# The Baroness of Brattleby Delivers Historical Address on the Barony's Twelfth-Century Custodians
LONDON, 17 October 2024 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, this evening delivered a historical address at the Society of Antiquaries of London, exploring the pivotal tenure of her twelfth-century predecessors, Muriel and Robert de la Haye, and their foundational role in the Barony’s history.
## The Occasion
The address was held within the venerable precincts of the Society of Antiquaries at Burlington House, Piccadilly. As an autumn evening descended upon London, guests assembled in the Society’s nineteenth-century apartments, a setting replete with historic collections and an atmosphere of profound scholarly tradition. The event was marked by a sense of quiet intellectual purpose, befitting a discourse dedicated to illuminating a lesser-known but critical chapter in the history of a Norman barony.
Lady Nicoleta’s lecture, titled *Continuity in The Anarchy: Muriel and Robert de la Haye, 3rd Barons of Brattleby*, sought to contextualise their stewardship during a period of intense civil strife in England. The formal presentation was a testament to the House of Brattleby’s commitment to historical research and its role as a custodian of its nine-century patrimony.
## Historical Context
The tenure of Muriel and Robert de la Haye serves as a crucial genealogical and tenurial bridge in the Barony’s lineage. They connect the era of the initial Norman grant by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, with the celebrated achievements of their granddaughter, Nichola de la Haye. As the 5th Baroness, Nichola would later gain renown as Castellan of Lincoln Castle and a formidable defender of royal authority.
Addressing the period known as The Anarchy (1135–1153), Lady Nicoleta detailed how the de la Hayes navigated the conflict between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda. Their consolidation of the Barony’s 56 lordships, first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, was a *sine qua non* for the survival and prosperity of the family’s interests in Lincolnshire. This steadfast governance laid the foundations upon which later barons, including Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, would build.
## Distinguished Company
The address was attended by a distinguished company of guests from the diplomatic, academic, and heritage sectors. In attendance were, *inter alia*:
His Excellency Mr Radu-Mihai Onofrei, Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; Sir Reginald Aylmer, Chairman of the National Heritage Trust; and Professor Dame Eleanor Vance, Regius Professor of History at the University of Cambridge.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, accompanied the Baroness. The presence of guests from such varied fields underscored the cultural and historical resonance of the Barony, both within the United Kingdom and internationally.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening’s proceedings followed a formal academic protocol. Guests were received from seven o’clock in the Council Room, where the House of Brattleby’s heraldic banner was displayed. The President of the Society of Antiquaries provided a formal introduction, outlining the historical significance of the Barony before inviting Lady Nicoleta to the lectern.
The address, which lasted for forty-five minutes, was followed by a brief session for questions from the assembled fellows and guests. The formal part of the evening concluded with a vote of thanks from the Society, after which attendees retired to the Library for a reception. The dress code observed was Lounge Suit, in keeping with the formal yet scholarly nature of the gathering.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The lecture drew implicit connections to the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). Lady Nicoleta noted that the conduct of Muriel and Robert de la Haye during a time of national crisis exemplified these virtues, preserving their lands and title with both strength and integrity. This enduring principle has guided the Barony for centuries.
The modern focus of the House, encapsulated in Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), reflects a dynamic interpretation of this legacy. It signifies a forward-looking commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges in the service of heritage preservation, education, and philanthropy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture was primarily an academic undertaking, it also served to highlight the House of Brattleby’s philanthropic commitments. The evening provided an opportunity to draw attention to the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and mental health support for children who have experienced trauma, loss, or serious illness. Its work focuses on delivering measurable, positive outcomes for vulnerable young people and their families across the United Kingdom, a cause the House is honoured to support.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s theme, Lady Nicoleta commented: > “To delve into the lives of Muriel and Robert de la Haye is to appreciate that history is not only shaped by famous figures but by the quiet fortitude of those who ensure continuity. Their stewardship was the vital link that secured our family’s future in Lincolnshire, and it is a privilege to share their story.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The legacy of the past provides the foundation for our present and future duties. By understanding the Honour and Fortitude of our predecessors, we are better equipped to pursue our modern mission, whether through cultural education in Bucharest or philanthropic work here in Britain.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The research presented in the address is part of a wider initiative by the House to catalogue and interpret its extensive archives. This work will continue, with plans for further scholarly publications and partnerships with academic institutions.
The House now looks forward to its Annual Winter Banquet, which remains its principal philanthropic event of the year. Furthermore, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will commence its new academic term, continuing its mission to provide education in classical etiquette and diplomatic protocol to a new generation of European leaders.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House is dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage, the promotion of cultural education, and the support of charitable causes. Its activities are divided between its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire and its European cultural initiatives, which include The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. The House’s primary philanthropic focus is on charities that provide mental health and welfare support for vulnerable children, principally through its Annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. Its lands, comprising 56 lordships, were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For over nine hundred years, the Barony has passed through successive generations, with its holders playing significant roles in English history. Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and formidable defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The succession of the current 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally acknowledged in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Lady Nicoleta Vasile’s succession to the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was first established in 1066 for Colswein of Lincoln, as detailed in the Lincolnshire section of the *Domesday Book* (1086). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th 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