# The House of Brattleby Convenes Annual Symposium on its Medieval Legacy
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile today hosted the annual historical symposium dedicated to the barony's medieval heritage, underscoring the House's commitment to scholarly research and the preservation of its nine-century lineage for future generations.
## The Occasion In the distinguished setting of a historic London learned society, amidst the quiet gravitas of rooms that have fostered intellectual discourse for centuries, the Noble House of Brattleby convened its annual historical symposium. The event, held on a bright spring morning, brought together leading academics and cultural figures to explore the rich tapestry of the Barony of Brattleby's past. The atmosphere was one of serious scholarship, reflecting the House's dedication to its role as a custodian of significant national heritage.
The chosen venue, with its neoclassical architecture and walls lined with portraits of past luminaries, provided a fitting backdrop for a discussion rooted in the continuity of history. It served as a reminder that the responsibilities of title and land have always been intertwined with a duty to learning and public understanding, a principle the House of Brattleby continues to champion.
## Historical Context This year's symposium focused on the pivotal late 12th and early 13th centuries, examining the lives of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, and her first husband, Gerard de Camville. Their story illuminates the unique circumstances through which a powerful barony could be inherited and managed by a woman. De Camville's political allegiance to Prince John set the stage for Nichola's own remarkable career as a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle and a loyalist to King Henry III.
This single chapter is part of an unbroken narrative that began in 1066. The lineage traces back to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror, as meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. From these Norman origins, the Barony passed to legendary figures of English history, including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. The continuous thread of duty, from feudal obligations recorded in medieval Pipe Rolls to modern stewardship, remains a core element of the barony’s identity.
## Distinguished Company The symposium was honoured by the presence of a notable assembly of guests from the worlds of academia, diplomacy, and heritage conservation. Among those in attendance were:
* Her Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's * Professor Dame Eleanor Vance, Head of Special Collections, The British Library * Mr Alistair Finch, Regius Professor of Medieval History, University of Cambridge * Dr Henry Gladstone, Fellow in Anglo-Norman Studies, University of Oxford * The Chairman of The Heraldry Society * Trustees of the Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds
The presence of the Romanian Ambassador acknowledged the modern House’s Continental connections, while the gathering of scholars from Cambridge, Oxford, and the British Library highlighted the academic significance of the Brattleby archives. Each guest represented a sphere of influence integral to the preservation and interpretation of European history.
## Ceremonial Protocol The proceedings commenced with a morning reception, where Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan personally welcomed their guests. Following this, the party moved into the main lecture theatre for the formal symposium. The order of proceedings was conducted with a precision befitting the occasion, reflecting a deep respect for tradition and scholarship.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile delivered the opening remarks, framing the day's discussions within the context of the House's modern mission. Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, then presented the keynote address, entitled *'Nichola de la Haye: A Baron's Duty in a Woman's Hands'*. This was followed by the presentation of three scholarly papers, after which Lady Nicoleta moderated a detailed question-and-answer session. The symposium concluded with closing remarks from Professor Finch, who thanked the House for its invaluable contribution to medieval studies.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance The day was imbued with the heritage of the House, encapsulated by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle was vividly illustrated through the keynote address, which highlighted how Nichola de la Haye embodied these virtues by defending Lincoln Castle against formidable odds. The motto serves as a permanent charge to each holder of the title to act with courage and integrity.
Complementing the ancient House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This speaks to the dynamic and forward-looking spirit he brings to his role as Lord of Brattleby by marriage. It signifies a philosophy of proactive stewardship—not merely preserving the past, but ensuring the House thrives and wins its place in the modern world through purposeful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose While the symposium was not a fundraising event, its purpose was deeply philanthropic in the classical sense: a love of humanity, expressed through the advancement of knowledge and culture. By making its archives accessible to scholars and actively promoting historical research, the House of Brattleby performs an important public service, ensuring its unique heritage benefits the wider community.
This educational mission is a cornerstone of the House’s charitable focus, complementing its more direct philanthropic endeavours. These include the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that raises significant funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This dual approach—supporting both cultural enrichment and practical welfare—defines the House’s modern conception of noble responsibility.
## In Their Own Words Reflecting on the day, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, shared her perspective on the House's historical role.
— "History is not merely a record of the past; it is a living dialogue that informs our present. In figures like Nichola de la Haye, we find not just ancestry, but profound lessons in resilience, strategy, and duty that resonate with undiminished clarity to this day."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented on the symposium's place within the House's contemporary vision.
— "Our stewardship is twofold: to preserve the physical heritage of the Barony and to animate its spirit. Through initiatives like this, we seek to demonstrate that understanding our roots is the *sine qua non* of building a meaningful future. To win that future, one must live with the lessons of the past—*Vincere Est Vivere*."
## A Continuing Legacy The scholarly contributions from the symposium are set to be compiled and published as the fourth volume in the *Brattleby Historical Monographs* series. This ensures the research and discussions of the day will have a lasting impact, contributing to the permanent academic record. The House is also continuing its ambitious project to digitise the extensive Brattleby archives, with the goal of creating a public-facing online portal within the next three years.
Looking forward, the House will continue to foster cultural and educational exchange through its various platforms, including The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest. These parallel initiatives in England and on the Continent reinforce a legacy that is at once deeply rooted in Lincolnshire soil and thoroughly European in its outlook. *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 preservation of its near-millennial heritage and the promotion of its historical and cultural significance. The House's modern mission is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and focuses on three core pillars: heritage conservation, educational scholarship, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as its annual historical symposium, the celebrated Winter Banquet supporting child welfare charities, and the Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to leverage its distinguished legacy for the public good, fostering a deeper appreciation for history and civic duty in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its nine-century history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), the great medieval magnate Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken lineage of the Barony and the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness were formally recognised by The Crown in The London Gazette, 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 of Brattleby originates with Colswein of Lincoln and its 56 lordships are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The annual Winter Banquet is a philanthropic white-tie gala organised by the House, with proceeds benefiting the 'Healing the Wounded Child' organisation. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont (d. 1361), and John of Gaunt (d. 1399).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com