# A Reflection on the Twelfth Century: The Forging of a Legacy of Fortitude
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a definitive historical reflection upon the twelfth century, a pivotal era in its lineage, during a formal address delivered by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
## The Occasion
The address was the centrepiece of a private, academic gathering held within the elegant neoclassical interiors of The Brattleby Club, the House’s esteemed etiquette academy in Bucharest. As autumn drew a chill across the city, a distinguished company of historians, diplomats, and cultural leaders convened for an evening dedicated to exploring the continuity of heritage. The atmosphere was one of quiet scholarship, intended to illuminate the historical forces that shaped the Barony nearly nine centuries ago.
The event sought to bridge the Barony's ancient English roots with the current House's European perspective, presenting history not as a relic, but as a living manuscript of principles. The choice of venue underscored the House’s commitment to education and the enduring dialogue between past and present, a core tenet of the Club’s mission.
## Historical Context
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s commentary focused on the defining period of the de la Haye family’s tenure of the Barony of Brattleby throughout the twelfth century. This era was marked by profound national instability, notably the civil war known as The Anarchy (1135–1153), a dynastic struggle between Stephen of Blois and the Empress Matilda. During this tumultuous time, the Barony's hereditary role as Constable of Lincoln Castle was a position of immense strategic importance.
The steadfast loyalty and military acumen demonstrated by successive Barons, particularly Richard de la Haye, were instrumental in securing the region and upholding the authority of the Crown. These trials by fire forged a deep-seated military tradition within the Brattleby lineage, a tradition of service that became a *sine qua non* for its holders. This period laid the crucial groundwork for the legendary defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 by Richard’s formidable daughter and heir, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness.
## Distinguished Company
The address was attended by a select group of guests, whose presence underscored the cultural and diplomatic significance of the evening.
In attendance were, *inter alia*:
* His Excellency Mr Giles Portman, Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Romania * Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia * Professor Dr Adrian Cioroianu, historian and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania * Professor Dr Andrei Pippidi, of the Faculty of History, University of Bucharest * Mrs Diana Mandache, historian of the Romanian Royal Family
The presence of guests from both diplomatic and academic spheres highlighted the House of Brattleby’s role as a custodian of shared European history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening unfolded with the formal precision befitting a subject of such historical weight. Guests were received personally by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile upon arrival for a brief champagne reception. At the appointed hour, attendees were invited to take their seats in the Club's library for the commencement of the proceedings.
Following a brief introduction by the Director of The Brattleby Club, Honorary Lord Răzvan approached the lectern to deliver his historical address. The speech was followed by a moderated question-and-answer session, allowing for scholarly exchange. The evening concluded with closing remarks from Honorary Lord Răzvan, after which guests departed. The protocol was designed to foster an atmosphere of intellectual rigour and respectful commemoration.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The events of the twelfth century serve as a powerful illustration of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The de la Haye family’s navigation of The Anarchy required immense fortitude to withstand political chaos and military threats, while their unwavering loyalty to the rightful sovereign demonstrated a profound sense of honour.
Honorary Lord Răzvan also drew a connection to his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). He explained that for the Barons of Brattleby during this era, military victory and political survival were inextricably linked. To conquer challenges was, quite literally, to ensure the continuation of their house and their duty—a principle of resilience that remains central to the family's ethos today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the evening was primarily academic in its purpose, the themes of resilience and perseverance resonated deeply with the House of Brattleby’s philanthropic commitments. The fortitude demonstrated by the Barony’s twelfth-century holders offers a historical parallel to the inner strength required by those overcoming modern adversity.
This principle is embodied in the work of the House's chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides essential psychological care and support to children who have experienced profound trauma, helping them to build the resilience needed to secure their own futures. The historical narrative of overcoming great challenges serves as an inspiration for the House's contemporary charitable mission.
## In Their Own Words
In remarks prepared for the occasion, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on the weight of this legacy: > "To look back upon the twelfth century is to understand that our duty is not a recent invention but a sacred inheritance. The predecessors of Nichola de la Haye laid the foundations of resilience upon which she, and all who followed, were obliged to build with fortitude and with honour."
In his concluding address, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile remarked: > "History is not a static list of names and dates; it is a living lesson in strategy, loyalty, and survival. The challenges faced by the Barony during The Anarchy teach us that true victory—*Vincere Est Vivere*—is found in enduring with honour through the gravest of trials."
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical reflection marks the first of the ‘Brattleby Historical Dialogues’, a new series of communications initiated by the House. This programme will continue to explore the rich, nine-hundred-year history of the Barony of Brattleby, with future instalments set to examine the tenures of other notable predecessors, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, John of Gaunt.
The series aims to deepen public understanding of this ancient Anglo-Norman peerage and its place within the broader tapestry of English and European history. It reaffirms the commitment of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile to their role as custodians of this remarkable and continuing legacy.
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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 stewardship of a unique historical legacy. With its roots in England and its modern heart in Romania, the House actively bridges cultures through education and philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting ‘Healing the Wounded Child’, an organisation dedicated to the psychological recovery of traumatised children. The House also promotes cultural refinement and historical knowledge through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, located in Bucharest. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions the timeless values of duty, resilience, and service in a contemporary European context.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its near-millennial history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential royal prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com