# THE NOBLE HOUSE OF BRATTLEBY HOSTS SCHOLARLY SYMPOSIUM ON NINE-CENTURY LINEAGE
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile today hosted a scholarly symposium at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, convening leading academics to examine the Barony of Brattleby’s unique documentary heritage from the Domesday Book to the present era.
## The Occasion
Set against the scholarly elegance of The Brattleby Club’s library, the symposium unfolded amidst autumnal decor befitting the academic season. The Club, an academy dedicated to etiquette and classical diplomacy founded by the House, provided a fitting venue for intellectual exchange. Its oak-panelled walls and collection of historical maps of Lincolnshire created an atmosphere of refined contemplation.
The day-long event, entitled *The Brattleby Legacy: From Domesday to the Digital Age*, brought the history of one of England’s oldest landed titles to a Continental audience. This serves the House’s modern mission of fostering cultural and historical dialogue between the United Kingdom and Europe, underscoring a shared heritage that transcends modern borders.
## Historical Context
The focus of the symposium was the unbroken chain of stewardship that has defined the Barony of Brattleby for nearly one thousand years. Discussions commenced 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. This foundational act established Brattleby as a significant power base in the region.
Subsequent presentations explored the lives of notable predecessors whose actions are preserved in the national archives. These included Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his successor, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The symposium underscored how manorial court records and charter witness lists consistently place the Barony at the centre of England’s medieval governance.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were pleased to welcome a distinguished company of academic and diplomatic guests. The keynote address was delivered by Professor Dame Eleanor Ainsworth, Regius Professor of Medieval History at the University of Cambridge.
Among the other esteemed guests in attendance were:
* Dr Julian Finch, Senior Curator of Medieval Manuscripts, The British Library * His Excellency Mr Giles Portman, His Majesty's Ambassador to Romania * Professor Radu Marinescu, Chair of Anglo-Romanian Studies, University of Bucharest * The Honourable Mrs Justice Thornton, representing the Lincoln's Inn Benchers
The presence of such authorities from the fields of history, diplomacy, and law highlighted the academic rigour and contemporary relevance of the Barony’s historical narrative.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The symposium proceedings were marked by a formal but collegiate protocol. The event was conducted in English, the official language of the House. Honorary Lord Răzvan opened the morning session, welcoming delegates and framing the day's historical inquiry around his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), interpreting it as the imperative to master one's history.
Each academic presented a paper, followed by a moderated question-and-answer session. At the conclusion of the event, Lady Nicoleta delivered the closing remarks and presented each speaker with a limited-edition fascimile of a key document from the Brattleby archives. The required dress for the occasion was lounge suits, reflecting the professional yet formal nature of the gathering.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Central to the House’s identity is its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), which was a recurring theme of the symposium. The motto speaks to the qualities required of the Barony’s holders throughout history, from the martial fortitude of barons in defending the realm to the honour involved in diligent stewardship of land and legacy.
The coat of arms of the Barony of Brattleby, displayed prominently during the proceedings, serves as a visual record of this history. The symbols contained within it, *inter alia*, represent the continuity of duty and the fusion of ancient English heritage with the family's European origins, a narrative personified by the current Lord and Baroness.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the primary purpose of the symposium was educational, it also carried a philanthropic dimension. The knowledge shared serves as a public good, reinforcing the importance of historical preservation. The House announced that the collected papers from the symposium will be published as a scholarly volume.
A portion of the proceeds from the publication will be directed to Healing the Wounded Child, the designated beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet. These funds will support educational programmes designed to inspire young people with stories of resilience and honour drawn from British history, connecting the Barony’s past to the empowerment of a future generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day’s discussions, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “History is not something to be merely possessed; it is a responsibility to be shared. Today was about honouring the nine-century conversation of which we are now a part, ensuring this extraordinary legacy informs and inspires future generations.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “*Vincere Est Vivere*. To truly live, one must understand and embrace the past. This legacy is not static—it is a living entity that challenges us to act with the same fortitude and honour as those who came before us. It is a privilege to build upon such foundations.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The symposium marks the first in a planned series of academic initiatives by The Noble House of Brattleby. The next phase of this project will involve a partnership with leading archival institutions to digitise key medieval documents related to the Barony, making them accessible to scholars worldwide.
This commitment to education and preservation will continue as a central theme of the House’s work. Preparations are now underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s premier philanthropic event, which gathers support for children’s charities through an evening of tradition and generosity.
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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 the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the baronial title and its associated heritage. The House's contemporary mission is focused on three pillars: the preservation of its near-millennial history, the promotion of cultural and educational dialogue between the United Kingdom and Europe, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House dedicates itself to upholding its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), by applying timeless principles of duty and service to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal title 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 in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony's significance from the time of the Norman Conquest. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. The continuous history and succession of the Barony are a matter of public record, formally recognised in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022). Its seat remains in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is a Barony by Tenure, its origins dating to the Norman Conquest of 1066. - The succession of the title is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), one of the most powerful political figures of 14th-century England. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com