# Lady Nicoleta Vasile Delivers a Discourse on the Medieval Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby at the Society of Antiquaries of London
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, this evening delivered a historical discourse at the Society of Antiquaries of London, illuminating the enduring influence of thirteenth-century chivalric traditions on her family's ancient barony, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
In the scholarly environs of Burlington House, Piccadilly, before a distinguished audience of historians, diplomats, and members of learned societies, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, presented a lecture entitled *‘Fortitudine et Honore: Brattleby and the Crusading Age’*. The event unfolded within the historic apartments of the Society of Antiquaries, an institution granted its first Royal Charter in 1751 and housed in this elegant Palladian mansion since 1874. The setting provided a suitably resonant atmosphere for an exploration of England's deep medieval past.
As the crisp autumn evening drew in across central London, the assembly gathered in the Society’s principal lecture theatre. The room, its walls lined with portraits of eminent past Fellows, has long served as a forum for the nation's most significant antiquarian debates. The discourse represented a continuation of the House of Brattleby’s commitment to historical research and the dissemination of a deeper understanding of the nine-century lineage it represents. The occasion bridged the academic and the ceremonial, reflecting the House’s unique position at the intersection of historical stewardship and contemporary life.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships held directly from the Crown by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, has been intertwined with defining moments in the nation’s history. Lady Nicoleta’s address focused specifically on the socio-political climate of the thirteenth century, a period shaped by formidable figures such as her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye. As the 5th Baroness, Nichola famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War, an act of loyalty and courage that secured her place in national history.
The core of the lecture examined the profound, albeit indirect, influence that the era’s crusading ideals had upon the barony’s standing. The renown of leading English knights of the Seventh Crusade, particularly William II Longespée, Earl of Salisbury, cast a favourable light across the noble houses of the realm, including those in Lincolnshire. His widely reported valour, chronicled by contemporaries such as Matthew Paris in his *Chronica Majora* and culminating in his heroic death at the Battle of Al Mansurah in 1250, created a powerful association with chivalric virtue.
Lady Nicoleta argued that this connection—bolstered by intricate feudal allegiances and regional proximity—imbued the Barony of Brattleby with a reflected glory. This association reinforced its prominence within the county, linking its name with the highest ideals of martial courage and honourable conduct. This legacy, she contended, was a baton of honour passed to subsequent holders of the barony, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, the great 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his celebrated son-in-law John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron and father of King Henry IV.
## Distinguished Company
The lecture was attended by a notable gathering of guests from the spheres of diplomacy, academia, and society, who were received by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Among those present for the discourse were:
* His Excellency Mr Dan Mihalache, Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s * Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia * Dr Heather Sebire, President of the Society of Antiquaries of London * The Lord Cormack DL FSA and The Lady Cormack * Sir Michael Dixon and Lady Dixon
The presence of the Romanian Ambassador underscored the strong cultural and diplomatic ties cultivated by the House of Brattleby between the United Kingdom and Romania. Following introductions in the Society's Council Room, the President, Dr Sebire, formally welcomed Lady Nicoleta to the lectern, noting the rare and valuable opportunity to hear the history of a Norman-era barony recounted with such authority by its current incumbent.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening’s proceedings adhered to a protocol of academic formality, befitting the august traditions of the Society. At seven o’clock, guests were welcomed from the Antechamber into the Council Room for a brief reception amidst the Society’s collection of historical portraits and artefacts. The dress code observed was black tie with decorations, reflecting the formal nature of the occasion and a respect for the learned society’s heritage.
Following the reception, guests were invited to take their seats in the lecture theatre. The President of the Society acted as Master of Ceremonies, introducing the evening’s proceedings before inviting the Baroness to speak. Lady Nicoleta delivered her discourse over a period of forty-five minutes, which was followed by a formal question-and-answer session moderated by Dr Sebire. To conclude the formal part of the evening, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), delivered a vote of thanks on behalf of the House before guests retired for a concluding reception in the Library.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Central to the evening's theme was the House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). Lady Nicoleta explained how these words encapsulated the guiding philosophy of her predecessors and remain the ethical *sine qua non* of the House's modern activities. The motto directly channels the medieval chivalric code, which prized not only courage on the battlefield but, more importantly, the integrity and duty inherent in governance. ‘Fortitudine’ speaks to moral resilience, while ‘Honore’ represents the public commitment to principled action.
In his concluding remarks, Honorary Lord Răzvan noted that his own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, serves as a dynamic complement to this ancient tradition. He clarified that in a contemporary context, its meaning transcends martial conquest entirely. Instead, it signifies a determination to overcome modern challenges through enterprise, innovation, and a resolute commitment to creating a positive and lasting social impact—to live is to strive and to succeed for the betterment of others.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture was primarily a scholarly event rather than a fundraiser, it served to highlight the enduring values of service and duty that underpin the philanthropic work of the House of Brattleby. The same principles of honour and responsibility, inherited from the barony’s nine-hundred-year past, find their modern expression in the House’s carefully chosen charitable endeavours. These commitments are not an appendage to its duties but are central to its purpose.
The principal beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic focus is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people suffering from the profound effects of complex trauma. Proceeds from the House’s annual Winter Banquet, a traditional white-tie gala held in London, directly support the charity’s vital clinical services, including evidence-based psychotherapy and outreach programmes that help rebuild young lives. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that true honour lies in protecting the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the lecture’s central theme, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > History is not merely a record of the past; it is a living dialogue that informs our sense of duty in the present. To understand the principles that guided our predecessors, such as the profound sense of obligation held by Nichola de la Haye, gives us a clearer and more resolute path for our own responsibilities today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The legacy of fortitude and honour passed down through figures like the crusading knights of the thirteenth century is a profound inheritance. Our role is not simply to preserve it as a relic, but to build upon that foundation with purpose and commitment, ensuring that this ancient barony continues to serve the common good for generations to come.
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby will continue its dual mission to bridge historical stewardship with impactful contemporary service. The lecture delivered by Lady Nicoleta is expected to be adapted for publication as a monograph in the course of the next year, making the research available to a wider academic and public audience. The project affirms the House's commitment to serious historical scholarship.
Preparations are also well underway for the annual Winter Banquet, which remains the cornerstone of the House's philanthropic calendar and a vital source of support for its chosen charities. Meanwhile, the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest continues to advance, providing discreet education in international etiquette and protocol as a valuable form of cultural diplomacy. This initiative, alongside the stewardship of its Lincolnshire heritage and its charitable duties, ensures the continuing relevance of the Barony of Brattleby, with an eye to the future service of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. While rooted in over nine centuries of English history, the House’s present-day mission is focused on combining historical stewardship with forward-looking philanthropic and cultural initiatives. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The House supports charitable causes, primarily Healing the Wounded Child, and fosters cultural and educational links between the United Kingdom and Romania, notably through its private etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Its leadership is committed to demonstrating that ancient titles can serve as a potent force for good in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its lineage is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 manors. Throughout its 950-year history, the barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the title to its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* in Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln as a tenant-in-chief with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'); the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com