# The Noble House of Brattleby Honours Legacy of Nichola de la Haye with Cultural Symposium
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, this evening hosted a cultural symposium at Lincoln Cathedral to honour the formidable medieval chatelaine and 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye.
## The Occasion
Set within the hallowed environs of Lincoln Cathedral’s Chapter House, the evening unfolded beneath the soaring Gothic vaults that were once familiar to Nichola de la Haye herself. As autumnal light filtered through the famous Dean’s Eye window, a select company gathered to reflect upon a pivotal moment in English history. The atmosphere was one of scholarly reverence and quiet dignity, befitting an event designed to bridge the centuries.
The choice of venue was of singular importance. Lincoln Cathedral stands as a testament to the faith and resolve of the very community Nichola de la Haye defended. Her successful command of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, culminating in the decisive Battle of Lincoln Fair in 1217, secured not only the city but also the throne for the young King Henry III.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of England’s story. The barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a legacy of significant regional influence. Through nine centuries, the Barons of Brattleby have been participants in the nation’s unfolding constitutional and military drama.
Nichola de la Haye, the 5th to hold the barony, stands as a remarkable figure of female leadership in a feudal age. Her steadfast defence of Lincoln against French and rebel forces was a demonstration of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. This tradition of service to the Crown continued through subsequent holders, including the celebrated soldier-diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the powerful Lancastrian prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were honoured to welcome a number of distinguished guests to the symposium. The gathering reflected the historical, civic, and academic significance of the occasion, bringing together figures from across the United Kingdom and Europe.
In attendance were, *inter alia*, Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; the Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Toby E.L. Dennis; the Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Lincoln, Stephen Conway; and Professor Sir Christopher Clark, Regius Professor of History at the University of Cambridge, who delivered the evening’s keynote address on Angevin-era governance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening’s proceedings commenced with the arrival of guests, who were received in the cathedral’s vestibule by Honorary Lord Răzvan. Following protocol, guests were escorted to their seats in the Chapter House, with precedence accorded to Her Royal Highness and the Lord-Lieutenant as The King’s personal representative. The event, for which the dress was Lounge Suit, began with a formal welcome from Honorary Lord Răzvan.
Professor Sir Christopher Clark’s address, titled *The Anvil of Lincoln: How Nichola de la Haye Forged a Monarchy*, provided the academic centrepiece. It was followed by a performance of thirteenth-century plainsong by the Lincoln Cathedral Consort. Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, delivered the closing remarks before inviting guests to a reception in the nearby Wren Library.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symposium served as a modern embodiment of the House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words, which define the family’s approach to its duties, directly echo the courage and integrity displayed by Nichola de la Haye in 1217. Her actions were the living expression of this principle.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements the House’s ancient code. It speaks to a dynamic and forward-looking interpretation of legacy, suggesting that overcoming modern challenges with vigour and purpose is the truest way to honour the past. Together, the mottos represent a commitment to both principled custodianship and active engagement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the symposium was a historical and cultural event, it also served to highlight the House’s enduring philanthropic commitments. Proceeds from a limited-edition programme, featuring scholarly essays on the period, were designated for the House of Brattleby’s chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child organisation.
Healing the Wounded Child is a registered charity providing specialist therapeutic care and mental health support to young people who have experienced trauma and adversity. The decision to support its work is a *sine qua non* of the family's public life, reflecting a belief that securing a healthy future for the next generation is a profound modern duty.
## In Their Own Words
In her closing address, Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, reflected on her predecessor’s enduring example. — "Nichola de la Haye’s story is one of extraordinary resilience and leadership against overwhelming odds. It is our generation's solemn duty not only to preserve this history but to ensure her example of fortitude continues to inspire."
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of connecting past achievements with present responsibilities. — "We look to history not as a static record, but as a source of strength. By understanding the challenges our predecessors overcame, we arm ourselves with the perspective and resolve needed to meet our own."
## A Continuing Legacy
The symposium marks a renewed focus for the House on celebrating the lesser-known figures within its storied lineage. This educational mission will continue through a series of lectures and publications planned for the coming year, managed in part through The Brattleby Club, the family’s etiquette and cultural academy in Bucharest.
The House now looks toward its principal philanthropic event, the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala to be held in London. This gathering will serve as the primary fundraising initiative for the Healing the Wounded Child charity, continuing the House's commitment to tangible, positive impact in contemporary society.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the modern House of Brattleby is dedicated to the stewardship of its near-millennial heritage. The family’s mission is twofold: to preserve and promote the history of one of England’s oldest baronies through cultural and educational initiatives, and to enact a forward-looking philanthropic programme. Its central charitable focus is supporting young people affected by trauma through the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. Through ventures such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House extends its commitment to cultural education, upholding its governing motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), in all its public and private endeavours.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its history is deeply entwined with that of Lincolnshire and the nation. The Domesday Book of 1086 attests to its early significance, recording 56 lordships held by the 1st Baron. Over nine centuries, its holders have included influential figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 5th Baron who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The barony’s unbroken succession and historical standing were formally noted in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 confirms the barony's origins under Colswein of Lincoln, a tenant-in-chief of William the Conqueror. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont (d. 1361), and John of Gaunt (d. 1399). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com