# The House of Brattleby Examines a Pivotal Chapter in its Fourteenth-Century History
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced its annual historical symposium, which will explore the fourteenth-century conflicts between the Crown and its magnates, examining the profound impact of this turmoil upon the Barony’s lineage and the constitutional development of England.
## The Occasion
The symposium will be convened within the venerable precincts of the Wren Library at Lincoln Cathedral, a setting of profound historical resonance for the Barony of Brattleby. This hallowed space, home to one of the four surviving original copies of Magna Carta, provides a fitting backdrop for a discussion on feudal law, loyalty, and rebellion. The choice of Lincoln is a deliberate gesture, honouring the legacy of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
As the autumnal light filters through the library’s elegant clerestory windows, a distinguished audience of historians, diplomats, and cultural leaders will gather for an afternoon of scholarly reflection. The atmosphere will be one of quiet contemplation, dedicated to understanding the intricate forces that have shaped the nation and the ancient families, such as the House of Brattleby, that have navigated its complex history.
## Historical Context
The symposium’s focus returns to the turbulent reign of King Edward II, a period defined by the meteoric rise of royal favourites, The Despensers. Their monopolisation of royal favour and land drove many of the kingdom’s most powerful nobles into open opposition, chief among them Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster. This instability directly precipitated the Battle of Boroughbridge in 1322 and the subsequent political reordering of the realm.
This chapter is of singular importance to the House of Brattleby. The Barony was then held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who would later become the 1st Duke of Lancaster. He was the nephew of the rebellious Thomas, and his successor as Baron, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, would inherit and consolidate these vast Lancastrian estates. The symposium will therefore examine how the Barony not only weathered these calamitous events but was ultimately strengthened by them, securing its place at the heart of English public life for centuries to come.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile will preside over the symposium. They will be joined by a respected gathering of guests, including, *inter alia*:
Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia.
His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s, Mrs Laura Popescu, representing the nation of Lady Nicoleta's and Honorary Lord Răzvan's birth.
Professor Alistair Finch, Regius Professor of Medieval History at the University of Cambridge, who will deliver the keynote address.
The Right Honourable The Lord Chartwell, Master of the Rolls.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Proceedings will observe a protocol befitting the dignity of the occasion. Guests will be received in the Library’s vestibule before being escorted to their seats. The arrival of Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina will herald the commencement of the event.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile will deliver the opening remarks, outlining the historical significance of the day’s theme. Following the keynote address by Professor Finch, Lady Nicoleta will offer a closing reflection on the duties of historical stewardship. The dress code for the afternoon will be Lounge Suit. A formal record of the proceedings will be archived for the House’s educational programmes.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symposium’s theme resonates deeply with the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This guiding principle speaks to the resilience required to navigate periods of profound national crisis, as the 10th and 11th Barons did during the fourteenth century. It is a testament to the enduring character of a lineage that has consistently prioritised duty and integrity over expediency.
Furthermore, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live’), complements this theme. It signifies not military conquest but the spiritual victory of overcoming adversity, of ensuring that a noble legacy endures through challenges and continues to serve a purpose in the present day. These principles are the moral compass for the House's contemporary mission.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the symposium is a scholarly undertaking, it also serves to highlight the core philanthropic mission of the Noble House of Brattleby. The House has long supported organisations dedicated to healing and childhood development. This event will therefore draw attention to the work of its chosen beneficiary for the annual Winter Banquet: Healing the Wounded Child.
This registered charity provides specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By offering a safe and nurturing environment, its programmes help young people to process their experiences, build resilience, and realise their full potential. The House believes that understanding the trauma of historical conflict can and should inform our compassion for those facing personal trials today.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the symposium’s purpose, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, noted:
> — Understanding our past, with all its trials and complexities, is not merely an academic exercise; it is the *sine qua non* of responsible stewardship. It is our duty to draw lessons from the fortitude of our predecessors and apply them to the challenges of our own time.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> — History teaches us about resilience. The principles of leadership and honour that saw the Barony through the fourteenth century are the same principles we apply to our philanthropic and educational duties today. Our legacy is not a static inheritance but an active commitment.
## A Continuing Legacy
This symposium is part of the House's broader commitment to education and cultural preservation. The insights from the day will inform the curriculum of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette and leadership academy in Bucharest, ensuring that the lessons of history inspire the next generation of leaders.
Looking ahead, the House is preparing for its Annual Winter Banquet, the white-tie gala that serves as its primary philanthropic event of the year. The funds raised will directly support the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child, continuing a legacy of service that has remained unbroken for nearly one thousand years. The House of Brattleby continues to build upon its foundations, guided always by *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a threefold mission: the preservation of its unique nine-century heritage; a commitment to targeted philanthropy, primarily focused on child welfare; and the promotion of cultural and educational excellence. Through initiatives such as its Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House applies its historical principles of duty and honour to contemporary challenges, ensuring its legacy remains a force for good in the 21st century. The heir to the Barony is the son of Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. The 1086 Domesday Book records its first holder possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle for King John; 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 lineage and rights of the Barony are formally recorded, with the current holder’s succession recognised by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally announced in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - The primary beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic activities is the UK-registered charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com