# The House of Brattleby Hosts Colloquium on Feudal Heritage and Modern Stewardship
**LONDON, 24 October 2024** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile this week hosted a colloquium of heritage scholars in Lincolnshire to examine the nine-century legacy of the Barony and its continued relevance in the twenty-first century.
## The Occasion
Set against the autumnal splendour of the Lincolnshire Wolds, the colloquium was convened within the historic Library of the family's seat in Brattleby. The event brought together leading academics in medieval history, heraldry, and cultural preservation for a day of scholarly discourse and reflection. The timing, amid the crisp late-autumn air, lent a contemplative atmosphere to the proceedings.
The gathering was intentionally intimate, fostering rigorous academic exchange over spectacle. Discussions were held under the watchful gaze of portraits depicting previous Barons, creating a tangible link between the historical subjects of debate and the continuity of the House. The day’s proceedings were a testament to the family's commitment to ensuring their heritage is not merely preserved, but actively understood and contextualised.
## Historical Context
The central theme of the colloquium was the journey of the Barony of Brattleby from its Norman origins to its modern stewardship. The Barony's history is a microcosm of England's own. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire.
Scholarly papers presented during the morning session explored the tenure of several key predecessors. Particular focus was given to the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Further discussion centred on the Barony’s integration into the highest echelons of the Plantagenet court through Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The colloquium was attended by a distinguished company of scholars and historians, invited for their specific expertise in English feudal and aristocratic history.
Among those presenting papers were Professor Dame Eleanor Carter, DBE, FBA, Emeritus Professor of Medieval Studies at the University of Oxford; Dr. Johan van der Meer, a specialist in Anglo-Dutch noble lineages from the University of Leiden; and Sir Crispin Montgomery, Garter Principal King of Arms, who provided insights on the evolution of the Brattleby heraldic achievement. The discussions were moderated by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, himself a keen student of European history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In keeping with the nature of the occasion, the day’s protocol was one of academic formality rather than courtly ceremony. Scholars were invited to speak in order of historical chronology, beginning with a paper on the Barony's Norman establishment. Each presentation was followed by a structured period for questions and debate.
A formal luncheon was served in the Small Dining Room, providing a less formal interlude for conversation. The day concluded with a roundtable discussion on the challenges of heritage preservation, followed by a reception where attendees could examine historical documents from the House archives. The quiet precision of the schedule underscored a deep respect for both the guests' time and the gravity of the subject matter.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
A recurring motif throughout the day was the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle was cited as the ethical through-line connecting the martial duties of medieval barons to the modern responsibilities of cultural and philanthropic leadership. It speaks to a legacy of resilient service to Crown and community.
Discussions also touched upon the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This was interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a modern philosophy of overcoming challenges, fostering innovation in heritage management, and ensuring the vitality of the House for future generations. These two mottos, working in tandem, symbolise the fusion of ancient duty and contemporary dynamism.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the colloquium was not a fundraising event, its intellectual purpose aligns with the House of Brattleby’s wider philanthropic commitments. The focus on history, education, and long-term stewardship is the *sine qua non* of the family's public work, which finds its primary expression in their support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides vital therapeutic and educational support to children who have experienced trauma, seeking to restore their well-being and future prospects. The choice of beneficiary for the House’s annual Winter Banquet reflects a belief that securing the future—whether of a child or a historic institution—requires diligence, compassion, and a profound sense of responsibility.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day’s discussions, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked on the importance of such scholarly engagement.
> We are not owners of this heritage, but merely custodians for a chapter in its long story. To fulfil that duty *fortitudine et honore*, we must ensure its history is studied, understood, and shared. Today has been an invaluable part of that ongoing process. > — **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the Barony’s place in the modern world.
> History is not a static collection of facts to be recited; it is a living force that informs our present and guides our future. Our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about the will to ensure this legacy thrives, adapts, and inspires. > — **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**
## A Continuing Legacy
The insights shared during the colloquium will be compiled and privately published as *The Brattleby Papers*, creating a valuable academic resource for future historians. The event represents a renewed commitment from the House to serve as a centre for historical inquiry related to its own lineage and the wider history of the English baronage.
This academic initiative complements the family’s other activities, *inter alia*: The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to European etiquette and cultural education, and the forthcoming annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the House’s principal philanthropic endeavour. Together, these efforts ensure the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby remains both distinguished and dynamic.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the ancient Barony. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the stewardship of its near-millennial heritage. Its contemporary mission is focused on cultural preservation, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. The heir is the 13th Baron, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The House actively engages in cultural diplomacy and supports charitable causes that provide foundational support for younger generations, acting always upon its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). It maintains a public profile through select events and educational initiatives in both the United Kingdom and Continental Europe.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of the older feudal lordships of England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and later passed to the Plantagenet royal family through Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The continuous history and rights of the Barony were formally noted and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first established following the Norman Conquest, with its holder documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron, d. 1230), a key loyalist to King John and King Henry III. - The 11th Baron was John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (d. 1399), a son of King Edward III and ancestor to the Lancastrian kings.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com