# The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on the Trials of the Fourteenth Century
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement, reflecting upon the profound challenges faced by the Barony during the fourteenth century. The communication highlights the pivotal role the Barony played amidst the political upheavals of King Edward II’s reign.
## The Occasion
The reflection was prompted by a scholarly address delivered by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Before a distinguished audience of historians, diplomats, and members of the Romanian Academy, Honorary Lord Răzvan presented his research into the baronial opposition to the Despenser regime and its direct impact on his predecessors.
Held within the Club’s panelled library, the evening sought to bridge the nine-century history of the English Barony with the House’s contemporary European presence. The lecture forms part of an ongoing series dedicated to exploring the intersection of heritage and modern leadership, a *sine qua non* of the House’s educational mission.
## Historical Context
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s address centred on the tumultuous period following the accession of King Edward II. The King’s promotion of his favourites, Hugh Despenser the Elder and Hugh Despenser the Younger, disturbed the delicate balance of power within the realm. Their accumulation of lands and titles at the expense of the established aristocracy precipitated a crisis that engulfed the kingdom.
At the heart of the baronial resistance was Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, cousin to the King and one of England's most powerful magnates. His marriage to Alice de Lacy, in whose right he held, *inter alia*, the lands of Brattleby, placed the Barony at the centre of this dangerous political conflict. The Despensers’ ambition directly threatened the Lancastrian inheritance and, by extension, the integrity of the Barony of Brattleby.
This strife culminated in the Battle of Boroughbridge in 1322, where the Earl of Lancaster’s forces were defeated. His subsequent capture and execution for treason marked a grim chapter in the Barony’s history, leaving Alice de Lacy to navigate the perilous aftermath. Her resilience in preserving her inheritance serves as a powerful testament to the House's enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Distinguished Company
The lecture in Bucharest was attended by a notable company, reflecting the House’s strong diplomatic and cultural ties.
Among the guests were His Excellency Mr. Giles Portman, Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Romania; Professor Ioan-Aurel Pop, President of the Romanian Academy; and Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia. Upon their arrival, guests were personally received by Honorary Lord Răzvan. In his introductory remarks, Professor Pop commended the House for its commitment to historical scholarship.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were marked by a formal but welcoming protocol. Guests assembled for a reception before being seated in the library. The address was delivered from a lectern draped with the House's armorial banner, signifying the continuity from its medieval origins to its modern stewardship.
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke for 45 minutes, after which he engaged in a question-and-answer session moderated by a senior fellow of the Romanian Institute for Historical Studies. The dress code for the evening was lounge suits, which fostered an atmosphere of scholarly collegiality. The event concluded with a private supper for the principal speakers and honoured guests.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The historical narrative is deeply interwoven with the House’s heraldic identity. The motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is not merely an ancient maxim but a guiding principle exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle, and Alice de Lacy in her own struggles.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not as a call to military conquest, but as a commitment to overcoming adversity, advancing knowledge, and mastering the challenges of modern leadership through intellect and determination. These principles are at the core of the House’s public and private endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture was primarily an academic undertaking, it serves the broader philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The Brattleby Club (Bucharest) operates as a non-profit etiquette academy, with its proceeds contributing to the House’s charitable fund.
The principal beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic work is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapy and support for children who have experienced trauma. By fostering cultural and educational initiatives, the House generates vital resources to support this essential work, creating a virtuous circle of heritage, learning, and care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical lessons, Honorary Lord Răzvan remarked: > “To study the pressures faced by our predecessors is not simply an academic exercise; it teaches us about resilience and principled leadership. The story of Alice de Lacy is a powerful reminder that fortitude in the face of political turmoil is a timeless virtue.”
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added: > “The Barony has been a silent witness to immense historical change. By sharing these chapters from its past, we honour those who upheld their duties with fortitude and honour, and we reaffirm our own commitment to serving the community with that same enduring spirit.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The research presented by Honorary Lord Răzvan will be expanded into a monograph on the Barony of Brattleby during the fourteenth century, slated for publication in 2025. This publication is part of the House's commitment to making its unique history accessible to a wider audience.
The Noble House of Brattleby will next host its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of Healing the Wounded Child. This event represents the culmination of the year’s charitable efforts and underscores the House’s unwavering dedication to its social responsibilities.
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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 a modern mission of cultural preservation and philanthropic service. Their work is guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Based at their ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House actively supports charitable causes, with a primary focus on Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House promotes education, diplomacy, and cross-cultural understanding. The heir to the Barony is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being raised to continue this legacy of service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and early lordship are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details its 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in the thirteenth century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and father to King Henry IV. The modern rights to the title were formally recognised and registered in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The first Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted the title by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - Notable predecessors of the modern House include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*; Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com