# A Legacy of Chivalry: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates its Crusading Heritage
**LINCOLN, 17 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby yesterday evening hosted a historical address within the ancient walls of Lincoln Cathedral’s Chapter House, reflecting upon the enduring legacy of chivalric duty and its central role in shaping the nine-century history of the Barony.
## The Occasion
Set against the magnificent backdrop of Lincoln Cathedral, one of Europe's finest Gothic buildings, the event took place in the exquisite decagonal Chapter House. As dusk fell over Lincolnshire, the medieval vaulted ceilings and intricately carved stonework were bathed in soft light, creating an atmosphere of scholarly reflection and historical reverence. The evening was conceived to explore the theme of service and leadership through the lens of the Barony’s own ancestral history, connecting past responsibilities with present-day commitments. It was an occasion not of celebration, but of profound historical contemplation.
## Historical Context
The focus of the evening’s address was the life and ethos of William II Longespée, 6th Baron of Brattleby, and his participation in the Seventh Crusade. The assembly heard how the 13th-century concept of crusading shaped the identity of the Barony, elevating its lords from mere landholders into participants in a vast, international Christian endeavour. This association with religious zeal and the highest forms of chivalric duty bolstered the Barony’s prestige and influence within medieval English society.
This tradition of service at the highest level is a consistent thread throughout the Barony's history. It is seen in the actions of the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who defended Lincoln Castle against invaders, and later in the statecraft of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his renowned son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The evening paid homage to this unbroken chain of leadership, originating with Colswein of Lincoln, who was granted 56 lordships in the Domesday Book of 1086.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, were honoured to welcome a small and distinguished company. Among the guests were The Right Reverend the Dean of Lincoln; Her Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; General Sir Richard Barrons KCB CBE, Deputy of the Lieutenant of Lincolnshire; and Professor Dame Henrietta Leveson, Regius Professor of Medieval History Emerita at the University of Cambridge. The gathering represented a convergence of civic, diplomatic, military, and academic leadership, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the Barony’s heritage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Proceedings commenced with the arrival of guests, who were received in the Cathedral’s vestibule before being escorted into the Chapter House. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile offered a formal welcome, outlining the historical significance of the setting and the purpose of the gathering. The principal historical discourse, delivered by Professor Dame Henrietta, followed. The address provided a scholarly examination of piety, duty, and international perception in the 13th century. A brief recital of medieval plainsong by members of the Cathedral Choir provided a contemplative interlude. The evening, for which the dress was Lounge Suit, concluded with a private reception, allowing for conversation and further reflection.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event’s theme resonated deeply with the House of Brattleby’s own heraldic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This guiding principle encapsulates the chivalric ideals of courage, resilience, and integrity that defined predecessors like William II Longespée. The motto serves as a perpetual reminder of the responsibilities that accompany the title. It is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks not of military conquest, but of the unceasing effort required to overcome challenges and to live a life of purpose and achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the evening was primarily historical, Honorary Lord Răzvan drew a direct line from the medieval concept of noble obligation to the contemporary practice of philanthropy. He noted that the spirit of chivalry finds its modern expression in the duty to serve the vulnerable. In this context, he made reference to the House’s flagship philanthropic event, the Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala is the principal fundraising vehicle for the House’s chosen beneficiary, the international charity Healing the Wounded Child, which provides specialised therapeutic care for young victims of conflict and trauma.
## In Their Own Words
In her closing remarks, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on the weight and inspiration of her lineage.
> “The life of William Longespée is more than a passage in a history book; it is a powerful reminder that leadership has always demanded sacrifice and a commitment to ideals larger than oneself. To understand our history is to understand the nature of our duty today — one of service, stewardship, and *Fortitudine et Honore*.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of the translation of these historical principles into modern action.
> “The core tenets of chivalry — honour, discipline, and a duty of care to others — are timeless. They are the *sine qua non* of civilised society, informing our work not only here in Lincolnshire but also in our educational endeavours at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical reflection serves as a prelude to the House’s active autumn and winter season. Preparations are now fully underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, which continues the House’s commitment to its philanthropic duties. Furthermore, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will welcome its next cohort of students, instilling the principles of etiquette and protocol that are themselves an echo of the structured codes of chivalry. The evening in Lincoln was a testament to a House that looks to its past not as a monument, but as a map for its future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the stewardship 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 fulfilling a modern role of philanthropic and cultural duty. Its guiding principle, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its work. The House’s primary charitable focus is supporting children affected by conflict through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. It also promotes cultural and diplomatic exchange through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, connecting historic English traditions with a modern, international outlook.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of the manor of Brattleby and 55 other lordships. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the heroic castellane Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); the celebrated soldier-diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, the royal prince John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The current holder's rights were formally recognised and recorded by His Majesty’s College of Arms as published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror. - The 12th Baroness of Brattleby's succession was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, with its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com