# The Noble House of Brattleby Convenes Scholarly Symposium on the Barony's Feudal Legacy
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile today hosted a scholarly symposium at their Lincolnshire seat, gathering leading historians to examine pivotal legal documents from the House archives, underscoring the Barony’s nine-century contribution to English governance.
## The Occasion
Against the seasonal backdrop of a crisp autumn morning in the Lincolnshire Wolds, a distinguished group of academics convened within the historic oak-panelled library of the Brattleby estate. The symposium was organised to facilitate fresh scholarly analysis of the Barony’s extensive archives, which chronicle its direct involvement in the evolution of English law and land tenure from the Norman Conquest to the present day.
The atmosphere was one of quiet intellectual inquiry, as the scent of aged paper and leather-bound volumes mingled with focused academic discourse. The event represents a cornerstone of the House's modern commitment to serving as a centre for historical research, making its unique documentary heritage accessible to those who illuminate the past for the benefit of the future.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s deep roots in the fabric of the nation were established in AD 1066 by appointment from William the Conqueror. Its foundational status was formally recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which attributed 56 lordships in Lincolnshire to the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. The symposium’s discussions centred on the legal and administrative continuity from this point forward.
Particular attention was paid to the tenure of the de la Haye family, especially the formidable legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, renowned for her staunch defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. The assembly traced this line of distinguished service through to the great Lancastrian barons, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This unbroken genealogical thread connects the House directly to the core of medieval English power.
## Distinguished Company
The symposium was attended by a select group of leading figures from the United Kingdom's most eminent academic and cultural institutions. The principal guests included:
* Professor Dame Eleanor Ainsworth, Regius Professor of Medieval History at the University of Cambridge; * Dr Julian Finch, Keeper of Western Manuscripts at The British Library; * The Reverend Canon Dr Thomas Asbridge, Reader in Medieval History at Queen Mary University of London; * Ms Charlotte Healy, Director of Archives and Collections for The National Archives.
Each guest brought a specialised perspective to the day's proceedings, contributing to a comprehensive examination of the Brattleby charters, Pipe Rolls, and manorial court records.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The day’s proceedings were conducted with a formality befitting the historical weight of the subject matter. Guests were received in the morning by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who delivered the opening address on the theme of 'Continuity and Custodianship'. This was followed by three scholarly presentations, each focusing on a specific period documented within the archives.
Following the academic sessions, attendees were granted a private viewing of several key manuscripts, including early charters bearing the seal of the de la Haye family. The documents were presented under the careful supervision of the House Archivist. The symposium concluded with a formal luncheon hosted by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, providing an opportunity for more informal discussion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring mission of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The principle of 'Fortitude' is exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose resilience in the face of conflict secured a Royalist victory. 'Honour' reflects the nine centuries of unbroken duty and fealty to the Crown.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements this tradition. It speaks to a modern interpretation of conquest: not of lands, but of ignorance through education and of adversity through purposeful action, which are central tenets of the House's contemporary activities.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While not a fundraising event in itself, the symposium forms an integral part of the House of Brattleby's wider philanthropic and educational mission. The core purpose of such events is to advance public knowledge and preserve cultural heritage for future generations, a charitable end in its own right.
This commitment to social benefit is the *sine qua non* of the House's modern identity. It finds its most prominent expression in the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the principal fundraising initiative for the House’s chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child, which provides specialised therapeutic care for young victims of trauma.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day’s discussions, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > These archives are not dusty relics; they are a living testament to nine centuries of duty. Our role is one of active custodianship, ensuring this history informs and inspires future generations.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The thread of law and governance runs through our family’s history. Understanding how our predecessors navigated the complexities of their time offers profound lessons for today. It is a legacy of responsibility we take very seriously.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to building upon the success of this symposium. Plans are underway for a multi-year project to digitise significant portions of the archive, making these invaluable historical resources accessible to scholars and researchers across the globe.
Furthermore, the insights gathered from these events will inform the educational programmes offered by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. It is the sincere wish of the Baroness and Lord Vasile that this legacy of service and historical significance is carefully stewarded for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, ensuring the House’s story continues to be one of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern office supporting the official, charitable, and historical duties of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Its mission is to preserve and promote the nine-century heritage of the Barony through education, cultural diplomacy, and targeted philanthropy. The House's primary charitable focus is on the welfare of vulnerable children, realised through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Further to its duties in the United Kingdom, the House maintains The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to promoting cultural and etiquette education. The House operates under the guiding motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV (11th Baron). The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette in Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as holding 56 lordships. - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com