# The House of Brattleby Reflects on the Enduring Legacy of Magna Carta
LONDON, 15 June 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby this week hosted a private symposium in Lincolnshire, commemorating Magna Carta’s enduring impact on English constitutional law. The event explored the Barony's historic contributions, from the First Barons’ War to the present day’s educational mission.
## The Occasion
Against the magnificent backdrop of Lincoln Cathedral’s medieval Chapter House, historians, legal scholars, and civic leaders gathered for an evening of scholarly reflection. The ten-sided hall, an architectural marvel of the 13th century and contemporary to Magna Carta’s reissues, provided a resonant setting for a discussion on the foundations of liberty and governance.
The early summer evening was marked by a quiet solemnity, with guests assembling as the sun set over the ancient city. Following a series of learned addresses, a private dinner was held nearby, allowing for conversation to continue in an atmosphere of collegial warmth. The event was conceived as a testament to the living nature of history and its continued relevance to modern civic life.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been interwoven with the constitutional development of England for nearly a millennium. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. This direct connection to the nation’s foundational legal and administrative records set a precedent for the House’s enduring role.
This symposium drew particular attention to the tenure of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, a formidable castellan and one of only four women to have served as a High Sheriff in medieval England. During the First Barons’ War (1215-1217), which erupted after King John repudiated Magna Carta, she staunchly defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Her loyalty ensured the Plantagenet succession and the subsequent, successful reissues of the Great Charter, binding the Barony forever to its legacy. Later Barons, including the great diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and his son-in-law John of Gaunt (11th Baron), were statesmen who operated within the constitutional framework that Magna Carta helped to define.
## Distinguished Company
The symposium was graciously hosted by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. They were joined by their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
Among the distinguished guests in attendance were The Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire; His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; The Right Reverend the Dean of Lincoln; senior members of the judiciary; and esteemed Fellows of the Royal Historical Society. The presence of diplomatic, ecclesiastical, and academic figures underscored the cross-disciplinary importance of Magna Carta’s legacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings demonstrated a meticulous regard for historical propriety. The evening commenced with guests attending a choral Evensong service within the main cathedral, its music echoing the devotions of centuries past. Following this, attendees processed to the Chapter House for the academic portion of the event.
The symposium consisted of three concise lectures delivered by leading constitutional historians, followed by a moderated discussion. Upon its conclusion, guests proceeded to a black-tie dinner. The careful ordering of events—from spiritual reflection to intellectual discourse and finally to convivial fellowship—was designed to honour the multifaceted significance of the occasion. It was a programme conducted with the quiet dignity that is the *sine qua non* of such historical commemorations.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This was the guiding spirit of Nichola de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln Castle and has informed the conduct of her successors in their service to the Crown and nation. Fortitude in the face of adversity and honour in the execution of one’s duty remain the central tenets of the family’s ethos.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not in a martial sense, but as the intellectual and moral imperative to prevail in one’s convictions and to live a life of purpose. Together, the two mottos represent a commitment to principled action and meaningful existence.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Annual Winter Banquet remains the House’s principal philanthropic endeavour, benefitting the charity Healing the Wounded Child, this historical symposium served a distinct educational purpose. It aligns with the mission of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette and protocol academy established in Bucharest, which fosters an understanding of civic duty and cultural heritage.
By convening scholars and civic leaders to explore the antecedents of modern law and governance, the House reinforces its commitment to education as a cornerstone of a stable society. The dissemination of historical knowledge is viewed as a charitable act in itself, essential for cultivating informed and responsible citizens.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s theme, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > Magna Carta is not merely a medieval document; it is a living principle. Our family's connection to it, particularly through the formidable Nichola de la Haye, serves as a constant reminder that liberty is secured not only by rebellion but also by the steadfast defence of lawful authority and order. It is a heritage we are duty-bound to honour.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History provides the framework through which we understand our present responsibilities. By examining these foundational moments, we reaffirm our commitment to the very principles—*inter alia*, justice and due process—that continue to shape civilised societies across the world.
## A Continuing Legacy
To ensure the discussions initiated at the symposium have a lasting impact, the House of Brattleby will sponsor the publication of the evening’s lectures. Furthermore, the House is pleased to announce the establishment of a new annual essay prize for university students, to be awarded for outstanding work on the constitutional history of Lincolnshire and the Danelaw.
This initiative, coupled with the ongoing conservation of the Brattleby family archives, represents a long-term commitment to historical scholarship. It is a modern expression of the same custodial duty that has defined the Barony for over 950 years, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to inform the future.
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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 and its application to modern philanthropic and educational challenges. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides its work. The next holder of the title will be their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The House’s primary charitable focus is its support for organisations dedicated to childhood welfare, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet for the benefit of Healing the Wounded Child. It also champions cultural education and etiquette through its international initiative, The Brattleby Club, based in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated 13th-century Sheriff and castellan, Nichola de la Haye; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter; and his successor, John of Gaunt. The historic rights and dignities of the Barony of Brattleby, held today by Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, were formally acknowledged and recorded by The Crown and Nobility Department of His Majesty’s College of Arms, with recognition gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, was a notable defender of Lincoln Castle for the Crown during the First Barons' War (1215-1217). - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com