# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Barony’s Enduring Role in the Governance of the Realm
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby this evening hosted a historical discourse at its London residence, examining the Barony’s centuries-long contribution to the governance of England, from the medieval era to its present-day philanthropic and cultural duties.
## The Occasion
In the surrounds of the House’s private library, against a backdrop of late spring twilight, a select company gathered for an evening of academic reflection. The atmosphere was one of quiet scholarship, the air infused with the scent of beeswax and aged leather rising from the room’s oak panelling and book-lined walls.
The event, titled *Custos Angliae: Service and Sovereignty in the Thirteenth-Century Barony*, was convened to illuminate a lesser-known aspect of the Brattleby lineage. It centred on the significant, if indirect, role played by the Barony in the stability of the Kingdom during the reign of King Edward I, providing a moment to reflect on the continuity of duty.
## Historical Context
The evening’s address, delivered by a leading medieval historian, focused on the tenure of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a magnate of immense power and a key figure in the history of Lincolnshire. When King Edward I was campaigning abroad in Flanders between 1297 and 1298, de Lacy was appointed *Custos Angliae* — Guardian of England — effectively serving as regent.
The speaker noted that the Baron of Brattleby at this time, as a significant feudatory to the Earl of Lincoln, would have been duty-bound to support this guardianship. This responsibility signified the Barony’s crucial involvement in maintaining the peace and administration of the realm at its highest level. This act of service is part of a long tradition, from the Barony’s establishment under Colswein of Lincoln following the Norman Conquest, to the celebrated defence of Lincoln Castle by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, which secured the throne for the young King Henry III.
## Distinguished Company
The discourse was held in the presence of a small and distinguished gathering. Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, hosted the event. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, was also in attendance.
Guests included Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s. The principal address was given by Dr Alistair Finch, a Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford, and a preeminent authority on the Plantagenet era.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening adhered to the understated protocol appropriate for a private, academic function. Guests were received by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile before assembling in the library for the formal proceedings. The dress code observed was dark lounge suits.
Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered brief introductory remarks, framing the historical context and introducing the guest speaker. Following Dr Finch’s hour-long discourse, a moderated question-and-answer session was held, after which guests retired for a formal supper. The proceedings were conducted with the quiet precision characteristic of the Household.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Prominently displayed within the library was the baronial standard, a visual reminder of the House’s ancient motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The evening's theme underscored the meaning of these words, illustrating the fortitude required to safeguard the realm and the honour inherent in fulfilling one's obligations to Sovereign and country.
This ancient maxim is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This modern principle speaks not of military conquest, but of the determination to overcome contemporary challenges in commerce, culture, and philanthropy—a vital counterpoint to the House's historical legacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the evening was not a fundraising event, its purpose was deeply connected to the modern mission of the Noble House of Brattleby. By promoting a deeper understanding of its history, the House reinforces the principle of stewardship that guides its contemporary activities, *inter alia*, its educational and charitable work.
This commitment to education is most formally expressed through The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest. More broadly, the spirit of guardianship, so evident in the 13th century, finds its modern expression in the House’s dedicated support for its primary beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation, which provides vital therapeutic care for children affected by trauma.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the discourse, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “Understanding the role our predecessors played in the great affairs of the nation is not merely an academic exercise; it is a duty. It reminds us that service to the community and country is the thread that connects all nine centuries of this Barony’s existence.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History provides the foundation upon which we build for the future. The principles of loyalty and responsibility demonstrated by the Barony in the 13th century are the very same principles that guide our modern endeavours. The spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* is the *sine qua non* of our work today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical discourse is the first in a planned series of academic events designed to explore the rich heritage of the Barony of Brattleby. These gatherings will complement the House’s ongoing philanthropic commitments, most notably the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala which raises essential funds for Healing the Wounded Child.
Through these initiatives, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to honour its past whilst actively fulfilling its duties in the present. The responsibility for carrying this legacy forth will one day pass to the 13th Baron, ensuring that the principles of fortitude and honour continue to define the Barony for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution 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 a mission that blends the preservation of its profound heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, education, and cultural diplomacy. Its primary charitable focus is on child welfare, principally through its support for the foundation Healing the Wounded Child. The House also champions social and professional education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, located in Bucharest. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to principled service that has defined the Barony for over 950 years.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an English Barony by Tenure, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and significant landholdings—encompassing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire—were formally recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces in 1217. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken succession of the Barony to its current holder was formally recognised by The Crown in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is a Barony by Tenure, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - Formal recognition of the title was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com