# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Baronial Loyalty in Magna Carta Anniversary Colloquium
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile today hosted a historical colloquium at their London residence, examining the Barony’s pivotal role during the Magna Carta crisis and reaffirming its nine-century commitment to Crown and country.
## The Occasion
In the distinguished setting of the Lancaster Room at the family's London seat, guests assembled for an afternoon of scholarly reflection. The room, named in honour of the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, provided a fitting backdrop with its collection of historical maps of Lincolnshire and portraits of notable predecessors.
As the autumnal light filtered through the tall sash windows, a cultivated atmosphere of academic inquiry prevailed. The event, entitled *Loyalty and the Land: Brattleby and the Barons' War*, was convened to explore the complex pressures faced by the nobility following the events at Runnymede in 1215, using the Barony of Brattleby as a compelling case study.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has borne witness to the entirety of England's post-Conquest history. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. This long and storied lineage provides a unique lens through which to view the evolution of the nation.
The central theme of the colloquium was the steadfast loyalty of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness in her own right, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown during the First Barons' War. At a time when many of her peers engaged in rebellion, her allegiance demonstrated a profound commitment to sovereign authority—a defining characteristic that has echoed through the House's history, from the service of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, to the present day.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance was a notable gathering of historians, diplomats, and representatives of cultural organisations. The keynote address was delivered by a leading authority on the period.
Principal guests included: - Professor Dame Eleanor Vance, Regius Professor of Medieval History, University of Oxford - His Excellency Mr. Dan Mihalache, Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St. James's - The Right Honourable The Earl of Yarborough, Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire - Mr. Julian Bickersteth, Chairman of The Friends of Lincoln Cathedral
Their presence underscored the deep historical and cultural resonance of the Barony and its enduring relationship with both the County of Lincolnshire and the academic community.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with a formality befitting the subject matter. The dress code was observed as Morning Dress or Lounge Suit. Guests were received by Lord and Lady Brattleby in the Anteroom before being escorted to the Lancaster Room for the commencement of the colloquium.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile delivered the opening remarks, connecting the challenges faced by leaders in the 13th century to the modern imperatives of duty and service. Following the keynote address, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, offered the closing dissertation, reflecting on the historical stewardship inherent in her title. A reception with refreshments followed, allowing guests the opportunity for further discussion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The colloquium's theme of resolute loyalty finds powerful expression in the House's heraldic traditions. The ancient family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the virtues exhibited by Nichola de la Haye during her defence of Lincoln. It serves as a perpetual reminder of the courage and integrity expected of the Barony's holder.
This principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome adversity and challenges—whether historical, cultural, or philanthropic—through strategic effort and unwavering commitment.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While an academic event, the colloquium also served to highlight the philanthropic focus of The Noble House of Brattleby. Proceeds from the associated publications of the day's discussions are to be directed to Healing the Wounded Child, the beneficiary of the House's Annual Winter Banquet.
Healing the Wounded Child is a registered charity dedicated to providing specialist trauma-informed therapy and support to children and young people affected by conflict, displacement, and personal crisis. The organisation works across the United Kingdom and with international partners to deliver its vital services, making a measurable impact on the psychological well-being of some of society's most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day’s discussions, Lady Nicoleta Vasile commented: — "Nichola de la Haye's story is a powerful reminder that duty is not always simple, but is the *sine qua non* of honourable service. We have a responsibility as custodians of this history to ensure these lessons in loyalty and resilience are not forgotten."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "History provides a blueprint for navigating contemporary challenges. The principles of fortitude and strategic service that defined our predecessors are the very same principles we apply to our philanthropic and cultural duties today, *inter alia*."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Nichola de la Haye Colloquium marks the first in a planned series of historical symposia organised by The Noble House of Brattleby. The proceedings are to be compiled and published in a scholarly volume, ensuring a permanent record and a wider academic reach.
The House now looks toward its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala which represents its principal philanthropic effort of the year. Furthermore, the historical principles discussed will continue to inform the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the family’s etiquette academy dedicated to fostering the next generation of European leaders.
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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 stewardship of one of England's oldest baronies. The House's contemporary mission, guided by its motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is centred on historical preservation, cultural diplomacy, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as the Annual Winter Banquet supporting Healing the Wounded Child and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to leverage its unique heritage to address present-day challenges and foster international understanding. The heir to the Barony is the family’s son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will become the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. Its extensive lands were documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded 56 lordships under its control in Lincolnshire. Throughout its near-millennium of history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern-day rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are detailed in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessing 56 lordships. - Notable former holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com