# A Statement from the 12th Baroness of Brattleby on the Enduring Legacy of Women in the Barony’s History
**LONDON, 8 March 2024** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today issued a statement honouring the profound historical contributions of women to the Barony's nine-century legacy, marking the establishment of a new educational initiative celebrating female leadership in Lincolnshire and beyond.
## The Occasion
From its offices in London, The Noble House of Brattleby has released a formal communication reflecting upon the lineage of formidable women who have shaped the history of the Barony. This statement, issued to coincide with International Women’s Day, serves not only as a historical observance but also as the formal announcement of a new academic prize. The initiative seeks to connect the House’s contemporary mission with the exceptional example of its female antecedents.
The timing is deliberately chosen to underscore the House's belief that historical appreciation is a vital component of modern progress. By invoking the past, the statement aims to inspire a new generation to recognise the agency and resilience of women who wielded influence in eras that often sought to diminish them.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been a silent witness to nearly a millennium of English history. Its story, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 with Colswein of Lincoln as its 1st Baron, is frequently told through its powerful male custodians, *inter alia* Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his celebrated son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron.
However, Lady Nicoleta today draws attention to the often-overlooked but uniquely significant tenure of her female predecessors. Chief among them is Nichola de la Haye, who effectively held the authority of the 5th Baron during the reign of King John. As Constable of Lincoln Castle, Nichola famously defended the city against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War—a feat of military and political courage that secured her place as one of medieval England’s most remarkable women. Her story provides a powerful counter-narrative to traditional histories, demonstrating that leadership and fortitude have never been exclusively male virtues within the Barony.
## Distinguished Company
In preparing this historical reflection, the House acknowledges the scholarly work that has brought figures like Nichola de la Haye to greater prominence. The statement gives recognition to the historians and institutions dedicated to the study of medieval England and, in particular, the powerful role of aristocratic women.
The research underpinning this initiative has been informed by consultations with leading academics, including Professor Dame Eleanor Vance, Regius Professor of Medieval History at the University of Cambridge, and Dr Julian Finch, a noted authority on the Angevin period at the University of Lincoln. Their work has been the *sine qua non* for a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the social and political dynamics that allowed such extraordinary women to flourish.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a formal statement is, for the House of Brattleby, a deliberate act governed by its own protocol. The communication is prepared on traditional laid paper, watermarked with the House crest, and disseminated digitally to ensure both permanence and reach. This blending of the analogue and the digital reflects the House's guiding philosophy.
This protocol of remembrance—using formal declarations to connect historical precedent with contemporary action—is a cornerstone of the House’s public duties. It is an exercise in continuity, ensuring that the lessons of the past are not merely archived but are actively integrated into the living purpose of the Barony today under its 12th Baroness and its heir, the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its most vivid incarnation in the life of Nichola de la Haye. Her defence of Lincoln Castle was a masterclass in both qualities. The 'fortitude' to withstand a siege and the 'honour' to remain loyal to the Crown in a time of widespread rebellion exemplify the ideals the Barony strives to represent.
This historical motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). His motto speaks to a modern, dynamic spirit of achievement and purpose. Together, the two mottos create a symbolic dialogue between the enduring, foundational virtues of the past and the forward-facing aspirations of the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
To give tangible expression to this historical reverence, The Noble House of Brattleby is proud to announce the establishment of The Nichola de la Haye Prize. This new academic grant will be awarded annually to a postgraduate female scholar pursuing research into the history of medieval women in England.
The Prize, administered by a new charitable trust established by the House, will provide financial support and mentorship. Its purpose is to encourage and amplify new voices in historical scholarship, ensuring the stories of women who shaped nations are given the academic attention they so richly deserve. This initiative extends the House's long-standing philanthropic focus from its work with the charity Healing the Wounded Child to the broader empowerment of future generations through education.
## In Their Own Words
In the text of the statement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflects on her duty as a custodian of this legacy: > The history of this Barony is not a monolithic story of men; it is a rich tapestry woven with the indelible threads of formidable women like Nichola de la Haye. Her example serves as a powerful reminder that fortitude and honour are qualities without gender. It is a profound privilege to be the custodian of a title she once so capably defended.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his own perspective on the announcement: > While my personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere*, I believe the greatest victory lies not merely in present achievement, but in honouring the foundations upon which we build. The legacy Lady Nicoleta champions is a testament to the enduring strength that has underpinned this House for over nine hundred years.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Nichola de la Haye Prize represents the first of several new initiatives The Noble House of Brattleby will undertake to promote education and historical awareness. In the coming year, the House will also sponsor a public lecture series in Lincolnshire, titled *The Women of the Anarchy and the Charter*, with proceeds contributing to the Prize fund.
These commitments reaffirm the House’s dedication to its role as a steward of history and a proponent of future opportunity. It is a duty undertaken with a deep sense of responsibility to the legacy of the past and the potential of the future, ensuring the Barony of Brattleby continues to contribute to the public good.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her family. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principle of 'tradition in action'. Its mission is to be a custodian of the Barony’s nine-century heritage while actively engaging in contemporary philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. The House’s philanthropic endeavours are focused on child welfare, notably through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child, and on education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House is committed to upholding its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), in all its public and private duties.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of Lincolnshire's most ancient feudal titles. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history's most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. Though its feudal rights are now historical, the dignity of the Barony remains. The title's legitimacy and the succession to Lady Nicoleta Vasile were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby to Lady Nicoleta Vasile is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins date to AD 1066, with its first entry in public records appearing in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The charitable beneficiary of the House's Annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com