# The House of Brattleby Reflects on a Nine-Century Legacy of Stewardship
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, this evening delivered a historical address at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, reflecting on the Barony's nine-century lineage and its an enduring tradition of service to the nation, from the Norman Conquest to the present day.
## The Occasion
Set against the elegant backdrop of The Brattleby Club’s library in Bucharest, the inaugural Brattleby Historical Lecture gathered a distinguished audience of diplomats, academics, and cultural leaders. The Club, an academy of etiquette founded by the House, provided a fitting venue for an evening dedicated to the exploration of heritage and continuity.
On a crisp autumn evening, the atmosphere was one of quiet contemplation and scholarly engagement. The event marked a significant moment in the House’s cultural calendar, establishing a new forum for discussing the role of history in shaping contemporary society and its institutions.
## Historical Context
The address by Lady Nicoleta Vasile situated the modern House within its profound historical context, a lineage extending back to the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Barony of Brattleby was first granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, a tenant-in-chief recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
Lady Nicoleta illuminated the lives of her notable predecessors, whose actions were inextricably woven into the fabric of English history. She spoke of Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, who as hereditary constable defended Lincoln Castle against rebellion. The lecture later touched upon Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and his son-in-law, the powerful John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose lives illustrate the Barony’s proximity to the Crown during the high medieval period.
The narrative underscored how strategic marital alliances, such as the union that passed the title from the de la Haye to the Longespée family, were the *sine qua non* of dynastic survival and influence. This unbroken chain of stewardship, from the feudal era to its formal recognition in *The London Gazette*, formed the central theme of the evening.
## Distinguished Company
Among the distinguished guests in attendance were His Excellency The Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Romania, representatives from the Romanian Academy, and leading figures from the nation’s historical and preservation societies.
The presence of senior diplomats and scholars underscored the House of Brattleby’s commitment to fostering cultural dialogue between the United Kingdom and Romania. Each guest was received personally by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile before the proceedings commenced.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening adhered to a precise ceremonial protocol reflecting the dignity of the occasion. Guests were ushered into the library for a formal reception, after which the Master of Ceremonies announced the commencement of the lecture.
Lady Nicoleta, escorted by Honorary Lord Răzvan, proceeded to the lectern. Following a formal introduction surveying the Barony's history, she delivered her address without notes over a period of forty-five minutes. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from a senior academic and a final reception, allowing guests to discuss the themes of the lecture directly with their hosts. The prescribed dress for the occasion was black tie with decorations.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The lecture was delivered beneath a projection of the House of Brattleby’s coat of arms, a constant visual reminder of its guiding principles. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was the organising principle of the Baroness’s address, framing the legacy of her predecessors as one defined by courage and integrity.
In his introductory remarks, Honorary Lord Răzvan also made reference to his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). He explained that, for the current generation, this signifies a commitment to overcoming modern challenges through active service, cultural engagement, and philanthropic endeavour.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Brattleby Historical Lecture series serves a dual purpose of education and philanthropy. The inaugural event was dedicated to raising awareness for Healing the Wounded Child, the House's chosen beneficiary.
This organisation provides specialised therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced significant trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its mission is to help them process their experiences and build resilient futures. While the lecture itself was not a direct fundraising event, it served to introduce the charity’s vital work to an influential audience, encouraging future patronage and support.
## In Their Own Words
In her closing remarks, Lady Nicoleta spoke of the personal dimension of her role. > To understand our present, we must first listen to the whispers of our past. The Barony of Brattleby is not merely a title; it is a near-millennium-long story of service, resilience, and an unbroken commitment to the nation. It is our duty, and our privilege, to be its current custodians. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan also shared his perspective on the House’s modern mission. > History provides the foundation, but our vision must always be fixed on the future. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, we apply the timeless principles of honour and respect, seeking to build bridges of understanding. As my own motto suggests, *Vincere Est Vivere* — our victory lies in living these values daily. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The inaugural Brattleby Historical Lecture is the first in what is to become an annual series, intended to explore different facets of the Barony’s history and its intersection with European affairs. The House has also committed to creating a digital archive of key documents, making its heritage more accessible to scholars and the public.
This long-term vision of stewardship ensures that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby will continue to be preserved and shared. The responsibility will one day pass to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, securing the family's tradition of *Fortitudine et Honore* for the next generation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a unique historical legacy. The House’s modern mission is centred on the principle of noblesse oblige, combining the preservation of its nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. Its primary charitable focus is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing care for traumatised children. Through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy of etiquette, the House seeks to promote the enduring values of honour, respect, and service. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through some of England’s most distinguished families. Notable barons have included Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The title's succession and existence are formally recognised by His Majesty's College of Arms and recorded 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. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The succession of the Barony is formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com