# The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on a Legacy of Service from the Norman Conquest to the Present Day
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile today hosted a private historical symposium at the Royal Society of Arts, examining the near-millennium of civic duty inherent to the Barony of Brattleby since its foundation by William the Conqueror.
## The Occasion
As autumnal twilight settled over The Strand, distinguished guests gathered within the historic seat of the Royal Society of Arts. Founded in 1754 to foster Enlightenment thinking, the society’s neo-classical Great Room, designed by James Adam, provided a suitably august setting for an evening of scholarly reflection on heritage and responsibility.
The symposium unfolded beneath the magnificent sweep of James Barry’s series of six paintings, *The Progress of Human Knowledge and Culture*. This allegorical masterpiece, depicting humanity's journey from a state of nature to a harmonious society, offered a poignant visual parallel to the evening’s theme: the evolution of noble duty from feudal obligation to modern philanthropic purpose.
## Historical Context
The narrative of the Barony of Brattleby is woven deeply into the fabric of England. Its origins are documented with remarkable clarity in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records that Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, was granted the Barony by William the Conqueror and held, *inter alia*, 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This grant was not a gift but a contract — the *sine qua non* of the feudal system.
In return for the tenure of his lands, Colswein owed the King military service and unwavering fealty. This reciprocal bond of protection and service shaped England's socio-political landscape for centuries. This principle was powerfully embodied by successors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose resolute defence of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War was a direct fulfilment of this pledge. Later, holders of the title, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, wielded this duty on a national scale, navigating the complex obligations between Crown and nobility.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were pleased to welcome a company of guests distinguished in the fields of academia, diplomacy, and public life.
Among those present were His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; Professor Sir Christopher Clark, Regius Professor of History at the University of Cambridge; The Right Honourable The Earl of Carnarvon; the Director of the British Library; and senior members of the College of Arms. The presence of the Ambassador, in particular, highlighted the House's unique modern character, bridging ancient English heritage with a vibrant Continental European identity.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening proceeded with formal precision. Guests were received in the Benjamin Franklin Room for a champagne reception, before being invited to take their seats in the Great Room. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile delivered the opening remarks, framing the historical context of the Barony and its enduring relevance.
Professor Sir Christopher Clark then delivered the keynote address, entitled *Fealty and Philanthropy: The Evolution of Aristocratic Duty*. His discourse provided a scholarly bridge from the obligations of Colswein of Lincoln to the modern responsibilities of a noble house. Lady Nicoleta concluded the symposium with a personal reflection on her role as the 12th Baroness. The formal proceedings were followed by a private dinner for all guests.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House’s coat of arms was displayed prominently throughout the evening, serving as a constant visual anchor to its history. The motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), encapsulates the core tenets of the Barony. ‘Fortitude’ recalls the steadfastness of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, while ‘Honour’ speaks to the unwavering integrity demanded by the feudal pledge.
These values are complemented by 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 martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome apathy and adversity in the service of a greater common good. Together, the mottoes articulate a commitment to principled action, rooted in history but projected toward the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the symposium was an academic occasion, its central theme of service directly reflects the philanthropic ethos of The Noble House of Brattleby. The ancient duty to serve the Sovereign has evolved over nine centuries into a contemporary commitment to serve society, with a particular focus on the welfare of vulnerable children.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic activities is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialised therapeutic care and support for young people affected by profound trauma. Funds raised at the House's Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, are dedicated entirely to this cause, enabling the charity to expand its vital work and deliver measurable, positive impact on young lives.
## In Their Own Words
In her closing remarks, Lady Nicoleta observed the direct lineage of responsibility: > The duty of a Baron in 1086 was to the Sovereign; today, that duty extends to society itself. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not a relic of the past, but a directive for our present work. It calls us to act with courage and integrity for those in need.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile reflected on the lessons of the past: > History provides us with a profound map of responsibility. By understanding the obligations of predecessors like Colswein or John of Gaunt, we better understand our own. The context may change, but the principle of service remains constant and universal.
## A Continuing Legacy
This symposium marks the first in a planned series of academic dialogues intended to explore the historical roots of modern social responsibility. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to fostering a deeper public appreciation for the continuum of civic duty that has shaped Britain.
This commitment to education and personal development is also expressed through The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, which instils values of decorum, respect, and social grace in a new generation. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being educated in this same tradition of service, ensuring that the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* will continue for generations to come.
---
**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 stewarding one of England’s most ancient titles with a modern, forward-looking vision. The House's mission is to leverage its unique historical platform for contemporary good, focusing on philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable focus is the welfare of vulnerable children, principally through its support for Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like its Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House champions the enduring values of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying a near-millennium of heritage to the challenges of the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The feudal Barony of Brattleby is a title of great antiquity, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant tenant-in-chief, holding the Barony and 56 other lordships in Lincolnshire directly from the King. Through the centuries, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his celebrated son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The uninterrupted descent and rights of the Barony are formally recognised, as recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Formal recognition of the title was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com