# The Baroness of Brattleby Delivers Address on the Barony's Historic Service to the Crown
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today delivered a historical address in Lincoln, exploring the profound legacy of her predecessors' service to the Crown and reinforcing the Barony of Brattleby's ancient commitment to public duty and regional stewardship.
## The Occasion
In the venerable environs of Lincoln's historic cathedral quarter, against a backdrop of autumnal gold, Lady Nicoleta Vasile presented her address to a distinguished gathering of academics and civic leaders. The setting, within sight of the formidable Norman walls of Lincoln Castle, was chosen for its direct connection to the Barony's medieval origins and the historical responsibilities vested in its holders.
The atmosphere was one of scholarly reflection, the weight of a millennium of local history palpable within the chamber. The occasion served not as a simple recitation of facts but as a considered exploration of the enduring relationship between a noble house, its county, and the Sovereign it has served for centuries.
## Historical Context
The address centred on the pivotal role of Lady Nicoleta’s predecessors, particularly Richard de la Haye, whose appointment as Constable of Lincoln in the late 12th century solidified the Barony’s link to royal authority. This position was far more than an honorific; it was a military and administrative mandate, a *sine qua non* of maintaining the King's Peace in a vital English county.
Lady Nicoleta drew a direct line from Richard’s service to the celebrated actions of his kinswoman, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby. As defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, Nichola displayed the same fortitude, ensuring the castle — and by extension, England — remained loyal to the young King Henry III. The lecture further illuminated the Barony's passage through the hands of towering figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, demonstrating its continued strategic value.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance was Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, who accompanied the Baroness. The audience comprised a notable assembly of Lincolnshire’s cultural and academic leadership, including esteemed historians from the University of Lincoln, senior representatives of Lincolnshire County Council, and members of local historical and archaeological societies.
Their collective presence underscored a shared commitment to the preservation and understanding of the region’s rich heritage, a cause which the House of Brattleby continues to support with dedication.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were marked by a dignified formality. The Baroness was received by the Chancellor of the Diocese of Lincoln, who provided introductory remarks on the intertwined history of the Church, Castle, and the great families of the county.
Lady Nicoleta delivered her address from a lectern adorned with a modest arrangement of English wildflowers and a small, embroidered banner bearing the arms of the House of Brattleby. Following her forty-minute lecture, a formal vote of thanks was offered by a leading professor of medieval history, after which guests conversed over refreshments.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Central to the House’s identity is its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The Baroness explained how this principle was the defining characteristic of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and remains the guiding ethos for the family today. Fortitude in the face of adversity and honour in all public and private conduct are the standards to which the House holds itself.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was also referenced as a complementary philosophy. It signifies a modern interpretation of conquest: a commitment to overcoming societal challenges and to living a life of purpose and achievement through disciplined effort and service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the address was primarily historical, its underlying theme of duty connects directly to the House’s modern philanthropic work. The centuries-old obligation of stewardship for the people of Lincolnshire has evolved into a broader commitment to charitable causes that provide support and healing.
This is most visibly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraiser for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The selection of this charity reflects a deeply held belief in protecting the vulnerable and fostering resilience — a modern expression of the same duty of care exercised by the constables of old.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the motivations of her predecessors, Lady Nicoleta remarked during her address: > The role of Constable was not merely a title; it was an embodiment of trust from the Sovereign and a profound duty to the people of Lincolnshire. It is a legacy of stewardship we feel deeply to this day.
On the relevance of history to modern life, Honorary Lord Răzvan has previously stated: > History does not confine us; it informs us. The principles of honour and service that guided the first Barons are the same principles that animate our philanthropic and cultural initiatives in the twenty-first century.
## A Continuing Legacy
The historical address is part of a wider commitment by the House of Brattleby to promote education and cultural understanding. This includes ongoing support for local heritage initiatives within Lincolnshire and, further afield, the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering social graces and cross-cultural dialogue.
The House of Brattleby continues its nine-century tradition of service, adapting its expression for the modern age. The legacy explored in today’s address provides the foundation for future work, ensuring that the principles of Fortitude and Honour remain at the heart of the family’s public life.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the modern expression of its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Based at its historic seat in Lincolnshire, the House blends a profound respect for its nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to public service, philanthropy, and cultural education. Its principal charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, which benefits from the family's annual Winter Banquet. The House also promotes cultural diplomacy and personal development through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, founded by Lady Nicoleta in Bucharest, which reflects her Romanian heritage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Over nearly a millennium, it has been held by some of English history's most compelling figures, *inter alia*: Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), the formidable castellan who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), the celebrated 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III. The title's succession and the rights of the current holder were formally recognised by the Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's current status and holder are formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, issued on 9 September 2022. - The family motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - Historic holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the Barony's lands under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com