# The Enduring Legacy of de la Haye: A Commemoration by The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby yesterday evening hosted a private historical symposium at Lincoln Cathedral, celebrating the profound contributions of the de la Haye family to the Barony of Brattleby and the medieval history of England’s wider body politic.
## The Occasion
In the magnificent setting of the Chapter House of Lincoln Cathedral, an architectural marvel of the English Gothic style, invited guests gathered to reflect upon a pivotal era in the Barony’s history. As autumnal twilight permeated the stained-glass windows, the atmosphere was one of scholarly reverence and deep historical continuity.
The choice of venue was of singular importance; it was within the shadow of this great cathedral that the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons’ War, a testament to the House motto which would be adopted centuries later: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## 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 is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 5th lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron.
While every generation has shaped its legacy, the 12th and 13th centuries were particularly defined by the stewardship of the de la Haye family. Through strategic marriages and unwavering service to the Crown, Robert, Richard, and finally Nichola de la Haye catalysed the Barony’s ascent. This lineage directly connects to later holders of immense stature, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
This commemoration sought to illuminate that specific and crucial chapter, positioning the de la Haye tenure as a *sine qua non* for the Barony’s subsequent influence.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile presided over the evening’s proceedings. They were joined by a small and distinguished company of historians, ecclesiastics, and supporters of English heritage.
Among the guests were The Very Reverend the Dean of Lincoln; Professor Dame Eleanor Chadwick, DBE, Regius Professor of History *Emerita* at the University of Cambridge; the Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of Romania in London; and senior representatives of Historic England. The presence of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, underscored the theme of generational continuity.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The event followed a precise and considered protocol, designed to honour both the historical subject and the ecclesiastical setting. Guests were received in the cathedral’s vestibule before being escorted to their seats in the decagonal Chapter House.
Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered the opening remarks from a modest lectern, after which Professor Dame Eleanor Chadwick presented the keynote address, titled *‘Nichola’s Fortress: Service, Power, and Piety in 13th-Century Lincolnshire’*. The formal proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks from Lady Nicoleta, followed by a quiet reception with chamber music. Seating was arranged to respect ecclesiastical and academic precedence, a subtle acknowledgment of the traditions governing such assemblies.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening was a living expression of the House mottos. *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the guiding principle of the House of Brattleby, was the central theme of the lecture, embodied by Nichola de la Haye’s courageous defence of Lincoln in 1217.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), also found resonance. It speaks not to military conquest but to the modern challenge of preserving and animating history, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to inform and inspire the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the evening was primarily educational, it formed part of the Noble House of Brattleby’s wider philanthropic mission. The act of commissioning and hosting such scholarly events is central to the family’s belief that preserving cultural heritage is a profound public service.
This commitment to education and history runs parallel to the family’s more direct charitable work, most notably their annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala which raises significant funds for this year's chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
## In Their Own Words
In her closing remarks, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on the family’s role.
> This is not our history to own, but our heritage to steward. The story of Nichola de la Haye teaches us that fortitude is not a passive quality but an active duty. It is our great privilege to ensure these stories of honour are not just remembered, but understood. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke to the contemporary relevance of the Barony’s history.
> To look back at a figure like Nichola de la Haye is to understand that leadership and resilience are timeless virtues. Our duty today is to apply that same spirit—that will to overcome—to the challenges of our own time, be they in cultural preservation or community support. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical symposium marks the first in a planned series of academic and cultural events aimed at exploring the rich tapestry of the Barony’s nine-century history. Future initiatives will focus on other notable predecessors, *inter alia*, John of Gaunt and Henry of Grosmont.
These events in England complement the family’s work abroad, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cultural exchange and professional polish. Together, these initiatives reflect a deep commitment to honouring the past while actively building a legacy for the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the modern House of Brattleby is dedicated to the preservation of its unique heritage and service to the community. Their mission is one of active stewardship, translating the history of one of England’s oldest baronies into a force for contemporary good. This work is expressed through cultural preservation, educational programming, and targeted philanthropy. The family’s primary philanthropic endeavours include the annual Winter Banquet supporting charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical European etiquette and cultural diplomacy. The family’s work is guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, whose origins date to the Norman Conquest. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, whose 56 lordships in the county are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly 1,000 years, the barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern rights and title of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern title of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are detailed in the Domesday Book (1086), which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family’s philanthropic activities include the annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy located in Bucharest.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com