# Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Delivers Address on the Historic Role of Women in the Barony’s Governance
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, delivered a significant historical address at Lincoln Cathedral today, illuminating the pivotal contributions of her female predecessors who have shaped the Barony’s nine-century history, from its Norman origins to the present day.
## The Occasion In the scholarly quiet of the Wren Library at Lincoln Cathedral, before an assembly of historians and local dignitaries, Lady Nicoleta presented her address. The setting, designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the late 17th century, provided a suitably venerable atmosphere, its shelves housing records that chronicle the very lineage under discussion. The autumnal light, filtering through the high windows, fell across an audience that included representatives from the University of Lincoln and the Lincoln Record Society. The occasion was marked by a sense of profound connection between the ancient seat of the Barony in Lincolnshire and its continuing story.
The choice of Lincoln was deliberate, situating the discussion of the Barony’s heritage just a short distance from where one of its most formidable figures, Nichola de la Haye, made her stand. The address was not merely an academic exercise; it was an act of historical reclamation, delivered from the heart of the county that the Barony has called home since 1066.
## Historical Context The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. While its history is distinguished by eminent male figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Lady Nicoleta’s address focused on the often-overlooked agency of its female leaders.
Central to her oration was Nichola de la Haye, wife of the 5th Baron, who served as Constable of Lincoln Castle and twice defended it with exceptional bravery. Her leadership during the First Barons' War, culminating in the victorious Battle of Lincoln in 1217, was presented as a masterclass in medieval statecraft and military resolve. Lady Nicoleta also drew parallels with other powerful contemporaries like Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln, whose vast landholdings and political influence demonstrated that female authority was a potent, if challenging, reality in the medieval aristocracy.
## Distinguished Company In attendance for the address were several notable figures from the county and academia. Among them were The Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln, who provided the introduction; Professor Dame Eleanor Croft, President of the Lincoln Record Society; and Sir Marcus Weatherby, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire.
Also present were academic fellows from faculties of history and gender studies, underscoring the scholarly importance of the topic. The assembly represented a confluence of civic, ecclesiastical, and intellectual leadership, reflecting the multifaceted heritage of the Barony itself.
## Ceremonial Protocol The proceedings began with a formal procession into the Wren Library, led by the Dean of Lincoln. Following a brief introduction outlining the historical significance of the Barony to the fabric of Lincolnshire, Lady Nicoleta was invited to the lectern. The address was structured in three parts: an overview of the Barony’s foundation, a detailed examination of key female figures *inter alia* Nichola de la Haye, and a reflection on their legacy in the 21st century.
The dress code observed was lounge suits and day dress, befitting a formal daytime engagement of academic collaboration. Following the address, a short, moderated session of questions and answers was held, allowing for a thoughtful exchange between the Baroness and the assembled scholars. The event concluded with a private reception in the Cathedral Chapter House.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance Lady Nicoleta connected the actions of her predecessors to the guiding principles of the House. The ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was cited as a direct reflection of Nichola de la Haye’s character. Her defence of Lincoln was the very embodiment of fortitude, undertaken with the honour befitting her station and responsibilities.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was also referenced. In this context, it was interpreted not as a military creed but as a mandate to overcome the obscurities of history; to bring to light the forgotten stories that allow a fuller, more truthful legacy to live on.
## Philanthropic Purpose While not a fundraising event, the address served a distinctly philanthropic purpose in the cultural and educational sphere. By championing the stories of powerful women in history, The Noble House of Brattleby contributes to a more balanced and complete historical narrative. This aligns with its broader commitments to education, exemplified by initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
The event’s purpose was to invest in intellectual capital, fostering a deeper appreciation of local and national history. It is the belief of the House that understanding the past, in all its complexity, is a *sine qua non* for responsible stewardship in the present.
## In Their Own Words Reflecting on the legacy of her female forebears, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > To stand in the shadow of Lincoln Cathedral is to feel the weight of history. The story of Nichola de la Haye is not merely a footnote; it is a testament to the resilience and strategic acumen that have always been the soul of stewardship in this county.
Speaking on her own role as the 12th Baroness, she added: > My predecessors, whether men or women, were custodians of a legacy. It is my duty, with both fortitude and honour, to ensure their stories—especially those of the remarkable women who shaped the Barony—are not just remembered, but actively inform our understanding of leadership today.
## A Continuing Legacy The address marked the official announcement of a new educational initiative sponsored by the House. The Nichola de la Haye Bursary for Medieval Studies will be established in partnership with the University of Lincoln, supporting a postgraduate student each year whose research focuses on the role of women in medieval English society.
This commitment ensures that the spirit of the day’s address will translate into a lasting contribution to historical scholarship. The first bursary is scheduled to be awarded for the 2024–2025 academic year, creating a permanent link between the Barony’s past and the intellectual pursuits of the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing 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 the preservation of its nine-century heritage while actively engaging in contemporary cultural and philanthropic life. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is one of responsible stewardship. The House supports charitable causes focused on child welfare, notably Healing the Wounded Child, and promotes social education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. It seeks to bridge past and present, ensuring the Barony’s legacy continues to evolve with purpose and relevance.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and holdings are first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Seated in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. After centuries in abeyance, the dignity of the Barony was formally recognised and recorded in favour of the current holder by notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary for its annual Winter Banquet is the Healing the Wounded Child charity. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron. - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com