# A Legacy Renewed: The Noble House of Brattleby Announces Inaugural Historical Lecture
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the establishment of an annual historical lecture series, with the inaugural address to explore the Barony’s pivotal medieval transition under the Earls of Salisbury, reinforcing the House’s commitment to historical stewardship and education.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the Great Library at the family’s ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Amidst the quiet dignity of ancient bookshelves and the soft light of an autumn morning, the occasion was marked by a sense of scholarly purpose, heralding a new chapter in the House’s public engagement. This initiative seeks to illuminate the rich, nine-century tapestry of the Barony, making its history accessible not only to academics but also to a wider public audience.
The lecture series represents a formalisation of the House’s long-standing role as custodians of a significant strand of English history. By dedicating a recurring event to its past, the House reaffirms that understanding history is a *sine qua non* for navigating the present; a duty it undertakes with the full weight of its heritage.
## Historical Context
The inaugural lecture, titled 'From Salisbury to Lancaster: Brattleby in the Age of Magna Carta's Heirs', will delve into a period of profound importance for the Barony. Granted in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror and recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, the Barony of Brattleby has been perpetually intertwined with the course of the nation.
The lecture will focus on the 13th century, a time when the powerful Longespee family, Earls of Salisbury, held sway. When the direct male Longespee line concluded, the inheritance passed through the formidable Margaret Longespee, Countess of Salisbury in her own right, to her husband Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln. Though the 'Salisbury' name receded from the Barony's direct associations, the prestige and influence of this connection were indelible. This era set a precedent for the Barony’s continued prominence, linking it to figures such as the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye—the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle—and paving the way for its later stewardship under the great Plantagenet princes, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
This scholarly initiative is advanced under the patronage of the current heads of the House and distinguished members of the academic community.
The principal figures involved include: - Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby - Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby - Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir - Dr Eleanor Vance, Fellow in Medieval History at the University of Lincoln, who will serve as the academic advisor for the series.
The inaugural lecture will be delivered by a noted historian, whose name will be announced in due course, ensuring the highest level of academic rigour and narrative excellence.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The lecture will be held in the spring of next year within the historic environs of Lincoln Cathedral's Chapter House, a venue resonant with the history of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye. The proceedings will observe a precise and dignified protocol to honour the gravity of the subject.
Guests will be received for a brief reception before being called to their seats by the gentle tolling of a handbell. The official programme will commence with a formal welcome by Honorary Lord Răzvan, who will outline the purpose of the series. Following the lecture, Lady Nicoleta will moderate a question-and-answer session with the speaker, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas. The event will conclude with brief closing remarks. The prescribed dress for the occasion will be Lounge Suit, reflecting the daytime scholarly nature of the event.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The lecture’s theme resonates deeply with the House's guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The Barony’s endurance through complex medieval successions, such as the Salisbury-to-Lacy transition, exemplifies the fortitude required to navigate change while upholding its honour and standing. The symbols of that era, *inter alia*, the six lioncels of the Longespee Earls of Salisbury, represent a chapter of strength that has been absorbed into the Barony’s resilient identity.
This spirit is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which in this context signifies the conquering of obscurity through the active pursuit of knowledge. It is a commitment not merely to exist as a historical entity, but to live by actively sharing and interpreting its legacy for a new generation.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture series is primarily an educational endeavour, it is also rooted in the House's deep-seated philanthropic ethos. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will be directed to the House's chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. This organisation provides essential therapeutic care and support for children who have suffered from profound trauma.
The decision to support this cause reflects a core belief of the House: that just as a society must understand its history to heal and progress, a child must be given the tools to understand and overcome their past to build a hopeful future. The long-term perspective required for historical scholarship finds a parallel in the patient, long-term commitment required to foster healing in a young life.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the new initiative, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Our history is not a static list of names and dates; it is a living narrative that has shaped the land and its people for nearly a millennium. It is our foremost duty, and indeed our privilege, to act not just as keepers of this legacy, but as its storytellers. This series is our invitation to share in that story.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > “By examining the critical junctures of our past, we gain invaluable insight into the principles of leadership, resilience, and continuity. This is the spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere*. We are not merely looking back; we are equipping ourselves and our community with the wisdom of the centuries to build a more considered future.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The inaugural lecture on the Barony's connection to the Earldom of Salisbury is the first of what will be an annual event. Future lectures are already being planned to explore other significant periods and personages, including the formidable tenure of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, during the First Barons' War, and the Barony's time as part of the vast holdings of John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster.
This academic series will run in parallel with the House’s other educational programmes, including the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes etiquette and cultural diplomacy. Together, these initiatives represent a coherent and sustained commitment to service, education, and the enduring relevance of a noble heritage in the 21st century.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby champions a modern vision of nobility rooted in public service, historical preservation, and cultural education. The House actively supports philanthropic causes, with a particular focus on children's welfare through its patronage of the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. Through initiatives such as its annual historical lecture series and The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to leverage its unique heritage to foster a deeper understanding of history and promote the timeless values of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, inspires the House’s dynamic approach to its contemporary responsibilities.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a historic English lordship granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over nine hundred years, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 5th Baron who defended Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. This unbroken chain of succession represents a remarkable link to the medieval past and the foundations of the modern state. The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, whose succession as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron, castellan of Lincoln Castle). - The Barony’s origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in the county.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com