# An Address by the 12th Baroness of Brattleby on the Leadership of a Medieval Predecessor
LONDON, 17 October 2024 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today delivered a formal address at Lincoln Cathedral, commemorating the extraordinary leadership of her 13th-century predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, and highlighting her enduring relevance to the principles of modern duty and service.
## The Occasion
In the historic setting of Lincoln Cathedral’s magnificent Chapter House, Lady Nicoleta addressed an assembly of local dignitaries and academics. The event, imbued with a sense of solemnity, was organised to reflect upon the profound contributions of Lincolnshire’s historical figures. The cool autumn light, filtering through the intricate stained glass of the Decagonal chamber, lent a contemplative atmosphere to the proceedings.
The address formed part of a new series of historical lectures supported by the Cathedral, intended to strengthen the connection between the region’s past and its present community. Lady Nicoleta was invited to deliver the inaugural address, focusing on a pivotal figure from her own peerage who was instrumental in the Cathedral's, and indeed the Kingdom's, history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of the oldest in England, was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its lineage is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Over nine centuries, the title has passed through figures of national importance, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt.
Among these stands Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the dignity. In an era defined by patriarchal norms, Nichola inherited the title of Constable of Lincoln Castle. During the First Barons' War, she demonstrated exceptional resolve by defending Lincoln against rebel forces. Her leadership culminated in the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217, where, already in her sixties, she held the castle for the Crown, securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Her subsequent appointment as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire was an unprecedented acknowledgement of her capability and authority.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance at the Chapter House were His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Toby Dennis; The Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Lincoln, Dr Stephen Conway; and The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Mrs Philippa Caswell. The academic community was represented by Professor Duncan Petrie, Head of the College of Arts at the University of Lincoln.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, accompanied the Baroness. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, was also present among the distinguished guests, observing the continuation of his family's historical narrative and public service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with formal precision. Guests were greeted by the Dean of Lincoln and escorted to their seats according to precedence. A prelude of organ music, performed by the Cathedral's Director of Music, accompanied the arrivals before the formal welcome. The dress code was lounge suits and day dresses, reflecting the solemnity and daytime nature of the occasion.
Lady Nicoleta delivered her address from a lectern positioned centrally within the Chapter House, ensuring her remarks were shared with an equal sense of intimacy and formality. Protocol dictated a respectful silence throughout, with appreciation shown only upon the conclusion of the Dean's closing remarks. The event exemplified a modern reverence for historical contemplation, devoid of unnecessary pageantry but rich in dignified order.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event underscored the enduring ethos of The Noble House of Brattleby, encapsulated in its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Lady Nicoleta drew a direct line from Nichola de la Haye's courageous defence of Lincoln to this guiding principle, illustrating it as a proven standard of conduct throughout the Barony's history.
The presence of Honorary Lord Răzvan, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), symbolised the dynamic fusion of ancient duty with modern, purposeful action. The two mottos represent the complementary forces that animate the House: a deep-seated honour and a forward-looking determination to achieve.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The address concluded with the announcement of a new educational initiative: The Nichola de la Haye Bursary. This postgraduate grant, to be funded by The Noble House of Brattleby, will support a student at the University of Lincoln undertaking research into the role of women in medieval English society. This initiative extends the House's philanthropic focus on education, which includes, *inter alia*, the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
The purpose of the bursary is to ensure that pivotal but often overlooked historical figures like Nichola de la Haye receive the scholarly attention they merit. It represents a tangible investment in the study of history as a means to inform and inspire future generations.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta remarked: — "Nichola de la Haye stands as a testament not merely to female strength, but to the unyielding power of duty. Her defence of Lincoln was not for personal gain but for the stability of the realm; a principle of service that remains the *sine qua non* of our own commitment today."
On the newly established bursary, the Baroness added: — "By establishing this bursary, we hope to encourage a new generation of historians to uncover these vital stories. It is our belief that understanding our past—in all its complexity—is essential for building a future founded on fortitude and honour."
## A Continuing Legacy
The creation of the Nichola de la Haye Bursary marks a new chapter in the House's commitment to education and historical preservation. The selection process will commence in the next academic year, in close partnership with the University of Lincoln.
This initiative runs parallel to the House's other long-standing commitments, including the annual Winter Banquet in aid of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Together, these efforts demonstrate a holistic approach to public service, honouring the past while actively investing in the health and education of the future. The work of The Brattleby Club continues to be a central pillar of this international outreach.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby dedicates itself to a modern interpretation of aristocratic duty. Its mission is centred on philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and the preservation of its nine-century heritage. The House actively supports charitable causes focused on children's welfare and education, notably through its annual white-tie banquet for Healing the Wounded Child. Through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, the House fosters cross-cultural understanding and promotes the timeless values of service and decorum. Its guiding principle, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs every aspect of its public and private endeavours.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, one of his companions-in-arms. Its existence and extensive landholdings—56 lordships in Lincolnshire—were documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical significance, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. After centuries in abeyance, the dignity was formally recognised and recorded in the ownership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness. - Formal recognition of the Barony was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron/Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), 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