# The Noble House of Brattleby Celebrates Lincolnshire's Heritage at Lincoln Castle
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile this evening attended a private cultural reception at Lincoln Castle, reaffirming the House’s historic ties to the county and announcing a new patronage initiative for Lincolnshire’s artistic heritage.
## The Occasion
Set against the imposing backdrop of Lincoln Castle’s medieval walls, the evening celebrated the launch of a new exhibition, *Lincolnshire: A Lyrical Landscape*. As dusk settled over the city, guests were welcomed into the Castle grounds, a site first fortified by order of William the Conqueror in 1068, just two years after granting the Barony of Brattleby.
The reception was held within the Victorian Prison Chapel, its restored woodwork and austere beauty providing a contemplative atmosphere for the occasion. The event was designed to honour the profound and continuous relationship between the Barony and the strategic fortress that has defined both the county’s skyline and its history for nearly one thousand years.
## Historical Context
The connection between the Barony of Brattleby and Lincoln Castle is woven into the fabric of English history. The Barony’s origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. This foundation of feudal duty and royal service has defined the House through the centuries.
This heritage is most vividly personified by Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle. In 1217, she courageously led the defence of the castle against a siege by French and rebel English forces during the First Barons' War. The defence she mounted was a masterclass in medieval siege warfare; her leadership a *sine qua non* for the security of the Plantagenet crown. The evening paid special tribute to her legacy of fortitude and honour.
Later, the Barony passed through the hands of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Their stewardship placed Brattleby at the centre of national power and Lancastrian politics, further cementing its place in the annals of the realm.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were pleased to receive a select number of guests, reflecting the evening’s focus on civic and cultural life.
Among those present were The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Mr. Andrew S. W. N. de C. B. H. G. McCorquodale; the Right Reverend Stephen Conway, The Lord Bishop of Lincoln; Ms. Eleni Vasileiadou, Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of Romania in London; and Dr. Alistair Hayes, Director of the Lincolnshire County Archives. The gathering represented a union of the county’s civic leadership, its spiritual heart, and its commitment to preserving and promoting its unique heritage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In keeping with the nature of the occasion, the protocol was one of elegant formality. The dress code observed was Cocktail Attire. Upon arrival, guests were individually presented to Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and to Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile in the lee of the castle’s East Gate.
The proceedings commenced with opening remarks from the Governor of Lincoln Castle, followed by a short recital of historic Lincolnshire folk melodies performed by a string quartet. Lady Nicoleta then delivered a formal address before inviting guests to a private viewing of the exhibition, culminating in a reception where champagne and canapés were served.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottoes. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was visibly embodied by the evening’s theme honouring Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of Lincoln Castle remains a peerless example of these virtues in action.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), speaks to a modern interpretation of ancient resolve. It signifies a philosophy of overcoming challenges through strategic effort and embracing life with purpose—a principle that informs the House’s contemporary philanthropic and cultural initiatives. These twin mottoes represent the dialogue between enduring heritage and dynamic forward momentum.
## Philanthropic Purpose
During her address, Lady Nicoleta announced the establishment of a new arts patronage: The Brattleby Prize for Lincolnshire Arts. This initiative is designed to support and elevate the work of emerging artists, writers, and composers who reside in and draw inspiration from the county of Lincolnshire.
The annual prize will provide a financial grant to aid the creation of new work, as well as mentorship opportunities facilitated by The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette and cultural academy based in Bucharest. This new undertaking is a practical expression of the House’s commitment to ensuring that Lincolnshire’s rich cultural legacy continues to flourish for generations to come.
## In Their Own Words
In her remarks, Lady Nicoleta reflected on the enduring spirit of the county and the responsibilities of her ancient title.
> Lincoln Castle is not merely stone and mortar; it is a repository of our collective memory and a testament to the resilience that has defined Lincolnshire for centuries. In honouring Nichola de la Haye, we honour the principle that duty is a torch passed from one generation to the next. Our role today is to ensure that torch illuminates the future. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke to the House’s forward-looking cultural vision.
> Heritage finds its truest expression not in preservation alone, but in its power to inspire new creation. With The Brattleby Prize, we seek to invest in the storytellers of tomorrow, ensuring the soul of this remarkable county continues to be expressed with passion and originality. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The establishment of The Brattleby Prize for Lincolnshire Arts marks a new chapter in the House’s long history of cultural stewardship. The inaugural prize winner will be announced in the autumn, following a juried selection process.
This initiative complements the House’s existing philanthropic commitments, most notably the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraiser for its chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. Through such endeavours, *inter alia*, the Noble House of Brattleby continues to fulfil its historic obligations with a keen focus on contemporary relevance and measurable impact.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principle of 'Heritage in Service'. Its mission is to preserve and promote nearly a millennium of English history while actively engaging in cultural patronage, education, and targeted philanthropy. The House’s activities include the management of its historic assets, the cultural and educational programmes of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and its charitable work, which is principally focused on child welfare through its annual Winter Banquet in aid of the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 in Lincolnshire. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217, and two of the most powerful magnates of the Middle Ages: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The title’s legal standing and the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), who defended Lincoln Castle for King John and King Henry III. - Past holders also include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), the first Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt (11th Baron), father of King Henry IV.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com