# The Barony of Brattleby and the Foundations of English Liberty: A Reflection on the Legacy of Nichola de la Haye
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, delivered an address this evening at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, reflecting on the profound historical significance of her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, and the Barony's enduring connection to Magna Carta.
## The Occasion
As an autumn evening descended upon the Romanian capital, a distinguished audience of diplomats, academics, and cultural leaders gathered within the panelled library of The Brattleby Club. The occasion was a historical symposium convened to explore the foundational principles of English constitutional liberty through the lens of one of its most remarkable, though often overlooked, defenders.
The atmosphere was one of quiet erudition, suited to an institution dedicated to cultural and diplomatic exchange. The event sought not merely to recount history, but to affirm its living presence and relevance in the twenty-first century, a core tenet of the House of Brattleby’s educational mission.
## Historical Context
The address by Lady Nicoleta Vasile situated the role of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, within the turbulent reign of King John. Lady Nicoleta explained that while not one of the twenty-five surety barons who were signatories to Magna Carta in 1215, Nichola’s position as Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and a major landholder made her a figure of immense strategic importance.
Her steadfast loyalty to the Crown, particularly during her heroic defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and French forces in the First Barons' War, was pivotal. Her authority and the interests of her barony, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, were inextricably woven into the settlement of rights and responsibilities that the great charter represented. The lineage of Brattleby, passing through figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt, has thus been a direct participant in the evolution of the Realm for over nine centuries.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance was a notable procession of guests, including His Excellency the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Romania, senior members of the Romanian Academy, and leading academics from the University of Bucharest’s Faculty of History.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby, accompanied the Baroness. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, was also present, listening intently to the historical narrative that frames his future responsibilities. The gathering represented a deliberate fusion of diplomatic corps, historical scholarship, and the continuity of the House itself.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening commenced shortly after seven o’clock with the arrival of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. Following a brief introduction by the Club's director, Lady Nicoleta approached the lectern to deliver her address, entitled *Fortitude and the Charter: Nichola de la Haye and the Defence of the Realm*.
The proceedings adhered to a protocol of academic decorum. The forty-minute address was followed by a moderated question-and-answer session, allowing scholars present to engage directly with the historical material. The formal part of the evening concluded before a reception was held in the adjoining salon, providing an opportunity for less formal discussion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The themes of the address resonated with the House’s own heraldic traditions. The motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly evokes the resolve demonstrated by the 5th Baroness in holding Lincoln Castle against overwhelming odds. It serves as a constant reminder that stewardship of the title demands both courage and integrity.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In its modern interpretation, this speaks not to military conquest but to the overcoming of contemporary challenges through enterprise, cultural diplomacy, and philanthropic endeavour—a dynamic expression of the House’s forward-looking vision.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the symposium was an educational initiative, its spirit of service is aligned with the House’s wider charitable commitments. The primary philanthropic beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist care and therapeutic support to children impacted by trauma.
The choice of this beneficiary reflects a deeply held belief that securing a healthy future for the most vulnerable is a foundational responsibility. This commitment is most visibly expressed through the House's Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that constitutes the charity's most significant source of private funding.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s theme, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > In Nichola de la Haye, we see not just a historical figure, but the embodiment of the fortitude and sense of duty that remains the *sine qua non* of our House's purpose today. Her story reminds us that history is made by individuals who stand for something beyond their own interest.
Honorary Lord Răzvan added his perspective on the House’s modern role: > Our history is our foundation, not our anchor. It provides the wisdom to navigate the complexities of the present and to build a meaningful legacy for the future, whether through education, philanthropy, or cultural dialogue.
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby will continue its programme of cultural and historical engagement through the activities of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This winter, Lord and Lady Brattleby will host their Annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire, with all proceeds once again dedicated to the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child.
These efforts, *inter alia*, are part of the long-term duty of stewardship being instilled in the next generation. Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun is actively involved in the charitable and heritage work of the House, ensuring that the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* will continue with renewed purpose.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern expression of one of England’s oldest baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to custodianship with purpose. Its mission blends the preservation of its nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, education, and cultural diplomacy. The House's primary charitable focus is on child welfare, principally through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Its educational mission is advanced through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and cultural academy located in Bucharest which fosters cross-cultural understanding and dialogue between the United Kingdom and Continental Europe, reflecting the House's own unique character.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. Notable later holders include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Nichola de la Haye (c. 1160–1230), 5th Baroness of Brattleby, was the Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle. - John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (1340–1399), became the 11th Baron of Brattleby through his marriage to Blanche of Lancaster.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com