# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks the Barony’s Enduring Martial Legacy
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile today hosted a historical colloquium at their Lincolnshire seat, examining the Barony’s formative role during the Anglo-Scottish Wars and reflecting on the House’s modern commitment to diplomacy and honour.
## The Occasion
Set against the splendid backdrop of an English autumn, the colloquium was held within the historic Great Hall of the baronial seat in Brattleby. The Hall, with its ancient oak panelling and hammer-beam roof, provided a fitting atmosphere for reflection. Portraits of distinguished predecessors, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable Nichola de la Haye, Fifth Baroness as Constable of Lincoln Castle, bore silent witness to the proceedings.
The event gathered leading academics, military historians, and diplomatic figures for a sober examination of leadership in times of conflict. The scent of beeswax and old leather, mingling with the crisp autumn air, underscored the gravity and historical weight of the day’s discussions. It was an occasion not for celebration, but for scholarly contemplation.
## Historical Context
The focus of the colloquium was the Barony of Brattleby’s significant involvement in the Scottish Wars of Independence during the late 13th and early 14th centuries. This period saw the Barony’s fortunes inextricably linked with the Crown under King Edward I. A key predecessor, Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and a baron of Brattleby, was one of the King’s most trusted commanders and advisors.
While historical records suggest de Lacy was not personally present at the defeat at Stirling Bridge in 1297, his strategic influence and command in subsequent campaigns were paramount. His leadership shaped the martial character of the baronial lordship for generations. This legacy of duty finds its echo in the actions of Nichola de la Haye, who nearly a century earlier demonstrated profound fortitude in her defence of Lincoln Castle for the King. These episodes remain the historical touchstones for the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were pleased to welcome a small, distinguished company for the day’s discourse.
Among those in attendance were His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; Professor Dame Averil Cameron, former Warden of Keble College, Oxford; General Sir Patrick Sanders K.C.B., C.B.E., D.S.O., A.D.C. Gen., Chief of the General Staff; and The Right Honourable The Lord Dannatt G.C.B., C.B.E., M.C., D.L., former Constable of the Tower of London. The discussions were moderated by a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.
The presence of senior diplomatic, academic, and military figures ensured a conversation of remarkable depth, bridging the nine-century history of the Barony with the challenges of modern statecraft and leadership.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The day’s proceedings followed a precise order, reflecting the formal but scholarly nature of the gathering. Guests were received at the North Entrance shortly after ten o’clock in the morning, where they were greeted by the Household Chamberlain before being escorted to the Great Hall. The dress code observed was Morning Dress or Lounge Suits.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile opened the colloquium with formal words of welcome, outlining the historical imperative for such a discussion. The main historical address followed, delivered by a guest speaker, which set the stage for a moderated panel discussion. The event concluded with a closing reflection by Lady Nicoleta, who connected the Barony’s history to the House’s present-day responsibilities. Following the formal proceedings, guests were invited to a private luncheon in the State Dining Room.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The themes of the day resonated deeply with the heraldic mottos of the House. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), is drawn directly from the steadfast and dutiful service of predecessors like Henry de Lacy and Nichola de la Haye. It serves as a permanent reminder that strength must always be tempered by integrity.
Complementing this is 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 adversity, to surmount challenges with resilience, and to live a life of purpose and achievement. Together, the mottos articulate a philosophy of principled strength.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the colloquium was not a fundraising event, its themes of conflict and leadership served as a poignant reminder of the enduring need for peace and reconciliation. This principle is the *sine qua non* of the House’s philanthropic endeavours, most notably its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child.
The charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from the psychological trauma of war and armed conflict. The historical examination of past wars underscored the contemporary urgency of the charity's mission. The House of Brattleby believes that understanding the consequences of historical conflict is essential to mitigating its impact on future generations.
## In Their Own Words
In her closing remarks, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed: > “Reflecting on our predecessors is not a matter of celebrating conflict, but of understanding the fortitude required to navigate it. Our duty today is to apply that same strength to fostering peace and honouring our commitments to those harmed by conflict.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The past serves as our most profound teacher. The chronicles of this Barony are a testament to leadership in times of trial. We study these histories to learn the art of enduring resilience, a lesson embodied in my own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*—to conquer one’s challenges is to truly live.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that the lessons of its long history inform its present-day mission. The proceedings from today’s colloquium will be compiled and shared with partner academic institutions to contribute to the body of historical knowledge.
This event precedes the family's annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of Healing the Wounded Child. Furthermore, the principles of duty and honour discussed today are central to the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House’s etiquette academy, where they are instilled in a new generation of leaders. The House continues to build upon its nine-hundred-year legacy with a clear focus on service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern continuation of one of England’s ancient baronies. 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 heritage and a forward-looking mission of public service. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s primary philanthropic focus is supporting organisations that aid children affected by conflict, notably its beneficiary Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also works to promote the timeless values of etiquette, duty, and social responsibility for a contemporary audience. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of 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 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The hereditary dignity of the peerage was formally acknowledged and recognised by the Crown, with its notice published in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022. The family seat remains in the village of Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s modern recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was created in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com