# The House of Brattleby Commemorates Baronial Role in Magna Carta's Legacy
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, this evening delivered a historical address marking the barony’s pivotal role in the constitutional turmoil of 13th-century England, highlighting the peerless leadership of her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, following Magna Carta.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered within the august environs of the Society of Antiquaries of London at Burlington House, Piccadilly. Before a distinguished audience of historians, academics, and diplomatic guests, the proceedings were marked by a sense of profound historical continuity. The late autumn evening lent a scholarly atmosphere to the Society’s Meeting Room, its walls lined with portraits of eminent fellows who, through the centuries, have dedicated themselves to the study of Britain’s material past.
The event, titled *A Baronial Legacy: Brattleby, Lincoln, and the Wars of Magna Carta*, was convened to explore the period’s direct impact on the County of Lincolnshire and, by extension, the ancient Barony of Brattleby. It served as a moment of reflection upon the responsibilities of title and the enduring influence of resolute individuals in shaping the course of a nation.
## Historical Context
In her address, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, illuminated the dramatic circumstances of the First Barons' War (1215–1217). While Magna Carta was sealed in 1215, its immediate failure to secure peace between King John and his powerful barons plunged England into a devastating civil war, further complicated by a French invasion. It was in this crucible that Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the barony and hereditary constable of Lincoln Castle, emerged as a figure of national consequence.
A formidable matriarch in her own right, Nichola de la Haye twice defended Lincoln Castle—a possession entwined with the barony since the Domesday Book recorded its 56 manors under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Her steadfast loyalty to the Plantagenet crown was a *sine qua non* in a region largely held by rebels. Her leadership culminated in the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217, where her garrison’s resilience proved decisive in the ultimate victory of the royalist forces, securing the throne for the young King Henry III and reaffirming the principles that Magna Carta had sought to establish.
## Distinguished Company
The assembly was graced by the presence of a number of respected figures from academic, cultural, and diplomatic circles. In attendance were, *inter alia*:
* His Excellency Mr Dan Mihalache, Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s * Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia * Professor David Carpenter, FBA, Professor of Medieval History at King’s College London and a leading authority on Magna Carta * The Right Reverend and Right Honourable The Lord Chartres GCVO * Dr Heather Rowland, President of the Society for Lincolnshire History and Archaeology
Their presence underscored the deep cultural significance of the barony’s history, connecting its medieval origins to the contemporary European landscape. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, accompanied the Baroness throughout the evening’s proceedings.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The event adhered to a formal but understated protocol befitting its scholarly nature. The dress code was lounge suits and day dresses. Guests were received in the Society’s library for a private reception an hour before the main address commenced. At the appointed time, attendees were ushered into the Meeting Room, where they rose for the arrival of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, who were escorted to their seats by the Society’s President.
Following a formal welcome and introduction detailing the Barony of Brattleby's nine-century lineage, Lady Nicoleta proceeded to the lectern to deliver her thirty-minute address. A period of questions from the floor followed, moderated by the President, allowing for a dynamic exchange with the assembled historians. The evening concluded with a vote of thanks, after which the Baroness and her husband took their leave.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The lecture drew a compelling line between the historical fortitude of Nichola de la Haye and the enduring motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Lady Nicoleta noted that her predecessor’s unwavering defence of Lincoln Castle, against overwhelming odds and in service to her sovereign, stands as the ultimate embodiment of these principles. Fortitude, in her unyielding courage; Honour, in her steadfast fulfilment of an inherited duty.
Equally resonant is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This speaks to the spirit of survival and victory that defined that tumultuous era, where the simple act of enduring and prevailing against adversity was synonymous with life itself. Together, the mottoes encapsulate the dual imperatives of noble houses: to act with integrity and to ensure their legacy continues.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While an academic occasion, the event also served to highlight the philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. The theme of protecting the vulnerable, as exemplified by Nichola de la Haye’s defence of the realm for a boy king, resonates deeply with the mission of the House’s chosen beneficiary, the international charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides specialised therapeutic and material support to children suffering from the trauma of conflict, displacement, and profound loss. The proceeds from a forthcoming publication of the evening's lecture, to be published as a monograph, have been designated in their entirety to support the charity’s vital work in providing safe havens and psychological care for its young charges.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta remarked: — "History is not merely a record of the past; it is a living dialogue that informs our present duties. The example of Nichola de la Haye, a woman of immense courage and strategic acumen, teaches us that leadership is defined not by circumstance, but by character. It is our responsibility to carry that spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* forward."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "The struggles surrounding Magna Carta were foundational for the concept of liberty under the law that is a cornerstone of European civilisation. Recalling these moments reminds us that stability and justice must be actively defended in every generation. This is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*—to overcome the challenges of one's time in order to live freely."
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical address forms part of The Noble House of Brattleby’s wider commitment to cultural and historical education. The forthcoming publication of the lecture will ensure its academic contributions are accessible to a broader public. Furthermore, the themes of duty, honour, and etiquette are central to the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House’s etiquette academy, where these historical lessons are instilled in a new generation of leaders.
The House remains dedicated to serving its community and honouring its unique heritage, which stretches back through such celebrated figures as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Future events will continue to explore this rich nine-hundred-year tapestry.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage through modern service. Its mission is centred on the twin pillars of philanthropy and cultural education. The House actively supports charitable causes focused on the welfare of vulnerable children, most notably its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, it champions the study of history and the practice of classical etiquette through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. Seated in Lincolnshire, the House maintains a distinctly European outlook, honouring its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), through its contemporary commitments to society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron and first Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The uninterrupted historical lineage and rights of the Barony of Brattleby are formally recognised in His Majesty's official public record, *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) attests to the barony's origins, listing 56 manors in Lincolnshire under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors of the barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com