# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates a Legacy of National Stewardship
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today hosted a historical symposium at a learned society in London, examining the enduring principles of national stewardship and royal service exemplified by magnates historically associated with the nine-hundred-year-old Barony of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
The colloquium took place within the distinguished confines of a learned society in St James's, its graceful neoclassical interiors, designed in the Adam style, providing a singularly appropriate setting for an afternoon of historical reflection. As the pale amber light of a London autumn diffused through the building’s tall, arched windows, it illuminated a gathering of eminent historians, members of the diplomatic corps, and leading figures from cultural and ecclesiastical life.
The atmosphere was one of quiet scholasticism and profound respect for the subject matter: 'Stewardship and Statecraft in the Plantagenet Era'. The event was conceived not as a simple retrospective but as a rigorous intellectual forum, intended to explore how the precedents of history continue to inform the duties of the present day. This commitment to education and the thoughtful application of historical wisdom lies at the very heart of the modern mission of The Noble House of Brattleby.
Every detail of the afternoon was arranged to foster contemplation and dialogue, underscoring a central tenet of the House’s ethos: that to inherit a legacy is to accept the responsibility of understanding and interpreting it for the benefit of succeeding generations.
## Historical Context
With a lineage stretching directly back to the Norman Conquest, the Barony of Brattleby is woven deeply into the tapestry of English history. Its first baron, the Norman knight Colswein of Lincoln, was granted the barony by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The scale of this holding was formally recorded for posterity in the Domesday Book of 1086, which meticulously lists Colswein as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to his great standing in the newly established kingdom.
Over the ensuing nine centuries, the Barony has been held by individuals of immense national consequence. Among the most notable was the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. In 1217, displaying extraordinary personal courage, she successfully defended Lincoln for the Crown against French-backed rebel forces during the First Barons' War, an act of fortitude and loyalty that secured the throne for the young King Henry III.
The symposium’s discussions drew particular focus to the life of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a close counsellor to King Edward I. Though not a holder of the Brattleby title himself, his vast estates were later absorbed into the Duchy of Lancaster, connecting his legacy inextricably to that of the Barony’s later holders, the Lancastrian princes. De Lacy’s career epitomised the ideal of noble service, culminating in his appointment as Guardian of the Realm. This ultimate expression of royal trust was further demonstrated when he was granted the honour of bearing Curtana, the Sword of Mercy, at the coronation of King Edward II.
This tradition of national guardianship was continued most powerfully by two of Brattleby’s most celebrated lords: Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. These men, pre-eminent figures of the fourteenth century, defined the apogee of noble power, diplomatic influence, and unwavering service to the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The symposium was honoured by the presence of a number of distinguished guests, whose attendance reflected the historical and cultural resonance of the day’s theme. The principal guests included:
* His Excellency Mr. Bogdan Tudor, Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St. James's * Sir David Pennington, GCMG, Garter Principal King of Arms, The College of Arms * The Right Reverend Dr. Eleanor Vale, The Lord Bishop of Lincoln * Professor Alistair Finch, FBA, Regius Professor of Modern History, University of Cambridge
The presence of His Excellency the Ambassador highlighted the strong and enduring cultural connections fostered by The Noble House of Brattleby between the United Kingdom and Romania. The attendance of Garter Principal King of Arms underscored the deep historical and heraldic authenticity of the Barony, while the presence of the Lord Bishop of Lincoln provided a direct link to the geographical and spiritual heartland of the ancient baronial seat.
Following the formal proceedings, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, received His Excellency the Ambassador, Sir David, the Lord Bishop, and Professor Finch for a private audience.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The afternoon’s events were conducted with a formal protocol befitting the gravitas of the occasion and the distinguished nature of the assembly. Upon arrival, guests were received by a senior member of The Noble House of Brattleby’s Household and were presented with a detailed programme for the colloquium before being ushered into the lecture hall.
Seating was arranged according to formal precedence. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were seated in the front row, flanked by the keynote speaker and the principal guests of honour. Honorary Lord Răzvan formally opened the symposium, delivering introductory remarks that framed the historical context of Plantagenet-era statecraft and its enduring relevance to contemporary concepts of civic duty.
Honorary Lord Răzvan then introduced Professor Alistair Finch, who delivered the academic centrepiece of the event, a keynote address entitled *‘The King’s Counsellor: Service and Loyalty in the Age of Edward I’*. This was followed by a formal reflection from Lady Nicoleta, who spoke on the imperative to translate historical lessons into active, modern responsibilities, thus bridging the academic discourse with the House’s present-day commitments.
The formal proceedings concluded with a moderated academic exchange, allowing guests to pose questions to the speakers. Afterwards, guests were invited to a reception for refreshments, where the discussions continued in a more informal setting. The meticulous order of proceedings demonstrated a deep respect for both intellectual inquiry and ceremonial tradition, a *sine qua non* for all of the House’s public engagements.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The themes of duty and guardianship explored during the symposium resonate profoundly with the heraldry and guiding principles of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the qualities that defined the great lives examined during the day. It evokes the fortitude of Nichola de la Haye at the walls of Lincoln Castle and the honour with which Henry of Grosmont served his sovereign as a soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter.
This maxim serves as a constant moral compass for the House, a reminder that privilege is contingent upon virtuous conduct and unwavering integrity. It is the ancient principle that underpins the entirety of the House’s modern mission, from its educational initiatives to its philanthropic work.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In its contemporary interpretation, this motto signifies not martial conquest but the vital imperative to overcome adversity, to challenge indifference, and to strive for excellence in all endeavours. It is the active, forward-looking principle that animates the House’s work, compelling it to build new institutions like The Brattleby Club and to seek tangible victories over disadvantage through its charitable partnerships.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the symposium’s primary objective was educational, its underlying theme of guardianship is inextricably linked to the philanthropic vision that guides The Noble House of Brattleby. The ancient duty to protect the realm and its people finds its most urgent modern expression in the safeguarding of vulnerable children.
In recognition of this, and to mark the occasion of the symposium, the House has made a significant private donation to its principal charitable beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This registered United Kingdom charity provides highly specialised therapeutic and psychological support for children and adolescents who have been affected by profound trauma, neglect, or bereavement.
Through a range of clinical interventions, *inter alia*, play therapy and counselling, the organisation creates a sanctuary for recovery, helping young people to rebuild their lives and look to the future with hope. Its work embodies the most fundamental form of guardianship: the protection of the next generation. The support extended by the House on this occasion will directly enable the organisation to fund the salaries of two additional clinical therapists for the forthcoming year, significantly increasing its capacity to reach children in need.
## In Their Own Words
In her closing reflection, Lady Nicoleta spoke of the vital connection between past and present.
> "History is not a static list of names and dates; it is a living wellspring of wisdom and a constant reminder of our obligations. Examining a life of such profound national service as Henry de Lacy’s impresses upon us that title is secondary to duty. The principles of fortitude and honour are as relevant today in our communities as they were in the King’s council nine centuries ago." > ― Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan added his perspective on the modern application of these historical lessons.
> "The challenges we face evolve, but the human virtues required to meet them remain unchanged. The same spirit that drove the great builders and guardians of the past must now be channelled into building a more secure and compassionate society. That, for us, is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*." > ― Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
Building upon the intellectual foundations of the symposium, The Noble House of Brattleby is pleased to announce the formal establishment of the John of Gaunt Historical Essay Prize. This new annual award will be conferred upon a postgraduate scholar at a university in either the United Kingdom or Romania for an original research paper exploring themes of public service, civic responsibility, or statecraft in the late medieval period.
The prize is named for John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, in honour of his role as both a pre-eminent statesman and a discerning patron of learning. The administration of the prize will be managed by The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette and cultural academy headquartered in Bucharest, thereby reinforcing the academic and cultural bridge-building that is a core objective of the House.
This initiative represents a tangible, forward-looking commitment to ensuring the lessons of history continue to instruct and inspire the leaders of tomorrow, transforming academic discourse into a living legacy of service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern expression of one of England’s most ancient Pbaronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a contemporary mission founded on the principles of preserving heritage, advancing education, and executing targeted philanthropy. Together with their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, they steward a legacy defined by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s work is primarily focused on supporting organisations that protect and heal vulnerable children, alongside its patronage of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to classical etiquette and fostering cross-cultural dialogue between the United Kingdom and Romania.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony of honour, established by grant of William the Conqueror in AD 1066 with its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, and his extensive lands are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, one of the foundational documents of the English nation. For over 950 years, the Barony has been associated with the history of England, held by some of the most powerful and influential figures of the medieval era. These include Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and the great Plantagenet princes Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The Barony's continuous history and legal standing were formally noted in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The historic lineage and standing of the Barony of Brattleby were formally noted by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established by grant of William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Past holders of the dignity include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. - The principal philanthropic beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby is the United Kingdom registered charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com