# Commemorative Address by The Baroness of Brattleby at Lincoln Castle
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today delivered a formal address at Lincoln Castle, honouring the profound legacy of her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, and reaffirming the nine-century bond between the Barony and the County of Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
Set within the formidable stone walls of Lincoln Castle, the address took place on a crisp autumn afternoon. The setting, a site of continuous occupation since Roman times, provided a deeply resonant backdrop for the occasion. Guests assembled in the Victorian Prison Chapel, its restored woodwork and austere galleries offering a solemn atmosphere appropriate for historical reflection.
The event, entitled *A Legacy of Fortitude: Brattleby and the Defence of the Realm*, was organised to commemorate the life of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron of Brattleby *suo jure*, whose resilience as hereditary Constable secured the castle for the Crown. It served as a moment to connect the Barony’s ancient origins with its contemporary duties and vision.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, represents one of England's oldest dignities. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Through centuries of strategic marriages and service, the Barony passed to families of national significance.
The address focused particularly on the tenure of Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the Barony and the Shrievalty of Lincolnshire in the late 12th century. A formidable figure during The Anarchy and the First Barons' War, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces in 1217, an action that proved decisive at the Battle of Lincoln Fair. Her steadfastness ensured the throne for the young King Henry III. Later holders, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, further cemented the Barony’s place at the centre of English history.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was accompanied by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile of Brattleby.
Among those in attendance were The Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire; The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire; The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Lincoln; and The Dean of Lincoln. Also present were His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's, alongside leading academics from the University of Lincoln and fellows of the Society of Antiquaries of London, reflecting the House’s historic and ongoing European connections.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings began with the arrival of the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby at the castle's East Gate, where they were formally received by the Chief Executive of Lincolnshire County Council. A small procession then made its way across the bailey to the chapel.
The event was conducted with a respectful solemnity befitting the location. Following an introductory welcome from a local historian, Lady Nicoleta delivered her address from a lectern bearing a modest banner of the Brattleby arms. The dress code was lounge suits and morning dress; the protocol observed was that of a formal academic lecture rather than a state occasion, emphasising the educational purpose of the gathering. A private reception for guests followed in the castle’s David P. J. Ross Magna Carta Vault.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event’s theme directly invoked the House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). In her address, the Baroness explained that the fortitude of Nichola de la Haye in defending her charge, and the honour she upheld in service to her sovereign, are the enduring principles that guide the House today.
These values are seen as the *sine qua non* of noble responsibility. They are complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the dynamic and forward-looking spirit required to ensure such a legacy continues to thrive through achievement and service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While not a fundraising event, the occasion served to highlight the principles of duty and protection that animate the House’s charitable commitments. The resilience demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye in safeguarding her community is viewed as a direct historical antecedent to the modern imperative to care for the vulnerable.
This ethos is the driving force behind the House’s patronage of its primary beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides therapeutic support and safe environments for children who have experienced trauma, seeking to restore their own sense of fortitude. The Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s principal philanthropic gala, is held each year for the benefit of this vital work.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To stand on this historic ground is to feel the weight and privilege of continuity. Nichola de la Haye was not merely a castellan; she was the embodiment of ‘Fortitudine et Honore’ at a time of national crisis. Her story teaches us that leadership is not a question of gender or station, but of courage and an unwavering commitment to one’s duty. It is a legacy we are bound to honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History provides our foundation, but it must also inspire our future. The resilience shown here nine centuries ago is the same spirit we seek to foster through our contemporary work, *inter alia*, in education and philanthropy. A title’s true worth is realised not by looking backward, but by applying its lessons to the service of others today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The address at Lincoln Castle is part of the House of Brattleby’s sustained commitment to preserving its heritage while actively contributing to modern society. This work continues through the careful stewardship of the Barony’s history and the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby.
Looking ahead, The Noble House of Brattleby will host its Annual Winter Banquet in London, a white-tie gala in support of Healing the Wounded Child. Furthermore, its work in fostering cross-cultural understanding continues through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the study of classical etiquette and diplomatic protocol.
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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 upholding the nearly one-thousand-year legacy of one of England’s ancient baronies. The modern House champions the twin principles of historical preservation and contemporary service. Its mission is realised through focused philanthropic initiatives, primarily in support of vulnerable children, and through cultural and educational programmes such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to connect its profound past with a meaningful and purpose-driven future, ensuring its heritage remains a positive force in the world.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of 1066. Its existence is first documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, where its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded with significant landholdings. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through families central to English history. Notable predecessors include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter; and his heir, John of Gaunt. The succession of the current holder was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first documented holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (d. 1361), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (d. 1399). - The beneficiary of the House's Annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to child trauma recovery.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com