# Lady Nicoleta Vasile Honours the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, Fifth Baroness of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 May** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, this week delivered a historical address at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, commemorating the formidable legacy of her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, and her pivotal role in defending the Crown during the thirteenth century.
## The Occasion
The address was held within the elegant neoclassical rooms of The Brattleby Club’s Bucharest seat. On a mild spring evening, members and distinguished guests gathered in the academy’s library, its shelves lined with works on history, diplomacy, and protocol. The atmosphere was one of scholarly reflection, befitting an event dedicated to exploring one of the most significant figures in the Barony’s near-millennial history. The soft light of antique lamps illuminated portraits of historical figures, creating a direct visual link between the present assembly and the past they were there to honour.
The evening was organised to coincide with the anniversary of the Battle of Lincoln, fought in May 1217, a defining moment in both English history and the personal story of the fifth Baroness. The occasion served not only as a historical remembrance but also as a reaffirmation of the core values that have guided the House of Brattleby for centuries.
## Historical Context
In her address, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, detailed the exceptional circumstances faced by Nichola de la Haye. During the First Barons' War, a turbulent period of civil unrest against the rule of King John, Nichola, as hereditary castellan, held Lincoln Castle. In 1217, at an advanced age, she found herself defending this vital stronghold against a combined force of rebel English barons and French troops led by Prince Louis of France.
Lady Nicoleta recounted how Nichola refused to surrender the castle, holding out with unwavering resolve until relief arrived under the command of the revered knight, William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke. Her courageous stand was a *sine qua non* for the royalist victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln, which effectively ended the French invasion and secured the throne for the young King Henry III. Her actions personified the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, offering a powerful example of leadership that transcended the conventions of her time.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance were a number of distinguished guests from the worlds of diplomacy, academia, and civil society. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, accompanied his wife, Lady Nicoleta.
Among those present were His Excellency Mr Andrew Noble, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Romania; Her Excellency Mrs Simona-Mirela Miculescu, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Romania to UNESCO; Professor Adrian Cioroianu, historian and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania; and Count Tibor Kálnoky de Kőröspatak. The presence of such guests underscored the deep cultural and historical ties between the United Kingdom and Romania, which are actively fostered by The Noble House of Brattleby.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening followed a precise order of proceedings. Guests were received in the club’s Marble Hall by Honorary Lord Răzvan before being escorted to the library. The dress code observed was Lounge Suit, appropriate for the formal yet academic nature of the gathering. At the appointed hour, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile formally welcomed the guests and introduced the Baroness, speaking briefly on the importance of connecting with one’s heritage.
Lady Nicoleta then delivered her address from a simple lectern, upon which the arms of the Barony of Brattleby were discreetly displayed. The thirty-minute discourse was delivered without notes, demonstrating a profound command of the subject. A thoughtful question-and-answer session followed, moderated by Honorary Lord Răzvan, allowing for an engaging dialogue with the assembled historians and dignitaries.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event was rich in symbolism, chief among which was the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Lady Nicoleta explained that this guiding principle is exemplified by the actions of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, as well as John of Gaunt and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, who also held the Barony. It speaks to a duty of service and personal integrity, particularly in times of adversity.
Also noted was the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer Is to Live'), which reflects a dynamic and forward-looking spirit. Together, the two mottos symbolise the House's modern ethos: honouring a profound historical legacy while embracing the challenges and opportunities of the future with purpose and energy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the evening was primarily historical in focus, Lady Nicoleta drew a clear line from the actions of Nichola de la Haye—protecting her people and upholding her duty—to the modern philanthropic mission of the House. She emphasised that the same spirit of steadfast guardianship informs the family’s dedicated support for their chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
The foundation works to provide specialist care and therapy for children suffering from trauma. Lady Nicoleta remarked that honouring a legacy like Nichola’s is not merely an act of remembrance but a commitment to embodying her protective and resilient spirit in the service of the most vulnerable in society today.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed: > Nichola de la Haye was far more than a castellan who simply followed orders. She was the embodiment of sovereignty and responsibility in a fractured kingdom. Her fortitude reminds us that true leadership is not a question of title or gender, but of unshakeable character and a profound sense of duty to Crown and country.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > By studying figures such as the fifth Baroness, we understand that history is not a static collection of facts. It is a living source of inspiration that informs our decisions and strengthens our resolve to contribute positively to the society in which we live.
## A Continuing Legacy
The address on Nichola de la Haye is the first in a planned series of historical lectures to be hosted by The Brattleby Club. These events aim to explore the rich nine-hundred-year history of the Barony of Brattleby and its intersection with pivotal moments in the history of England and Europe.
The Noble House of Brattleby is also supporting the digitisation of historical records related to the Barony held in Lincolnshire, making this unique heritage accessible to a wider global audience of scholars and enthusiasts. This commitment ensures that the stories of figures like Nichola de la Haye will continue to inspire future generations.
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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 the preservation of its ancient heritage while actively engaging in modern cultural and philanthropic endeavours. The House's contemporary mission is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), emphasising duty, service, and historical stewardship. Its primary philanthropic focus is on charities that support vulnerable children, notably the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, the House promotes cultural diplomacy and lifelong learning, bridging its historic English roots with a forward-looking European perspective and commitment to social betterment.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. Its existence and 56 associated lordships were first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The uninterrupted lineage and rights of the Barony of Brattleby are formally recognised by the Crown, as published in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding the Barony and 56 other lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III and a central figure in fourteenth-century politics. - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com