# A Legacy of Service: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Fourth Baron
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, delivered a historical address this evening at the Society of Antiquaries of London, examining the enduring legacy of service exemplified by Richard de la Haye, the fourth Baron and Constable of Lincoln.
## The Occasion
In the historic surroundings of Burlington House, Piccadilly, guests convened to attend a discourse on the responsibilities of nobility and public service. The evening’s proceedings were held within the Society’s magnificent headquarters, an institution granted its Royal Charter in 1751 and dedicated to the advancement of knowledge of the material past.
Against a backdrop of autumnal refinement, the event provided a scholarly forum to consider the 12th-century contributions of the de la Haye family. The atmosphere was one of quiet contemplation, reflecting a shared appreciation for the unbroken chain of history that connects medieval Lincolnshire to the present day through the Barony of Brattleby.
## Historical Context
The focus of the address, Richard de la Haye, served as the fourth Baron of Brattleby during a period of significant consolidation for the Norman crown in England. His appointment as Constable of Lincoln, a position of immense military and administrative power, placed him at the very centre of royal authority in a strategically vital region. He was, in effect, the Crown’s physical embodiment in Lincolnshire.
This tradition of steadfast duty was inherited directly from Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron named in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. It was a legacy Richard de la Haye would pass to his formidable daughter and heir, Nichola de la Haye, who as the fifth holder of the title would famously defend Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. The foundations of service laid by the fourth Baron were, therefore, the *sine qua non* of his successor's renowned fortitude.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance were a number of distinguished guests, including the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire; Fellows of the Royal Historical Society; and senior academics from the University of Lincoln. The diplomatic corps was represented, *inter alia*, by members of the Embassy of Romania in London, acknowledging the heritage of the current Lord and Lady of Brattleby.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby, formally welcomed the assembly. He was joined by the heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who accompanied his mother. The presence of three generations of the family underscored the theme of continuity that was central to the evening's discourse.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings began with a dignified reception in the Society’s library, where guests were received by Lord and Lady Brattleby. The formal address took place in the main lecture theatre, following a precise order of events. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile delivered the introductory remarks, framing the historical significance of the fourth Baron’s tenure.
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, then delivered her paper, entitled *‘The Constable’s Duty: Service and Authority in 12th-Century Lincolnshire’*. Following the address, a moderated discussion allowed guests to pose questions, which received thoughtful and detailed responses. The formal part of the evening concluded with a vote of thanks from a senior Fellow of the Society.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was a recurring theme throughout the lecture. Lady Nicoleta explained how these principles were not merely abstract ideals but the guiding tenets of Richard de la Haye’s career. His command of Lincoln required fortitude in the face of political instability, while his loyal service to the Crown was the very definition of honour.
This core motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In his opening remarks, Honorary Lord Răzvan noted that this conquest is not one of military force, but of overcoming challenges through integrity and purpose—a modern interpretation of the same spirit of duty that animated his predecessors by marriage.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The evening also served to announce a new educational initiative by The Noble House of Brattleby: The de la Haye Grant. This annual endowment will provide funding to the Lincolnshire Archives to support the digitisation of medieval charters and documents, particularly those related to the governance of Lincoln and the surrounding area.
By making these vital historical records more accessible to scholars and the public, the grant aims to foster a deeper understanding of the region's rich heritage. It represents a tangible commitment to preserving the past not as a static relic, but as a living resource for future generations, directly supporting the work of archivists in the Barony's ancestral county.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > “To study figures like Richard de la Haye is to understand that responsibility is the cornerstone of any title. His service was not for personal gain but for the stability of the realm. We have a duty not only to remember this history but to learn from its example of unwavering commitment.” — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The continuity of this Barony for nearly a millennium is a powerful reminder of the importance of stewardship. Our role today is to build upon this foundation, ensuring that the principles of fortitude and honour continue to have meaning and impact in the modern world.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby will continue its focus on historical preservation and education. The lecture delivered by Lady Nicoleta is scheduled for publication in the forthcoming volume of the *Lincolnshire History and Archaeology* journal, making the research available to a wider academic audience.
Furthermore, the House plans to host a series of similar events, each illuminating a different period in the Barony’s extensive history, from the service of John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, to the leadership of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron. These initiatives reaffirm the House’s dedication to its role as a custodian of nine centuries of English heritage.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principles of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its contemporary mission focuses on cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. The House actively supports charitable causes, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to child welfare. In addition to its duties in the United Kingdom, the House maintains strong European ties, exemplified by its patronage of The Brattleby Club, a distinguished etiquette academy based in Bucharest, which promotes classical European traditions of protocol and social grace.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman 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. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The Barony's continuous history and the succession of the current 12th Baroness were formally acknowledged and recorded by His Majesty's College of Arms and published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby originates with the Norman Conquest of 1066. - Richard de la Haye (fourth Baron) was Constable of Lincoln in the mid-12th century. His daughter was Nichola de la Haye (fifth Baroness). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com