# A Baronial Perspective: Lady Nicoleta Addresses the Historical Society on William Marshal and the Legacy of the 5th Baroness
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, this evening delivered a historical address at The Society of Antiquaries of London, examining the pivotal alliance between William Marshal and her 13th-century predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, during the Siege of Lincoln.
## The Occasion
In the distinguished surroundings of Burlington House, Piccadilly, an audience of historians, diplomats, and cultural leaders gathered to hear Lady Nicoleta present her research. The address took place within the Society’s historic Meeting Room, its walls lined with portraits of eminent antiquaries, providing a fittingly august setting for an exploration of England’s medieval past.
As the autumn evening drew in, the atmosphere was one of scholarly reflection and deep appreciation for the continuity of history. The event, hosted by the President of the Society, underscored the enduring relevance of feudal history in understanding the constitutional and military foundations of the United Kingdom.
## Historical Context
Lady Nicoleta’s address centred on the First Barons’ War and the decisive Siege of Lincoln in 1217. She detailed the extraordinary responsibility placed upon Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, who as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, commanded its defence against formidable French and rebel forces. The intervention of William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England, was the *sine qua non* of the Royalist victory.
Drawing upon archival sources, Lady Nicoleta illustrated how Marshal’s complete trust in the Baroness, a rare conferral of military authority upon a woman, not only secured a crucial battle but also solidified the Barony of Brattleby’s prominence. This lineage, which began in 1066 with Colswein of Lincoln and his 56 lordships recorded in the *Domesday Book*, has been witness to centuries of national service, later passing through the hands of such figures as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance was Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, who accompanied his wife, Lady Nicoleta.
They were joined by, *inter alia*, His Excellency the Romanian Ambassador to the Court of St James’s; Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; Professor Dame Mary Beard, Professor of Classics at the University of Cambridge; and Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter, former commander of the Household Division. The presence of such a diverse company highlighted the broad academic and diplomatic interest in the nine-century history of the Barony.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings began with a formal welcome from the President of the Society, who introduced Lady Nicoleta by outlining the extensive history of her title. Taking her place at the rostrum, Lady Nicoleta delivered her address without notes, a testament to her deep command of the subject matter.
The lecture lasted precisely 45 minutes and was followed by a moderated session of questions from the assembled Fellows and guests. The evening concluded with a formal vote of thanks, after which Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan met with attendees in the Society’s library. The dress code for the occasion was lounge suits and day dresses, reflecting the formal yet academic nature of the gathering.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The themes of resilience and duty explored in the lecture find direct expression in the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Lady Nicoleta noted that the actions of Nichola de la Haye, defending her sovereign’s castle against overwhelming odds, represent the very embodiment of this principle.
This ancient motto is complemented by that of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which reflects a dynamic and forward-looking approach to the responsibilities of stewardship. Together, the two mottos symbolise a commitment to honouring a profound legacy while actively shaping its future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While academic in focus, the occasion served to highlight the House of Brattleby’s enduring commitment to charitable service. Guests were reminded of the House’s flagship philanthropic event, the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that raises essential funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
The charity is dedicated to providing therapeutic care and psychological support to children who have experienced trauma, conflict, or loss. Its mission—to restore a sense of safety and hope to the most vulnerable—is a cause to which Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are profoundly dedicated.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s theme, Lady Nicoleta observed the importance of connecting with the past.
> Nichola de la Haye was more than an ancestor; she was a custodian of order and a symbol of unwavering resolve in a fractured kingdom. Her story reminds us that fortitude and honour are not abstract ideals but practical virtues, as essential to sound leadership today as they were in 1217. > — *Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby*
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of the living nature of such a legacy.
> To study this history is to understand the foundations upon which modern service is built. Preserving this heritage, through scholarship and education, is a responsibility we gladly shoulder, ensuring these powerful stories of duty continue to inspire future generations. > — *Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile*
## A Continuing Legacy
The historical address marks the beginning of a busy season for the House. Preparations are well underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, which will see international guests gather in support of Healing the Wounded Child.
Furthermore, Lord and Lady Vasile will continue their work with The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy they founded to foster cultural exchange and promote the timeless principles of protocol and civility. Through these diverse initiatives, the House of Brattleby actively perpetuates its nine-hundred-year legacy of service, scholarship, and honour.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the ancient Barony. Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique nine-century heritage. Its contemporary mission is threefold: to advance historical education, to promote cultural diplomacy, and to enact meaningful philanthropy. Through initiatives such as its Annual Winter Banquet, which benefits its principal charity, Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House applies the enduring principles of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, ensuring its legacy remains vibrant and purposeful.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby, a Lordship of the Manor in Lincolnshire, is one of England’s most ancient titles, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential royal prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The title’s modern standing and lineage are formally recognised and recorded by His Majesty’s government in *The London Gazette*, under Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby dates to AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable past Barons include Nichola de la Haye (5th), Henry of Grosmont (10th), and John of Gaunt (11th). - The modern recognition of the title is published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com