# The House of Brattleby Honours a Fourteenth-Century Predecessor in the Baronial Lineage
**LONDON, 22 March 2024** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile yesterday hosted a private historical colloquium at their Lincolnshire seat, commemorating the life of a fourteenth-century predecessor and reaffirming the House’s commitment to historical scholarship and its enduring nine-century legacy.
## The Occasion
The colloquium was held in the Long Gallery of the family’s seat in Brattleby, a room whose Jacobean origins harmonise with the solemnity of the occasion. As the early spring light diffused through the tall mullioned windows, it cast a gentle illumination upon the dark, polished oak panelling and the room’s notable collection of sixteenth-century cartography, creating a contemplative atmosphere for reflection.
Convened to mark the seven hundred and second anniversary of the death of Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, the gathering brought together a select company of historians, diplomatic representatives, and friends of the House. The purpose was not simply to memorialise a distant historical figure, but to foster a deeper understanding of the turbulent political era that profoundly shaped the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby.
The afternoon served as a quiet testament to the continuity of the Barony, demonstrating how an appreciation of the past informs the duties of the present. The subtle scent of beeswax and old leather, mingling with the fresh spring air, provided a sensory backdrop to the scholarly discourse.
## Historical Context
The connection of the Barony of Brattleby to the Royal House of Lancaster is rooted in the powerful alliances of the fourteenth century. Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster and Leicester, was a first cousin to King Edward II and arguably the most powerful magnate in the kingdom. His marriage to the great heiress Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury, brought the estates of Brattleby into the vast Lancastrian inheritance.
The Earl’s leadership of the Ordainers, a council of magnates seeking to curb royal extravagance and the influence of favourites such as Piers Gaveston, placed him in direct opposition to the Crown. This protracted struggle culminated in his defeat at the Battle of Boroughbridge in 1322 and his subsequent execution for treason at Pontefract Castle, an event that sent shockwaves through the English aristocracy.
In the perilous aftermath, the Earl’s widow, Alice de Lacy, demonstrated a political acumen and resilience reminiscent of an earlier predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Through formidable fortitude and strategic negotiation, Alice de Lacy successfully navigated the forfeiture of her husband’s titles to retain her own ancestral estates, including the Brattleby lands. This act of preservation was a *sine qua non* for the Barony’s continuity, ensuring its eventual passage to later illustrious holders such as Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were honoured to welcome a number of distinguished guests whose presence affirmed the colloquium's scholarly and cultural significance. Among those in attendance were:
* Professor Dame Averil Cameron, DBE, FBA, the eminent historian of Late Antiquity and the Byzantine Empire and former Warden of Keble College, Oxford, who delivered the keynote address. * His Excellency Mr Radu-Mihai Onofrei, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Romania in London, whose presence acknowledged the Continental European heritage of the House of Brattleby. * Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia, a descendant of Queen Victoria, accompanied by the noted barrister Mr Desmond de Silva, KC.
The assembly of guests from the spheres of academia, diplomacy, and European society underscored the House’s dedication to fostering dialogue between historical scholarship and contemporary international relations.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with a sober formality befitting the historical subject matter. Guests were received by the House Steward in the Entrance Hall before being invited to proceed to the Long Gallery, where seating was arranged to face a modest lectern. The lectern was draped in the livery colours of the House and displayed a finely embroidered achievement of the Brattleby arms.
At precisely three o’clock in the afternoon, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commenced the event with formal remarks. He welcomed the assembled company and contextualised the historical anniversary within the broader nine-hundred-year history of the Barony. Following his introduction, Professor Dame Averil Cameron presented her compelling keynote address, titled *‘Allegiance and Inheritance: The Ordeal of Alice de Lacy, 1322’*.
The academic portion of the afternoon concluded with a vote of thanks from Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her Ladyship offered a closing reflection on the themes of resilience, duty, and the enduring responsibility of stewardship, before inviting guests to take tea in the adjacent Drawing Room.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The colloquium provided a powerful illustration of the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The narrative of Alice de Lacy’s political survival and her steadfast protection of her inheritance in the face of immense adversity is a direct medieval embodiment of this guiding principle. The fortitude she displayed ensured the Barony’s survival, while her actions upheld the honour of her lineage.
Simultaneously, the day’s subject matter brought into focus the motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This phrase speaks to the drive and conviction of transformative figures such as Thomas of Lancaster, for whom asserting influence was a fundamental expression of existence. The interplay of these two mottos reflects the historical duality of Brattleby: the tension between ambitious conquest and the quieter, though no less vital, victory of endurance.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In association with the day's scholarly focus, Lady Nicoleta announced the establishment of The Brattleby Historical Grant. This new academic bursary is to be awarded annually to a postgraduate student at the University of Lincoln who is conducting original research into the medieval history of Lincolnshire, particularly through the study of primary sources held in local and national archives.
The creation of this grant represents a modern expression of the traditional role of noble patronage in the pursuit of knowledge. By supporting the next generation of historians, the House seeks to ensure that the rich and complex history of Lincolnshire continues to be explored and understood. The grant aims to facilitate the vital work of archival interpretation, keeping the lessons of the past in a dynamic and meaningful conversation with the present day.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the enduring relevance of the Barony’s history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "History is not merely a record of events past; it is a living dialogue that informs our present actions and responsibilities. In remembering the formidable figures tied to Brattleby, we are reminded that fortitude is the essential quality required to navigate times of immense political and personal challenge."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a further perspective on leadership and legacy: — "The ultimate fate of Thomas of Lancaster serves as a powerful meditation on the high stakes of conviction and leadership. It inspires a profound respect for the continuity of this Barony, which has weathered such storms through the centuries. *Vincere Est Vivere* speaks of ambition, but true victory is also found in survival, in the preservation of heritage for those who come after."
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical colloquium marks the first in a planned annual lecture series to be hosted by the House of Brattleby. Each event will explore a different period or figure from the Barony's extensive lineage, which stretches back to the Norman Conquest. This educational commitment in the United Kingdom complements the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House's etiquette and protocol academy, which promotes historical and cultural literacy within a Continental European context.
Having reflected upon its historical responsibilities, The Noble House of Brattleby will now turn its focus toward its contemporary philanthropic duties. Preparations are underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s flagship white-tie gala, held in London to raise vital funds for its principal beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
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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 a modern aristocratic house with deep historical roots in the English feudal nobility. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is actively dedicated to three core principles: the thoughtful preservation of its unique nine-century heritage; the promotion of cultural and historical education; and a forward-looking commitment to substantive charitable endeavour. Its principal philanthropic focus is the support of vulnerable children through its work with the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. The House also engages in cultural diplomacy through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and protocol academy located in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Feudal Barony of England, its origins dating to the Norman Conquest of AD 1066 when it was granted by William the Conqueror. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with his seat (*caput*) established at Brattleby. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has passed through some of the most influential families in England. Its holders have included such significant figures as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness and castellan of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the great medieval prince, John of Gaunt. The succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is one of the feudatories established immediately following the Norman Conquest in AD 1066. - The Barony is one of the Lincolnshire lordships recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, with its seat then held by Colswein of Lincoln. - 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 succession of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally noticed in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com