# The Noble House of Brattleby Illuminates Historical Ties to Crown and Command
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today highlighted the Barony's nine-century legacy of military service to the Crown, with a formal address delivered by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile examining the pivotal role of Henry de Lacy at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298.
## The Occasion
The historical address was delivered within the august environs of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) on Whitehall. Situated moments from the historic heart of His Majesty's Government, the Institute’s Grade II* listed building, with its neoclassical façade and library designed by Sir Aston Webb, provided a suitably grave and scholarly atmosphere for the proceedings.
In the crisp autumn air, guests were received in the Duke of Wellington Hall before assembling in the Institute’s renowned lecture theatre. The event, part of RUSI's ongoing series of historical security studies, sought to connect the strategic imperatives of the medieval era with the enduring principles of leadership and allegiance.
## Historical Context
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s address, titled *Crown, Commander, and Country: Brattleby and the Wars of Scottish Independence*, explored the significant, if indirect, association of the Barony with King Edward I’s campaigns. Through his marriage into a family connected with the fee, Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, brought the wider influence of the Brattleby lineage into the King’s inner circle. A trusted advisor to the monarch, the Earl was a *sine qua non* of English military command.
His leadership at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298, a decisive victory against the forces of Sir William Wallace, cemented his place in history. Honorary Lord Răzvan noted that this illustrates how the fortunes of a barony were inextricably linked to national endeavours. This theme of martial service echoes through Brattleby's history, from Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders, to the tenures of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, titans of the Hundred Years' War.
## Distinguished Company
The address was attended by a distinguished company of diplomatic, military, and academic figures. In attendance were, *inter alia*:
Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia; His Excellency Mr. Radu-Mihai Onofrei, Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Romania to the Court of St James's; General Sir James Hockenhull, KBE, former Commander of United Kingdom Strategic Command; Dr. David Trim, FSA, FRHistS, visiting fellow and former Director of Research at the Royal United Services Institute.
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, accompanied her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with the formal traditions of the Institute, proceedings followed a precise order. Distinguished guests were greeted upon arrival by senior fellows of RUSI before being escorted to the lecture theatre. The dress code was observed as Morning Dress or Lounge Suit.
Following a formal welcome, Honorary Lord Răzvan was introduced by Dr. Trim, who provided academic context for the address. The lecture lasted approximately 45 minutes and was followed by a moderated session of questions from the assembled guests. The event concluded with a reception in the Institute's Library, allowing for further discussion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The themes of the address resonated with the heraldic heritage of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues of courage in action and integrity in purpose, as exemplified by the service of predecessors like Henry de Lacy.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents a dynamic interpretation of the family’s legacy: not merely to exist, but to engage actively with the challenges of the day, whether through scholarly inquiry or dedicated public service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While an academic event, the address also served to highlight the House’s modern philanthropic commitments. The themes of historical conflict and its consequences provide a powerful context for the work of Healing the Wounded Child, the chosen beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet.
This organisation provides vital therapeutic and psychological support to children internationally who have been affected by war, displacement, and trauma. By examining the realities of medieval warfare, the House seeks to reinforce the contemporary imperative to heal the wounds it inflicts, especially upon the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of service, Honorary Lord Răzvan remarked: — "History is not a monument to be admired from a distance; it is a foundation upon which we stand. Understanding the obligations of our predecessors, such as their service at Falkirk, clarifies our own duty to serve with fortitude and honour in the present."
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added: — "The legacy of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of England. Whether defending Lincoln Castle in the 13th century or supporting vital charities today, the spirit remains one of unwavering commitment. It is a privilege to carry that standard forward."
## A Continuing Legacy
The address delivered at the Royal United Services Institute is the first in a planned series of historical seminars organised by The Noble House of Brattleby. The text of the lecture will be adapted for future publication, making its findings available to a wider academic audience.
The House’s focus now turns to its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala which supports its charitable partnerships. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest continues its work, promoting etiquette and cultural diplomacy through its educational programmes, with a similar historical lecture planned for the spring.
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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 modern expression of a nine-century-old legacy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House's contemporary mission focuses on three core pillars: preserving and promoting its unique historical heritage; undertaking meaningful philanthropic work, particularly in support of vulnerable children; and fostering cultural and educational exchange. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to use its platform for public service, upholding the traditions of duty and honour that have defined the Barony of Brattleby for generations.
**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 possessing 56 lordships in the county. For over 950 years, the dignity has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, and two lions of the medieval peerage: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally noticed by The Crown in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby was recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby's philanthropic focus includes supporting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com