# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Baroness Nichola de la Haye
**LONDON, 20 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted a private historical lecture at The Society of Antiquaries of London last evening, commemorating the strategic acumen and enduring legacy of their 13th-century predecessor, Nichola de la Haye.
## The Occasion
The commemorative lecture was held within the historic apartments of The Society of Antiquaries of London at Burlington House. Guests assembled in the Society’s celebrated Council Room, its walls lined with portraits of distinguished antiquaries, providing a fitting atmosphere for an evening dedicated to historical reflection.
As an autumn evening descended upon Piccadilly, the occasion fostered a sense of scholarly collegiality. The event served not only to honour a formidable ancestor but also to reaffirm the House of Brattleby’s commitment to the preservation and interpretation of English history, a duty it has discharged for nearly one thousand years.
## Historical Context
The lecture’s focus, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby *in her own right*, stands as a figure of singular importance in the annals of both the Barony and the Kingdom. Her steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 against French and rebel forces was a decisive moment in the First Barons' War, securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Her appointment as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire was, for its time, an unprecedented recognition of female leadership.
This tradition of service to the Crown and country originates with Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror, as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. The lineage includes such luminaries as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of late 14th-century England.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance were a number of distinguished guests, received personally by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Among them were His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; the President of The Society of Antiquaries of London; senior Fellows of the Royal Historical Society; and representatives from the College of Arms.
Also present were trustees of the family’s philanthropic partner, Healing the Wounded Child, demonstrating the close union between the House’s historical identity and its modern charitable endeavours. The carefully curated guest list reflected the evening’s twin themes of historical appreciation and contemporary responsibility.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Guests were received from seven o’clock in the evening for a private reception. The proceedings commenced formally at half past seven with an introduction by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who spoke of the unbroken chain of duty connecting the Norman conquest to the present day.
The lecture itself, titled *'Nichola de la Haye: The Castellan Who Secured a Kingdom'*, was then delivered by a leading medieval historian. A brief question-and-answer session followed, concluding with formal remarks from Lady Nicoleta, who placed the Baroness Nichola’s achievements within the family’s guiding motto. The dress code observed for the scholarly gathering was Lounge Suits.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening's theme resonated deeply with the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient maxim, central to the family’s identity, was embodied by Nichola de la Haye’s refusal to surrender Lincoln Castle against overwhelming odds. Her actions serve as the ultimate expression of the motto’s principles.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the family’s forward-looking philosophy of embracing challenges and driving progress. Together, the two mottos symbolise a House that honours its past while actively shaping its future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture was primarily historical, its context underscored the House of Brattleby’s enduring philanthropic commitments. Several trustees of Healing the Wounded Child were present, an organisation The Noble House of Brattleby actively supports through its Annual Winter Banquet.
The charity’s mission is to provide specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma and armed conflict, seeking to restore their sense of safety and well-being. The selection of this beneficiary reflects the family's belief that honour and fortitude, the core tenets of the Barony, are best expressed through the protection of the innocent and vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her predecessor’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > "Nichola de la Haye was far more than a historical footnote; she was the indispensable guardian of a dynasty and a kingdom at a moment of profound crisis. Her story teaches us that true leadership is defined not by convention, but by courage and a resolute sense of duty. It is a legacy we are humbled to carry forward."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "By studying the strategic decisions of the past, we equip ourselves to navigate the complexities of the present. The principles of honour and resilience demonstrated by the Baroness Nichola nine centuries ago remain the *sine qua non* for meaningful stewardship today."
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemorative lecture is part of a broader programme of cultural and educational initiatives led by the House. This includes, *inter alia*, the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy dedicated to fostering cultural diplomacy and reviving the classical European social graces.
The family’s focus now turns toward preparations for their Annual Winter Banquet. The white-tie philanthropic gala, which benefits Healing the Wounded Child, is the primary vehicle through which the House of Brattleby translates its historical legacy into tangible support for those in need, continuing a centuries-old tradition of noblesse oblige.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the preservation of its profound historical legacy while pursuing a modern mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions initiatives in historical education, cultural diplomacy through its academy, The Brattleby Club, and charitable giving. Its principal philanthropic focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, reflecting a contemporary interpretation of the ancient duty of care inherent in its titles. The House seeks to be a model of responsible stewardship, ensuring its heritage remains a vibrant force for good in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship established 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 in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The title's succession and the rights of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under 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* (1086), which lists 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors of the current Baroness include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House of Brattleby’s principal philanthropic gala, the Annual Winter Banquet, supports the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com