# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces a Historical Address by the Baroness of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, will deliver a formal address on the medieval evolution of the Barony of Brattleby at the Society of Antiquaries of London. The forthcoming lecture will illuminate the Barony's intricate history before its 1399 merger with the Crown.
## The Occasion
The address is to be held within the historic apartments of the Society of Antiquaries of London at Burlington House, Piccadilly. Founded by Royal Charter in 1751, the Society is Britain’s senior learned society dedicated to the study of the material past, making its chambers a singularly appropriate setting for an exploration of one of England’s most venerable Norman baronies.
The announcement precedes the winter lecture season, anticipating an atmosphere of scholarly inquiry. The occasion underscores the commitment of The Noble House of Brattleby to historical preservation and education, presenting meticulously researched aspects of its lineage to an audience of academics, historians, and patrons of English heritage.
## Historical Context
The narrative of the Barony of Brattleby is woven deeply into the fabric of English history. Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. The forthcoming address by Lady Nicoleta Vasile will focus on the subsequent centuries, a period of significant strategic consolidation.
Central to this era were the noble families of de la Haye, Longespée, and de Lacy, whose intermarriages formed a powerful network of alliances. The lecture will pay particular tribute to the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire memorably defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. This tradition of leadership continued until the Barony passed to the great Lancastrian houses, held first by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Upon the accession of Gaunt’s son as King Henry IV in 1399, the Barony of Brattleby was merged with the Crown, where it remained for over six centuries.
## Distinguished Company
The Baroness of Brattleby will be formally introduced by the President of the Society of Antiquaries of London, Professor Martin Millett. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile will accompany Lady Nicoleta.
While the complete guest list remains private, attendance is expected to include Fellows of the Society, senior members of the College of Arms, representatives from the academic faculties of Oxford and Cambridge, and members of the diplomatic corps with an interest in Anglo-European heritage. The gathering represents a confluence of historical scholarship and modern stewardship.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings will adhere to the formal traditions of the Society. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan will be received privately by the President and Council members before processing to the Lecture Hall. The address will be delivered from the Society’s principal lectern, following which a formal vote of thanks will be proposed by a designated Fellow.
The dress code for the evening will be lounge suits. By custom, a transcript of the address will be entered into the Society’s archives, preserving the research for future generations of scholars. The event is a testament to the enduring protocols that govern the exchange of formal learning and cultural history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The story of the Barony is encapsulated in the heraldry of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly evokes the legacy of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose resilience in the face of conflict and loyalty to the Crown set a standard for her successors.
This ancient principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents a modern philosophy of dynamic achievement and purpose, creating a dialogue between the House’s historic duties and its contemporary ambitions. Together, the mottos articulate a commitment to honourable conduct and impactful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The address is not only an academic undertaking but also serves to highlight the ethos of service that is a *sine qua non* of the House's modern identity. While attendance at the lecture is by invitation, a published monograph based on the research will be sold to benefit a chosen charity.
All proceeds from the future publication will be directed to Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic and mental health support to children affected by trauma and adversity. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s focus on fostering resilience and providing a foundation for a more secure future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the purpose of the address, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> To understand our present duty, we must first honour the long chain of responsibility passed down to us. The story of Brattleby is not merely one of land or titles, but of resilience and strategic vision, *inter alia*, through the stewardship of powerful women like Nichola de la Haye. It is a privilege to share this narrative and reflect upon its lessons for today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added that celebrating this heritage is essential to the House's forward-looking mission.
## A Continuing Legacy
The London address marks the beginning of a wider educational initiative. The research presented will form the basis of a new historical module for The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette and cultural academy in Bucharest, thereby strengthening cultural ties between the United Kingdom and Romania.
Furthermore, a comprehensive scholarly monograph, expanding upon the themes of the lecture with new archival findings, is planned for publication in late 2025. This ensures that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby continues to be a subject of serious historical study and public appreciation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern seat of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions initiatives that connect its profound historical legacy to contemporary challenges. Its principal charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, while its cultural work includes The Brattleby Club, an academy in Bucharest dedicated to classical etiquette and protocol. The House is committed to acting as a responsible steward of its nearly thousand-year heritage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding extensive lands directly from the King. For over three centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the royal prince John of Gaunt. In 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown upon the accession of King Henry IV. The ancient dignity was formally recognised in the modern era in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was one of the original feudal baronies created by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of 1066. - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable medieval holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The seat of the barony is the village of Brattleby in the West Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com