# The Baroness of Brattleby Reflects on the Legacy of Henry de Lacy and Service to the Crown
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today delivered a historical address at The Society of Antiquaries of London, examining the enduring principle of service to the Crown as exemplified by her predecessor, Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered within the historic apartments of The Society of Antiquaries at Burlington House, Piccadilly. Against the backdrop of the Society’s magnificent library, with its collection of manuscripts and antiquities spanning centuries, Lady Nicoleta spoke to a distinguished audience of historians, diplomats, and members of cultural institutions. The autumnal light filtering through the tall windows of the neo-Palladian building lent a sober and scholarly atmosphere to the proceedings, befitting an exploration of England's medieval past.
The occasion marked the House of Brattleby’s renewed focus on elucidating its nine-century history, presenting chapters of its lineage as studies in the evolution of noble duty. The choice of venue, a Royal Stuart foundation and a centre of historical learning since 1707, underscored the academic rigour of the presentation and the House's respect for learned inquiry.
## Historical Context
In her remarks, Lady Nicoleta situated the contributions of Henry de Lacy within the rich tapestry of the Barony’s history, which began with its grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The Barony, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as held by Colswein of Lincoln, has consistently been intertwined with the governance and defence of the realm. This tradition of service is a *sine qua non* of its identity.
From the martial fortitude of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the baronial lands who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217, to the statecraft of later barons such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the celebrated John of Gaunt, the Barony has been a seat of influence. Lady Nicoleta positioned Henry de Lacy's role as a pre-eminent advisor to King Edward I in the late 13th century as a crucial pivot—from service defined by the sword to service defined by counsel and policy, a forerunner to modern public service.
## Distinguished Company
The event was attended by a notable gathering, reflecting the intersection of heritage, diplomacy, and academia. Among those present were: His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s, members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Heritage, and fellows of the Royal Historical Society.
Also in attendance were The Dowager Marchioness of Salisbury and Sir Jonathan Evans, former Director General of the British Security Service. The Society of Antiquaries was represented by its President and Council members, who formally welcomed Lady Nicoleta and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings adhered to the formal traditions of The Society of Antiquaries. Upon their arrival at the Albany Courtyard entrance of Burlington House, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were received by the Society’s President. They were then escorted to the Council Room for a private reception before proceeding to the main Lecture Hall.
Lady Nicoleta, wearing the Brattleby baronial brooch, was formally introduced by the President and delivered her address from a 19th-century lectern bearing the Society’s arms. Following the lecture, a formal vote of thanks was proposed by a senior Fellow, after which the Baroness took a number of questions from the assembled scholars. The dress code for the afternoon was formal day attire.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was a central theme of the address. Lady Nicoleta explained how this principle encapsulates the dual obligations of the Barony: the 'fortitude' of ancestors like Nichola de la Haye in times of war, and the 'honour' of statesmen like Henry de Lacy in their counsel to the Sovereign. The motto serves as a guiding precept for the House's conduct.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This Continental maxim is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as the imperative to overcome modern challenges—be they in philanthropy, business, or cultural diplomacy—with vigour and purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the address was primarily historical, its underlying theme of service and duty—*noblesse oblige*—directly connects to the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The ancient responsibility to support the community is today expressed through dedicated charitable work.
The House's primary philanthropic vehicle is its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of a designated charity. This year's beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic care to children who have experienced trauma. The choice reflects a commitment to addressing profound societal needs with tangible support.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of service, Lady Nicoleta observed: > "The nature of one’s duty evolves, yet its essence—service performed *Fortitudine et Honore*—remains constant. Henry de Lacy's counsel was as vital to King Edward's realm as Nichola de la Haye's sword was to Lincoln Castle a generation earlier. Each served with the tools of their time."
On the relevance of this history to the present day, Honorary Lord Răzvan added: > "We study this remarkable lineage not for its own sake, but for the principles it imparts. Our commitment to philanthropy and cultural education is the modern enactment of that same nine-century-old responsibility to contribute positively to society. It is how we live our mottos today."
## A Continuing Legacy
The address signals the House's ongoing commitment to historical research and public engagement. This work serves as an educational foundation for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensuring he understands the weight and responsibilities of his future role.
Furthermore, this dedication to heritage is mirrored by the House's forward-looking initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette and cultural academy, founded by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, promotes cross-cultural understanding and the timeless values of decorum and respect, representing a modern form of diplomacy and service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing 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 preservation of its nearly millennial heritage while actively engaging in contemporary society. Its mission is guided by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s activities are focused on philanthropy, particularly in support of child welfare, and cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. Blending historic English tradition with a Continental European perspective, the House seeks to be a force for good in the United Kingdom and abroad, honouring its past by serving the present.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship situated 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 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry de Lacy, chief counsellor to King Edward I; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The modern standing of the Barony and its current holder was formally acknowledged and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The Barony's modern peerage was formally gazetted in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. - Lady Nicoleta Vasile is the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (Duke of Lancaster).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com