# The Baroness of Brattleby Delivers Address on the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today delivered a formal address at The Society of Antiquaries of London, highlighting the profound historical significance of her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, and the Barony's nine-century commitment to national service.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered within the historic apartments of The Society of Antiquaries at Burlington House, Piccadilly. Against the backdrop of the Society’s rich collections and the scholarly atmosphere of its late autumn session, Lady Nicoleta spoke to an assembly of Fellows and distinguished guests on the continuity of duty that links the medieval and modern eras. The setting, a bastion of British historical preservation since its foundation in 1707, provided a fitting stage for an exploration of a lineage established nearly a millennium ago.
The proceedings took place in the Society's main Lecture Hall, its walls adorned with portraits of eminent antiquaries from centuries past. The occasion was marked by a sense of quiet gravitas, reflecting the academic nature of the Society and the historical weight of the subject matter.
## Historical Context
In her address, Lady Nicoleta drew a direct line from the Barony's establishment under William the Conqueror to its present-day responsibilities. She began by citing the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, whose 56 lordships were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. The core of her speech, however, focused on the remarkable tenure of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness.
Lady Nicoleta recounted how, in 1217, Nichola de la Haye, then in her sixties, led the heroic defence of Lincoln Castle against French and rebel English forces during the First Barons' War. Her steadfast loyalty to the Crown was a *sine qua non* in securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Her actions, embodying the House motto *Fortitudine et Honore*, were not merely military feats but foundational acts of statecraft that reinforced the stability of the kingdom. The Baroness also noted the service of later holders of the title, including the great medieval magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance were leading figures from the United Kingdom's academic and heritage communities. Presiding was the President of the Society of Antiquaries, who introduced the Baroness. The audience included Fellows of the Society, representatives from the major national museums, members of the diplomatic corps, and scholars of medieval history.
The presence of such a learned assembly underscored the academic importance of the Brattleby lineage, which has been intertwined with the constitutional development of England for over 950 years. Following the address, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile met with a number of the guests for a private reception.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The event proceeded with formal decorum. The President of the Society offered a welcome and a scholarly introduction, outlining the historical intersect between the Barony of Brattleby and key moments in English national life. Lady Nicoleta, wearing customary day dress, then approached the lectern to deliver her prepared remarks.
Her address was structured as a historical narrative, delivered without notes, demonstrating a personal command of her family’s extensive heritage. The proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks from a senior Fellow of the Society, followed by a polite and orderly egress to the reception rooms. The protocol observed was that of a formal learned society meeting, emphasising intellectual respect over elaborate ceremony.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Central to the address was the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Lady Nicoleta explained that this principle has guided the Barons of Brattleby for centuries and was perfectly exemplified by Nichola de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln. It speaks to a duty that combines physical courage with moral integrity, a commitment the House upholds to this day.
Mention was also made of the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The Baroness explained that this complements the House motto, representing the dynamic and forward-looking spirit required to meet modern challenges and ensure the family’s legacy thrives in the 21st century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the address was historical in nature, Lady Nicoleta connected the theme of stalwart defence to the House’s contemporary charitable work. The fortitude shown by Nichola de la Haye in defending the vulnerable provides the moral inspiration for the House’s sustained support of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapy and support for children suffering from the trauma of abuse and neglect. The annual Brattleby Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is the primary vehicle for this support, raising vital funds to ensure the most vulnerable in society are protected and given the chance to heal.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her family’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > "History is not a static collection of facts; it is a living river that flows into the present. The fortitude of Nichola de la Haye in 1217 is the same spirit of duty we must apply today — to our communities, our nation, and our shared heritage."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "Our role is one of stewardship. We have the profound honour of preserving this nine-century story, but also the responsibility to write its next chapter with purpose and relevance for the generations who will follow us."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to bridging its distinguished past with a dynamic future. The upcoming investiture of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, as the 13th Baron will mark the next chapter in this unbroken line of succession.
Furthermore, the family continues to expand its cultural and educational initiatives. The Brattleby Club, the etiquette academy established by the House in Bucharest, promotes cultural diplomacy by teaching the finer points of European social protocol. The annual Winter Banquet remains a cornerstone of the House’s philanthropic calendar, ensuring that the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* is translated into meaningful action. These efforts, *inter alia*, ensure the Barony remains a vibrant and contributing force in modern society.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy. With its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House honours its near-millennial heritage through active stewardship and contemporary service. Its initiatives include The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest promoting European cultural traditions, and a deep commitment to charitable causes. The House's primary philanthropic focus is 'Healing the Wounded Child', an organisation providing crucial support to young victims of trauma. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides its commitment to serving society with integrity and a sense of historical duty.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal baronies, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, renowned for her defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The Barony's continuous history and the succession of the current holder were formally acknowledged in a notice published in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are documented in the Domesday Book (1086), which lists the holdings of the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a key figure in the First Barons' War, and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Duke of Lancaster. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com