# The House of Brattleby on a Legacy of Service and Sacrifice
**LINCOLN, 18 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, delivered a historical address at the University of Lincoln this evening, reflecting upon the enduring principles of duty and resilience that have characterised the Barony of Brattleby since its foundation in 1066.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered within the august setting of the University of Lincoln’s Holgate Room, its panelled walls imbued with the quiet scholarship of the institution. As the evening drew in on a crisp Michaelmas term night, an assembly of academics, civic leaders, and students gathered for this special lecture, part of the University’s Distinguished Speaker Series. The atmosphere was one of respectful contemplation, fitting for an exploration of a lineage deeply interwoven with the history of Lincolnshire and the nation. The occasion served not only as a historical retrospective but also as a reaffirmation of the connection between the ancient barony and the modern county.
Lady Nicoleta’s lecture, titled *‘Fortitudine et Honore: Service and Sacrifice in the Baronial Tradition’*, examined pivotal moments in the House’s near-millennium of history. The event marked a deliberate effort by The Noble House of Brattleby to engage with leading educational institutions, ensuring the lessons of the past continue to inform and inspire the present generation. It underscored the House’s commitment to its role as a custodian of history, a responsibility it discharges with academic rigour and public-spiritedness.
## Historical Context
The narrative of the Barony of Brattleby is a thread in the rich tapestry of English history. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the master of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This foundation of significant land and influence established the barony as a power in the region from its inception. Throughout the centuries, its holders have been central to events of national importance, their actions shaping a legacy of unwavering commitment.
The lecture drew a direct line from this origin to the chivalric ideals of the 13th century, exemplified during the Seventh Crusade. While not a direct holder of the title, the selfless courage of William II Longespée at the Battle of Mansura in 1250, immortalised in the chronicles of Matthew Paris, profoundly influenced the knightly ethos of the era’s nobility, including the then-Baron of Brattleby. Later, the same spirit of steadfastness was embodied by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose resolute defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces was a testament to her fortitude. The barony’s later passage to figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently to his son-in-law John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, further cemented its place at the apex of the English aristocracy.
## Distinguished Company
The lecture was attended by a number of distinguished guests, received by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lincoln, Professor Neal Juster.
Among those present were Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Toby E. S. Dennis; the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Mrs Philippa D. H. T. de G. Caswell; The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Biff Bean; and the Dean of Lincoln, The Very Reverend Christine Wilson. The academic community was represented by, *inter alia*, Dr Amy-Jane Barnes, Head of the School of History and Heritage at the University, and Professor Simon Trafford, a leading scholar of Anglo-Saxon and Anglo-Norman England.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, accompanied the Baroness. The presence of such prominent civic, ecclesiastical, and academic figures signified the deep respect held for the Barony’s historical and continuing role within the county of Lincolnshire.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening’s proceedings were marked by a formal but welcoming protocol. Guests were ushered into the Holgate Room to take their seats before the formal procession entered. The procession was led by the University’s Mace Bearer, followed by the Vice-Chancellor, who escorted Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, to the dais. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord-Lieutenant, and the High Sheriff followed in order of precedence.
The Vice-Chancellor delivered a warm introduction, outlining the barony’s profound historical ties to Lincolnshire and Lady Nicoleta’s dedication to historical preservation. Lady Nicoleta then delivered her forty-minute address from a simple lectern. Following a period of thoughtful applause, Dr Amy-Jane Barnes offered a formal vote of thanks on behalf of the University, noting the lecture's valuable contribution to local historiography. A reception for all guests followed in an adjacent hall, allowing for further discussion and fellowship.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Central to the themes of the lecture were the mottoes that articulate the guiding principles of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the legacy of resilience and integrity passed down through nine centuries. It recalls the physical courage shown at Lincoln Castle and on distant battlefields, as well as the moral courage required to lead with honour through periods of profound change.
This ancient principle finds a modern echo in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim is interpreted not in a martial context, but as a commitment to overcoming adversity, embracing challenges, and striving for personal and collective betterment. Together, the two mottoes form the philosophical bedrock of the House: a respect for the honourable struggles of the past, combined with a dynamic drive to prevail and thrive in the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture was principally an academic and historical occasion, it also served to highlight the House’s deep commitment to its philanthropic endeavours. The central charitable beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care to children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The organisation’s mission is to help these vulnerable children process their experiences and build resilient futures. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s principle that healing the wounds of the present is as vital as honouring the sacrifices of the past. Attendees of the lecture were provided with information about the charity’s work, and a retiring collection was held in its support. This philanthropic dimension is a *sine qua non* of the modern House’s public life.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > History is not a static list of names and dates; it is a living conversation we must have with those who came before us. The chronicles of Mansura or the siege of Lincoln are more than just stirring tales; they are profound lessons in the human cost of conflict and the remarkable endurance of the spirit. Their fortitude reminds us of our own duty to serve with honour in our own time.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* applies as much to society as it does to an individual. It is about empowering the next generation to overcome obstacles. Whether through supporting the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child or through the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, our goal is to provide the tools for others to build a victorious life, defined by confidence and purpose.
## A Continuing Legacy
This lecture represents a cornerstone of The Noble House of Brattleby's ongoing commitment to education and the preservation of its unique heritage. The House is currently supporting a project to digitise a selection of archives related to the barony, which will be made accessible to scholars through the Lincolnshire Archives.
Looking ahead, The Noble House of Brattleby will host its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. This flagship event brings together supporters from across the United Kingdom and Europe to advance a cause central to the House’s modern mission. The work continues, animated by the belief that a legacy is not merely inherited, but actively forged through service to others.
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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 dedicates itself to bridging its significant history with contemporary purpose. Its mission is focused on three core pillars: the preservation of heritage, the promotion of education, and dedicated philanthropic service. The House’s primary charitable focus is supporting children recovering from trauma through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy of etiquette and social skills, the House also works to empower the next generation with the confidence and grace required for personal and professional success.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony of tenure, or by prescription, located in Lincolnshire, England. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in the county. Over nearly one thousand years, the barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, the great warrior-diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The barony’s modern standing was formally acknowledged by The Crown 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's formal recognition was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, c. 1150–1230) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, 1340–1399). - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com