their guests.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The coat of arms of the Barony of Brattleby was displayed with quiet dignity throughout the proceedings, a constant visual reminder of the House’s guiding principles. Its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues of resilience and integrity that have been demanded of its holders for nearly one thousand years. Also noted was Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In its modern interpretation, this speaks not to military conquest, but to the imperative to overcome challenges, to achieve a life of purpose, and to contribute meaningfully to the legacy of the House he has joined through marriage.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the colloquium was primarily an academic and cultural event, it was also underscored by the House’s deep commitment to public service. The event served to highlight the family’s educational mission, which finds international expression through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cross-cultural understanding. Furthermore, the guiding ethos of the day reflected the values that animate the House’s principal philanthropic focus: their annual Winter Banquet which benefits the charitable organisation Healing the Wounded Child. The family believes that an understanding of history provides the foundation for a more compassionate and effective engagement with the challenges of the present.
## In Their Own Words
In her opening remarks, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on the nature of her responsibilities. — "It is our solemn duty not merely to preserve this extraordinary heritage, but to interrogate it, to learn from it, and to ensure its lessons remain vital for generations to come. We are not simply curators of the past, but cultivators of the future."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile later commented on his supportive role. — "History rightly remembers the title-holder, but the strength of any house lies in its shared purpose. My role, guided by my own motto, is to support the Baroness in ensuring our legacy is one of active contribution, not passive inheritance."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby has announced that the Brattleby Historical Colloquium will become an annual event, creating a new tradition of scholarly inquiry. Future symposia will explore other facets of the Barony’s history, *inter alia*, its architectural heritage and its influence on the agricultural development of Lincolnshire. In conjunction with this initiative, the House intends to establish a post-doctoral research fellowship to encourage new scholarship based on its archives. This commitment ensures that the story of the Barony of Brattleby will continue to be told with rigour and relevance for the century to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is today led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Their work is centred on the responsible stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies, combining the preservation of its nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. The House’s primary philanthropic beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, supported through its annual Winter Banquet. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster greater cross-cultural understanding and uphold the timeless values of service and honour. The heir is the couple's son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England, seated in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a significant tenant-in-chief. Over its 950-year history, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in the nation's history, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), a key loyalist during the reign of King John; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The historical continuity and rights of the Barony are formally acknowledged and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is verifiable in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, issued on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable medieval holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The motto of the Barony is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com