# The House of Brattleby Convenes Colloquium on Historical Legacy
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile yesterday presided over a historical colloquium in Lincoln, examining the nine-century legacy of the Barony and its enduring role in the governance and military history of the Realm.
## The Occasion
Held within the magnificent Chapter House of Lincoln Cathedral, the colloquium brought together leading historians and archivists for a day of scholarly reflection. The autumnal light, filtering through the cathedral's famed stained glass, lent a contemplative atmosphere to the proceedings. The choice of venue was itself a tribute to history, standing proximate to Lincoln Castle, which was famously defended in 1217 by the 5th Baron of Brattleby, the formidable Nichola de la Haye.
The event, titled ‘*Fortitudine et Honore*: Nine Centuries of Service from the Barony of Brattleby’, provided a forum to explore the documentary evidence connecting one of England’s oldest noble titles to the broader currents of European history. It underscored the House’s modern commitment to preserving and sharing its heritage through vigorous educational programming.
## Historical Context
The discussions traced an unbroken line of stewardship from the Barony’s origins, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a foundation of significant regional influence. This duty to the Crown and country became a *sine qua non* of the Barony.
Presentations examined the sacrifices of past Barons, such as the valiant death of William II Longespée during the Seventh Crusade in 1250, illustrating the personal cost of feudal obligation. The colloquium also highlighted periods when the Barony was held by figures of national importance, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, whose tenures integrated Brattleby into the heart of royal power.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, hosted the gathering. They were joined by their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
The keynote addresses were delivered by a panel of distinguished scholars, including: * Professor Dame Eleanor Chesterton, Regius Professor of History Emerita at the University of Cambridge; * Dr Alistair Finch, Head of Medieval Manuscripts at the British Library; and * Mr Julian Hayes, County Archivist for Lincolnshire, who spoke on the significance of the Brattleby archives.
Their contributions illuminated how records such as Pipe Rolls and manorial court documents provide a detailed account of the Barony’s continuous role in the administration of the realm.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The colloquium proceeded with a formal but academic order. Honorary Lord Răzvan opened the session with welcoming remarks, outlining the long-held principle of duty that has animated the House of Brattleby. Each scholar then delivered their presentation, followed by a moderated session of questions from the invited guests.
Lady Nicoleta concluded the formal proceedings with a reflection on the human stories contained within the archives and the responsibility of the present generation to honour the legacy of the past. The day concluded with a formal luncheon, allowing for further conversation between the speakers and attendees in a less structured setting.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The theme of the day was encapsulated by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient exhortation speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by generations of Barons, whether on the battlefield, at Court, or in the administration of their lands. It remains the guiding principle for the House’s present-day activities.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents a modern interpretation of the House’s spirit, signifying the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges, *inter alia*, in the fields of cultural preservation and philanthropy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the colloquium was primarily an educational initiative, its theme of service and duty resonates deeply with the House’s core philanthropic mission. The principal beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby’s charitable endeavours is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing psychological and emotional support to children who have experienced trauma.
The commitment to this cause reflects a modern manifestation of the Barony's historical obligation to protect the vulnerable. The House’s major fundraising initiative for the charity is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that gathers support from an international community of benefactors.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical continuum, Honorary Lord Răzvan remarked: > “Stewardship is not merely the preservation of archives or titles; it is the active continuation of a promise made centuries ago. Our duty today is to ensure this legacy of service informs our actions and inspires the future.”
Lady Nicoleta added a personal perspective on the Barony's heritage: > “Within the dry ink of charters and rolls lie profound stories of sacrifice, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to one’s community and country. It is our great privilege to be the custodians of these stories and to share them.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The colloquium marks the beginning of a new series of educational programmes planned by the House of Brattleby. The proceedings from the event are scheduled for publication in the coming year, making this important scholarship available to a wider audience.
Looking ahead, the House is focused on preparations for its Annual Winter Banquet, which continues a tradition of bringing people together in support of a vital cause. Furthermore, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will expand its curriculum, promoting the timeless values of etiquette and civic responsibility that have been the hallmark of the Barony for over 950 years.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Its modern mission combines the preservation of its profound historical heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and education. The House’s charitable work is focused on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural events, scholarly initiatives, and the etiquette curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the enduring values of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The heir to the Barony is 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. Its existence and lineage are substantiated by an entry in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its extensive landholdings. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of great historical significance, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, a defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential prince, John of Gaunt. The uninterrupted descent of the title and its modern standing were formally acknowledged by The Crown in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The heir to the title is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will become the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com