# The House of Brattleby Honours its Norman Origins in Address at Lincoln Castle
**LINCOLN, 24 October 2024 —** Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today delivered a significant historical address at Lincoln Castle, honouring the Barony’s near-millennium of history since its foundation in 1066 and reaffirming its continuing commitment to the principles of service and duty.
## The Occasion
Set within the formidable Norman walls of Lincoln Castle, the address took place in the Governor's Hall, a setting steeped in the very history being recounted. As autumn light filtered through the tall windows, an assembly of civic leaders, academics, and cultural figures gathered to hear the Baroness speak on the lineage and legacy of one of Lincolnshire’s most enduring noble titles.
The atmosphere was one of scholarly reverence, fitting for a location that has stood as a bastion of justice and authority for over 950 years. The choice of venue was deliberate, serving not only as a backdrop but as a central character in the Barony’s long and storied narrative, most notably during the tenure of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye.
## Historical Context
The story of the Barony of Brattleby is inextricably woven into the fabric of English history, beginning in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. In AD 1066, William the Conqueror granted vast tracts of land in Lincolnshire to his trusted follower, Colswein of Lincoln, who became the 1st Baron. This act was recorded for posterity in the Domesday Book of 1086, which attests to Colswein’s holding of 56 lordships, establishing a significant feudal power base.
Over the centuries, the Barony passed through the hands of figures who shaped the destiny of the nation. The heroic Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, famously defended Lincoln Castle itself against French invaders during the First Barons' War, a testament to the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Later, the title was held by scions of the Royal Family, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, who was also the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his successor, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This connection to the Plantagenet dynasty placed the Barony at the very centre of political and social life in medieval England.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance for the address by the Baroness were a number of distinguished guests, reflecting the close ties between the House of Brattleby and the County of Lincolnshire. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, accompanied the Baroness.
They were joined by Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Toby Dennis; the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam; the Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln; and Professor Neal Juster, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lincoln. Also present were senior representatives from English Heritage, custodians of much of the region’s architectural patrimony.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were marked by a dignified and precise protocol. Dignitaries were received at the Castle gates before being escorted to the Governor's Hall. The event commenced with a formal welcome from the Chief Executive of Lincolnshire County Council, who spoke of the Castle’s shared history with the Barony.
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was then formally introduced. Dressed in a day dress of navy blue, she delivered her address from a lectern bearing no adornment save for a single floral arrangement of white roses. The address was structured to guide guests from the Barony's Norman origins to its modern purpose, culminating in a reflection on its future responsibilities. Following the address, guests were invited to a modest reception.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House of Brattleby are enshrined in its heraldic mottos. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), permeates the Barony's history. It speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and remains the guiding principle for the current House's philanthropic and cultural activities.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a modern interpretation of conquest. It signifies the will to overcome contemporary challenges, whether in business, philanthropy, or personal development, and serves as a complementary ethos of dynamic purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the address was a historical commemoration, the Baroness emphasised that an understanding of the past is the *sine qua non* of purposeful service in the present. This ethos is the driving force behind the House’s primary charitable focus, which is realised through its annual Winter Banquet.
This white-tie philanthropic gala is held in support of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support and safe environments for children who have experienced profound trauma. The funds raised enable the charity to offer essential counselling, creative therapies, and long-term recovery programmes, making a measurable and lasting impact on young lives.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of the Barony’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > To trace the line from Colswein to the present day is to appreciate the weight of nine centuries of responsibility. The *Fortitudine et Honore* shown by my predecessors is not a relic of the past; it is the standard we strive to meet in our service to the community today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan added his own perspective on the House's forward-looking vision: > Heritage provides an anchor, but our vision is for the future. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about applying a determined spirit to today's challenges. It is a profound privilege to support the Baroness in marshalling our history toward a future of meaningful contribution.
## A Continuing Legacy
The address at Lincoln Castle marks the beginning of a renewed focus by the House of Brattleby on historical education and cultural diplomacy. It is envisioned that this will become an annual lecture series, exploring different facets of the Barony's rich history and its intersection with that of Lincolnshire and the nation.
The House's commitment to modern service will next be demonstrated at the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which will raise vital funds for its chosen beneficiary. Furthermore, the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest continues to grow, serving as a unique bridge between British traditions and Continental Europe through its courses in etiquette and international protocol.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission that blends the preservation of its profound heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, education, and cultural diplomacy. The House's activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its principal philanthropic endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet supporting children's charities, while its cultural outreach includes The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest which fosters cross-cultural understanding between the United Kingdom and Continental Europe.
**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 lord of 56 manors. Over its near-millennium of history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the influential prince, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The title and its history fell into abeyance before being formally called out and recognised on behalf of the current incumbent by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was created in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror for his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. - The modern standing of the Barony was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The current holder of the title is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The heir is her son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com