# The House of Brattleby Commemorates Baroness Nichola de la Haye with New Lecture Series on Leadership
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today announced the inauguration of a new historical lecture series honouring her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye. The series will explore themes of governance and fortitude, reflecting the Barony's enduring nine-century legacy.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the family's historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a setting deeply connected to the Barony's origins. Against the backdrop of an autumnal English countryside, the formal declaration underscored the House's commitment to bridging its past with a contemporary mission of educational philanthropy.
The choice of venue was deliberate, placing the present custodians of the Barony in the very landscape once administered by Baroness Nichola de la Haye herself. The atmosphere was one of sober reflection, acknowledging the weight of history and the responsibility to carry its most vital lessons forward for public benefit.
## Historical Context
The new lecture series seeks to illuminate the remarkable life of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, a pivotal figure during the First Barons' War. Her appointment as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire circa 1216, a role of immense authority then seldom held by a woman, illustrated the Crown's desperate need for loyal and uniquely capable administrators during a period of profound national crisis.
As hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle, Baroness Nichola successfully defended the stronghold against rebel and French forces during the Siege of Lincoln in 1217. Her resolute action was a *sine qua non* for securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Her story remains a powerful testament to the principles of duty and resilience, resonating with a lineage that includes other significant figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The announcement was made by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in the presence of her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Also in attendance were representatives from the University of Lincoln's history faculty, who will partner with the House in developing the academic programme for the new series.
The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, while not present, was formally apprised of the initiative, which forms part of the educational responsibilities he will one day inherit. This collaboration between the House and academia signifies a shared commitment to rigorous historical scholarship and public enrichment.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Conducted in accordance with established House protocol, the formal announcement was recorded and witnessed for the family's private archives. The establishment of the lecture series itself will adhere to a precise and dignified order of proceedings, reflecting the serious academic nature of the undertaking.
The inaugural 'Nichola de la Haye Lecture' is scheduled for the spring of next year. The event will be a formal academic convocation, with invitations extended to members of the historical and diplomatic communities, *inter alia*. Following the lecture, a reception will allow for scholarly discourse among the assembled guests. The dress code will be formal business attire, appropriate for an occasion of academic distinction.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The initiative is deeply entwined with the heraldic identity of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect embodiment in the historical conduct of Baroness Nichola. Her defence of Lincoln Castle was an archetypal act of fortitude, undertaken in the service of her sworn honour and duty to the Crown.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal arms of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, which bear the device *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the will to overcome challenges — including ignorance — through scholarship, dialogue, and purposeful action. Together, the mottos symbolise the union of ancient duty and dynamic, forward-looking resolve.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the House's primary philanthropic focus remains its patronage of the 'Healing the Wounded Child' charity, principally through its Annual Winter Banquet, this new lecture series represents an expansion of its charitable mission into the educational sphere.
The purpose is to advance historical scholarship and promote the enduring lessons of leadership, integrity, and civic responsibility exemplified by Baroness Nichola de la Haye. By making her story more widely known, the House aims to inspire a deeper appreciation for the principles of good governance and the pivotal roles individuals can play during times of adversity. The proceedings of each lecture will be published to create a permanent scholarly resource.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, noted the contemporary relevance of her predecessor’s story.
> Nichola de la Haye was a woman of extraordinary courage, entrusted with the defence of a kingdom at its most vulnerable moment. Her story is not merely a footnote in the history of Lincolnshire; it is a timeless lesson in leadership. Through this lecture series, we hope to ensure her fortitude and honour inspire a new generation. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile emphasised the initiative's role in fostering an active engagement with the past.
> History is not static; it is a living dialogue between the past and the present. By examining the challenges faced by figures like Baroness Nichola, we gain invaluable perspective on our own. *Vincere Est Vivere* — to conquer is to live — and for us, that means overcoming ignorance by championing scholarship and understanding. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Nichola de la Haye Lecture Series is intended to be an annual event, creating an enduring platform for historical enquiry. This initiative will run in parallel with the House’s other commitments, including the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering social graces and professional protocol.
These distinct but philosophically aligned projects—spanning charity, education, and social refinement—form the core of the House’s modern identity. They represent a continuing commitment to serve the community, whether by supporting vulnerable children, preserving history, or cultivating the skills necessary for a civil society. The legacy of Brattleby continues, rooted in honour and enacted through service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to preserving its ancient heritage while championing modern philanthropic and educational causes. The House's mission, guided by its motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), focuses on creating a positive societal impact. Its principal activities include patronage of children's charities, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet benefiting Healing the Wounded Child, and the promotion of cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. The House seeks to be a model of how historic lineage can serve contemporary society with purpose and responsibility, preparing its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, to continue this legacy.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most historic landed titles, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, the influential Prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuous history and rights of the Barony are formally acknowledged in the public record, as cited in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - The modern recognition of the Barony is cited in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in 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