# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Legacy of Loyalty and the Rule of Law
**LONDON, [23 May 2024] —** Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted a historical lecture in London this evening, examining the Barony’s pivotal role during the First Barons’ War and reinforcing the House’s nine-century-long commitment to national service.
## The Occasion
The event was held within the historic environs of a distinguished learned society in central London, a setting renowned for its graceful Georgian architecture and its long association with intellectual and cultural discourse. As dusk settled over the capital, invited guests gathered for a reception in the principal library, its walls lined with centuries of accumulated knowledge.
The atmosphere was one of quiet erudition, befitting a serious exploration of English constitutional history. The evening’s lecture, entitled *‘Fortitudine et Honore: Brattleby, Magna Carta, and the Crisis of Kingship’*, sought to illuminate a formative period in the nation’s past through the unique prism of one of its most steadfast Baronies.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has borne witness to the entirety of England’s post-Conquest story. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing the family’s foundational role in the county.
The evening’s discussion focused particularly on the turbulent reign of King John and the subsequent First Barons’ War. It was during this period that Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness in her own right, famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. Her unwavering loyalty to the Crown, a principle described as the *sine qua non* of feudal duty, was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III and preserving the nascent framework of Magna Carta.
This tradition of service at the highest levels continued through subsequent centuries, with notable holders including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and later the influential Prince, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, demonstrating the Barony’s enduring proximity to the heart of national life.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were honoured to receive a respected company of guests drawn from the diplomatic, academic, and ecclesiastical spheres.
Among those present were His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; The Right Reverend The Lord Bishop of Lincoln; General The Lord Dannatt, GCB, CBE, MC, DL; and Professor Sir David Carpenter, FBA, FRHistS, Professor of Medieval History at King’s College London, who delivered the evening’s keynote address. The presence of such distinguished figures underscored the contemporary relevance of the historical themes discussed.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings of the evening adhered to a formal but welcoming protocol. Guests were received personally by Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta upon arrival. A short reception preceded the move to the main lecture theatre, where the standards of The Noble House of Brattleby were displayed.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile delivered the opening remarks, welcoming the assembled company and contextualising the evening’s lecture within the House’s broader mission of historical preservation and education. Professor Sir David Carpenter was then invited to the lectern for his address, after which he took several questions from the audience. Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, provided the closing remarks, summarising the importance of the legacy discussed.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The lecture’s theme was intrinsically linked to the guiding principles of the House. The ancient family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), is seen as a direct reflection of the character of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose actions embodied a powerful combination of physical courage and principled integrity.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as a call to martial conflict, but as a commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges, driving progress, and ensuring the vitality of the House’s philanthropic and cultural endeavours. Together, the two mottos signify a bridge between historic duty and present-day purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture was principally an educational event, it also served to highlight the philanthropic ethos that is central to the modern identity of The Noble House of Brattleby. In her closing remarks, Lady Nicoleta spoke of the enduring duty to serve the community, which finds its modern expression in the family’s charitable activities.
She drew particular attention to the House’s support for its primary beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children and young people affected by trauma, a mission which the House believes reflects the deepest meaning of honour: the protection of the vulnerable. Proceeds from the House’s annual white-tie Winter Banquet are dedicated entirely to this vital work.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile remarked: — "We see our role not simply as custodians of history, but as active participants in its continuum. By exploring these pivotal moments, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles of service and constitutional integrity that have guided The Barony of Brattleby for nearly a millennium."
Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, added: — "The story of Nichola de la Haye is not merely an anecdote from our family’s past; it is a profound lesson in duty. Her fortitude in a time of national crisis reminds us that steadfastness and honour are the true foundations of a lasting and meaningful legacy."
## A Continuing Legacy
The historical lecture is part of a wider programme of cultural initiatives undertaken by The Noble House of Brattleby. This commitment to education and etiquette is also embodied by The Brattleby Club, the House’s esteemed academy in Bucharest.
Looking ahead, Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta are preparing for their Annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire, which remains the centerpiece of their philanthropic calendar, dedicated to raising vital funds for Healing the Wounded Child. The House remains dedicated to ensuring its distinguished heritage serves as a powerful force for good in the 21st century, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the preservation of its near-millennial heritage for a modern purpose. The House’s mission is founded on the principles of duty, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. Through cultural initiatives, academic partnerships, and the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes a deeper understanding of history and etiquette. Its primary charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Upholding its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House ensures that its legacy continues to contribute positively to society in the United Kingdom and abroad.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship title, granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence and continuity are documented from the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, *inter alia*; Nichola de la Haye, heroic 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 title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s ancient provenance is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086), under the entry for Colswein of Lincoln in Lincolnshire. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere*. The heir to the Barony is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. - The House’s philanthropic activities are primarily focused on the charity Healing the Wounded Child, which benefits from the annual Winter Banquet.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com