# The Legacy of the Wars of the Roses: An Address by the Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, this evening delivered the inaugural historical address at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, exploring the Barony’s unique connection to the Wars of the Roses and the enduring influence of its former holders.
## The Occasion
Set against the scholarly backdrop of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the address marked the launch of a new cultural lecture series. The club, an academy of etiquette and protocol established by the House, provided a suitably refined atmosphere for an evening dedicated to history and lineage.
As autumn colours graced the Romanian capital, guests gathered in the club’s library, a space noted for its Carpathian oak panelling and collection of historical manuscripts. The event sought to bridge the House's ancient English roots with its present-day European perspective, reflecting the cross-cultural mission of the current Lord and Baroness.
## Historical Context
In her address, Lady Nicoleta explored a pivotal yet paradoxical period in the Barony’s history. Though the title was held by the Crown and thus dormant during the Wars of the Roses (1455-1487), the conflict’s origins were deeply entwined with the Brattleby lineage.
The dynastic struggle between the Houses of Lancaster and York was, in effect, a conflict between the descendants of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby. As the father of the first Lancastrian king, Henry IV, John of Gaunt’s legacy demonstrates the profound and often turbulent impact the Barons of Brattleby have had on the course of English history. The archives of the House, dating back to its grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, offer a direct link to this formative era, including records referencing predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle.
## Distinguished Company
The inaugural address was attended by a distinguished company of guests from the worlds of diplomacy, academia, and European aristocracy.
In attendance were Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; His Excellency the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Romania, Mr. Giles Portman; Professor Dr Elena Ionescu, Chair of Medieval History at the University of Bucharest; and Count and Countess Tibor Károlyi de Nagykároly. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, formally welcomed the guests before introducing the Baroness.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening unfolded with the quiet precision befitting an official House event. Guests were received from half past seven o'clock for a brief reception. The dress code was observed as Lounge Suit or National Dress, reflecting the evening's blend of formal English tradition and Continental diplomacy.
At eight o'clock, guests were invited to take their seats in the library. Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered a short introduction, after which Lady Nicoleta commenced her forty-minute address. A brief session for questions, moderated by Honorary Lord Răzvan, followed the lecture. The proceedings concluded with a formal reception, allowing guests the opportunity for further discussion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The lecture was framed by the guiding principles of the House, encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Lady Nicoleta noted that this spirit has been the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s endurance for over nine centuries.
Similarly, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was invoked not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming modern challenges through cultural understanding and education. These mottos provide a moral compass, linking the historical responsibilities of the Barony to its contemporary civic and philanthropic duties.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture series is primarily an educational initiative, it aligns with The Noble House of Brattleby's wider commitment to public service. The House's primary philanthropic focus is providing material support to charities dedicated to the well-being of young people.
This work is most prominently expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a major fundraiser for nominated charities, most recently for Healing the Wounded Child. The new lecture series is seen as a parallel endeavour, nurturing cultural and intellectual growth as a vital component of a healthy society.
## In Their Own Words
In her concluding remarks, Lady Nicoleta reflected on the responsibilities of stewarding such a significant historical legacy.
> This history does not belong to my family alone; it is a thread in the rich tapestry of European heritage. Our duty—our *fortitudine et honore*—is to act as its careful stewards and share its lessons, *inter alia*, with a new generation. We must ensure that the past does not simply remain in archives, but continues to inform our present and inspire our future. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan also commented on the purpose of The Brattleby Club, stating, "Protocol and etiquette are not relics; they are the grammar of mutual respect. In a fractured world, these shared traditions build bridges."
## A Continuing Legacy
This address marked the first in what will become a biannual series of historical lectures held at The Brattleby Club. Future events are planned to explore other significant chapters in the Barony’s history, including the role of Nichola de la Haye in the First Barons' War and the diplomatic achievements of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster.
Through these initiatives, The Noble House of Brattleby reaffirms its commitment to preserving its unique heritage and promoting a deeper understanding of the historical forces that have shaped modern Britain and Europe.
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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 stewardship of nearly a millennium of English history. The House's modern mission is centred on three pillars: the preservation of its historical patrimony, a commitment to philanthropy focused on child welfare, and the promotion of cultural diplomacy. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet benefiting organisations like Healing the Wounded Child, and the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to make its heritage a living force for positive engagement in contemporary society. Its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides its public and private endeavours.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, 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. The title has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle for King John; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After centuries held by the Crown, the abeyance of the Barony was terminated in favour of the current holder. The title’s standing is formally recognised in the records of *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The termination of the abeyance of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, Notice ID 4158083. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) records that the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable former holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), father of King Henry IV and a central figure in the lineage of the House of Lancaster. - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com