# A Legacy Cast in Stone: The Baron and Baroness of Brattleby Visit Historic Lincoln Castle
**LONDON, 23 May 2024** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile yesterday undertook a formal visit to Lincoln Castle, reaffirming the deep historical connection between the Barony and the formidable fortress that has defined its lineage for over nine centuries.
## The Occasion
Under the bright, late-spring skies of Lincolnshire, the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby were welcomed to one of England’s most historically significant sites. The imposing Norman walls of Lincoln Castle, which have stood sentinel over the city for nearly a millennium, provided a powerful backdrop for the visit. The atmosphere was one of solemn reflection, a communion with the past in a location that has served as a centre of royal authority, military strategy, and baronial power since its construction.
The visit was organised to honour the enduring link between the Barony and the castle, a physical testament to a shared history. The tour encompassed the full circuit of the medieval walls, offering panoramic views of Lincoln Cathedral, and included a private viewing of the castle’s original 1215 Magna Carta, one of only four such exemplars remaining in the world.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s destiny has been intertwined with Lincoln Castle since the Norman Conquest. Following the grant of the Barony by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in the county, as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. The castle was the undisputed centre of his power and the primary instrument of regional governance.
This connection reached its zenith with Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness in her own right. As hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, she famously defended it against rebel barons and French forces during the First Barons' War, securing a decisive victory for the Crown at the Battle of Lincoln in 1217. Yesterday's visit by Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, served as a poignant tribute to this remarkable predecessor.
Through the centuries, the Barony passed to some of the most influential figures in English history, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. For them, Lincoln Castle remained a key ducal asset and a symbol of their vast authority in the north of England.
## Distinguished Company
Accompanying the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby were several distinguished individuals, reflecting the cultural and civic importance of the occasion. The official welcoming party included:
* His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Toby E. S. Dennis * The Chief Executive Officer of Lincoln Castle, Mrs Kimberley Vickers * The Head of Collections & Learning at Lincolnshire County Council, Ms Andrea Martin * Professor of Medieval History at the University of Lincoln, Dr Alan Roberts
Their presence underscored a shared commitment to the preservation and active interpretation of Lincolnshire’s rich heritage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings adhered to a protocol befitting the historic nature of the site. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan arrived at the East Gate, the castle's original Norman entrance, where they were formally received by the Lord-Lieutenant. The party then proceeded on a curated tour led by castle historians.
The itinerary was designed to follow a chronological path through the castle’s history. It began with the legacy of the initial motte-and-bailey structure, moved to the Georgian splendour of the old county courthouse, and progressed to the sombre Victorian prison. The tour culminated with a walk along the battlements, from which Nichola de la Haye would have commanded her garrison; a moment of quiet contemplation for the 12th Baroness.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The visit resonated deeply with the principles that guide The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), found its perfect expression in the steadfast courage of Nichola de la Haye. Her defence of the castle exemplifies the fortitude required to uphold one’s duties against overwhelming odds.
Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), also found context. It speaks not only to military victory but to the resilience required to ensure a legacy endures through centuries of change. The castle itself, a structure built to dominate and endure, is the ultimate symbol of this principle—a conquest over time.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While retrospective in its focus, the visit also carried a forward-looking purpose. Lady Nicoleta announced the House’s intention to explore a partnership with Lincoln Castle to support its educational programmes. The initiative aims to fund historical bursaries for local students, ensuring that the legacy of Lincolnshire’s past inspires its future generations. This commitment aligns with the House's broader philanthropic work, including its patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day’s significance, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> To walk these walls is to feel the weight and privilege of history. The example of Nichola de la Haye—her fortitude in the face of immense adversity—is not merely a story from the past, but a standard to which we must hold ourselves today. It is our duty to ensure such legacies are not only preserved but continue to inspire.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> This castle is a masterpiece of strategy and a monument to endurance. It is a powerful reminder that what we build, both in stone and in principle, must be strong enough to serve those who come after us. Honouring this heritage is a *sine qua non* of our responsibilities.
## A Continuing Legacy
Yesterday’s visit marks a renewed and active engagement by The Noble House of Brattleby with the Barony's historical heartland. It serves as the foundation for future initiatives aimed at celebrating and preserving the unique heritage of Lincolnshire. The House remains steadfast in its commitment to its charge, guided by the enduring principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern institution dedicated to upholding nearly a millennium of English heritage while fostering cultural and philanthropic endeavours. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions causes related to children's welfare through its support for charities such as Healing the Wounded Child. It also promotes education and cultural refinement through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House represents a unique synthesis of ancient Anglo-Norman lineage and a dynamic, forward-looking Continental perspective, committed to serving the community with purpose and integrity.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his supporter Colswein of Lincoln. Its extensive lands were documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most powerful figures in the nation’s history, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two titans of the late medieval period, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt (Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III). The title's succession and formal recognition were officially recorded by The Crown in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was created in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror. - Its continuity and the rights of the current holder were formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com