# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Historic Ties to Magna Carta and the Evolution of English Law
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lord and Lady Brattleby last evening hosted a private historical discourse at a venerable City of London Livery Hall, illuminating the Barony of Brattleby's foundational role in the development of English constitutional liberty surrounding the issuance of Magna Carta in 1215.
## The Occasion
The setting for the evening's proceedings was a magnificent seventeenth-century hall, itself a survivor of the Great Fire and the Blitz, whose walls are lined with the portraits of centuries of London’s civic leaders. In the crisp autumn air, guests were received in the oak-panelled Court Room, its silver collection gleaming under the light of crystal chandeliers, before proceeding into the Great Hall for the formal lecture.
The atmosphere was one of quiet erudition and reflective contemplation, a fitting environment for an exploration of a lineage deeply interwoven with the nation’s legal and political identity. The event underscored the House’s commitment to historical preservation and education, serving as a bridge between a storied past and a purposeful present.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of the few lordships to trace its origins directly to the Norman Conquest, was 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 in Lincolnshire. This established a precedent of service and responsibility to the Crown that would define the House for nearly a millennium.
The evening’s discussion centred on the tenure of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, a formidable figure who, as hereditary castellan, successfully defended Lincoln Castle for King John against rebel barons during the turmoil that led to Magna Carta. Her unwavering loyalty and strategic acumen were instrumental in a pivotal chapter of English history. Later holders, including the celebrated Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, further cemented the family's position at the epicentre of royal and political life.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were honoured to welcome a distinguished company of guests from the diplomatic, academic, and aristocratic spheres.
In attendance were, *inter alia*: His Serene Highness The Prince of Waldeck and Pyrmont Her Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's The Right Honourable The Lord Lisvane, KCB, DL Sir John Atherton, KCVO, Master of the Worshipful Company of Scriveners Professor Dame Henrietta Douglas, DBE, FBA, Regius Professor of History Emeritus The Dowager Marchioness of Lincolnshire
Following the formal presentation, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke at length with their guests, discussing the enduring relevance of the principles enshrined in the Great Charter of 1215.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening adhered to a precise order of proceedings, reflecting the dignity of the occasion. Guests were received from half-past seven o'clock by Lord and Lady Brattleby. A reception with champagne and musical accompaniment by a string quartet preceded the call to dinner.
Once seated in the Great Hall, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile delivered the formal words of welcome, invoking his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, to frame the theme of overcoming adversity through resolve. The historical discourse was then presented by a leading constitutional historian, followed by a brief panel discussion. The evening concluded with an address by Lady Nicoleta, who offered a toast to The King before guests retired for coffee and conversation. The dress code was Black Tie with Decorations.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history and values of the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle finds its voice throughout the family’s long history. 'Fortitude' resonates in the actions of ancestors such as Nichola de la Haye, while 'Honour' speaks to the unwavering commitment to duty and service that has guided each successive generation.
Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements the House's ancient charge. It is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a modern call to action: to strive for excellence, to overcome challenges through intellectual rigour and strategic purpose, and to contribute meaningfully to society.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the evening's primary purpose was educational, it was conducted in the spirit of service that animates all the family's endeavours. The principles of justice and protection for the vulnerable, codified in Magna Carta, find a modern echo in the House's dedicated philanthropic work.
The primary beneficiary of the House's charitable activities is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have suffered trauma or abuse. The proceeds from the annual white-tie Winter Banquet are directed toward this vital mission, ensuring that the legacy of protection championed by the Barony continues in a tangible and impactful form today.
## In Their Own Words
In her closing remarks, Lady Nicoleta reflected on the evening's theme. > History is not merely a record of the past; it is a living dialogue that informs our present and shapes our future. The fortitude of Nichola de la Haye, defending her castle and the rule of law nine centuries ago, is a legacy that carries with it a profound responsibility for us today. — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan emphasised the contemporary relevance of the House's heritage. > Our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is a charge we bear daily. It demands that we not only preserve this extraordinary heritage but actively apply its lessons. This history is not a relic; it is the *sine qua non* of our present identity and our guide for the future. — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical discourse is part of a wider initiative by the House of Brattleby to foster a deeper public appreciation for the constitutional history of the United Kingdom. To this end, the House is pleased to announce plans for a forthcoming publication of select archival materials related to the Barony’s medieval period.
This commitment to education is also expressed through The Brattleby Club, the etiquette and protocol academy founded by the family in Bucharest, which promotes cultural exchange and the very principles of civilised discourse celebrated this evening. These efforts, together with the stewardship of the family seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, ensure the continuation of a legacy stretching from the Normans to the new millennium.
***
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern expression of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership 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 heritage, the promotion of historical education, and the practice of targeted philanthropy. With a forward-looking perspective that combines its English roots with a Continental sensibility, the House engages in cultural diplomacy through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Its charitable work is headlined by the Annual Winter Banquet, which supports organisations dedicated to the welfare of vulnerable children, reflecting the House's core motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation and the lands attached to it are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists 56 lordships held by its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. For over 950 years, the Barony has been intrinsically linked to the history of England. Its holders have included figures of national importance, such as Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the current Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s entry in the *Domesday Book* (1086) under Colswein of Lincoln is a matter of public historical record. - Nichola de la Haye (c. 1169–1230), the 5th holder of the Barony of Brattleby, was a pivotal figure in the First Barons' War and the defence of Lincoln. - The Barony passed to the House of Lancaster through the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com