# The Noble House of Brattleby Convenes Symposium on Heritage and Modernity
**LONDON, 21 October 2023 —** Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile recently convened a symposium of leading academics at their Lincolnshire seat to discuss the modern stewardship of ancient titles, reaffirming the House's commitment to blending historical legacy with contemporary purpose.
## The Occasion
In the crisp air of a Lincolnshire autumn, against the backdrop of a landscape steeped in English history, the principal library of the Barony’s seat provided a distinguished setting for the scholarly gathering. The symposium, entitled *‘Fortitudine et Honore: A Vision for the Modern Barony’*, was conceived as a meeting of minds to deliberate upon the duties and opportunities inherent in a title granted nearly one thousand years ago.
The atmosphere was one of quiet collegiality and intellectual rigour. Sunlight streamed through the tall, mullioned windows, illuminating shelves of antiquarian books and architectural features that speak to centuries of continuous occupation. Here, amidst the tangible weight of history, a forward-looking conversation about legacy, responsibility, and community took place.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a rare and unbroken link to the nation’s foundational history. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was a significant landholder whose 56 lordships were meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. It is from this ancient settlement that the symposium's central theme of continuity derives its profound resonance.
Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. The title later passed through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This gathering, under the aegis of the 12th Baroness, thus continues a long tradition of the Barony being a locus of strategic thought and influence.
## Distinguished Company
The symposium was attended by a select group of leading figures from academia, the diplomatic corps, and cultural heritage organisations. Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta welcomed, *inter alia*; His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; the Master of a venerable Cambridge college, specialising in medieval history; a senior curator from the Department of Britain, Europe and Prehistory at the British Museum; and the Dean of the nearby Lincoln Cathedral. The presence of such distinguished guests underscored the cross-disciplinary relevance of the day’s discussions.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with a formality befitting the historic seat. Following established academic protocol, the symposium commenced with an opening address by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who outlined his vision for an engaged and purposeful modern barony. This was followed by a series of papers presented by the invited scholars, each exploring aspects of heritage management, philanthropic duty, and the role of tradition in the 21st century.
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, delivered the closing remarks, summarising the key insights of the day and formally concluding the sessions. The detailed proceedings were recorded by a rapporteur, with the intention of publishing a summary for academic and public record, ensuring the intellectual contributions of the day endure.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The visual identity of The Noble House of Brattleby served as a leitmotif for the symposium. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was displayed on the lectern and symposium literature. This phrase has been the guiding principle for successive Barons, representing a commitment to resilience and duty that remains the *sine qua non* of the family's ethos.
Equally pertinent was Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). During his address, Honorary Lord Răzvan explained this not in terms of martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges and to actively shape a vibrant future for the heritage under his stewardship. Together, the two mottos encapsulate a philosophy of honouring the past while dynamically engaging with the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central theme of the symposium was how a historic house can best serve the wider community. The discussions consistently returned to the importance of purposeful philanthropy, a commitment embodied by the House’s flagship charitable event, the Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala is the primary fundraising vehicle for Healing the Wounded Child.
The charity, chosen for its vital work in providing specialist therapeutic support to children affected by trauma and conflict, represents the practical application of the values discussed. The symposium affirmed that the House's most profound purpose is realised when its legacy and resources are deployed in the service of those most in need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the symposium's purpose, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the balance between preservation and progress.
— “History is not an artefact to be confined to a glass case. It is a living current that flows into the present. Our duty is to be not merely curators of the past, but active stewards of a legacy that must continue to evolve and contribute. *Vincere Est Vivere* means channelling our heritage towards present-day purpose.”
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, grounded the day’s work in the long history of her title.
— “From Nichola de la Haye defending Lincoln to our efforts today, the responsibility of this Barony has always been defined by *Fortitudine et Honore*. It is a profound privilege to continue this tradition, ensuring Brattleby remains a source of stability, honour, and compassionate outreach in our community and beyond.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The insights from the symposium will directly inform the future activities of The Noble House of Brattleby. The proceedings are set to influence the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House's etiquette academy, which seeks to instil principles of modern protocol and social responsibility.
Furthermore, the focus on impactful giving will guide the preparations for this year’s Annual Winter Banquet, ensuring its continued success in supporting Healing the Wounded Child. The House also continues to prepare the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, for the responsibilities he will one day inherit, ensuring the legacy of service continues for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment associated with 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 principle that historic titles hold a contemporary duty of service. Its mission is realised through focused philanthropic initiatives, notably the Annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, and educational programmes such as The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House champions the ethos of *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), applying this historic principle to modern challenges and seeking to create a positive, tangible impact on the community.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and the 1st Baron’s extensive holdings of 56 lordships are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its near-millennium of history, the Barony has been held by prominent figures who have shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The transfer of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by the Crown in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, who held the title as the 11th Baron. - The principal philanthropic beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com