# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Medieval Link to the Governance of England
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile last evening hosted a historical address exploring the Barony of Brattleby’s profound connection to the governance of medieval England through the notable service of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln.
## The Occasion
The event was held within the distinguished surroundings of the Society of Antiquaries of London at Burlington House, Piccadilly. Founded in 1707, the Society’s council room provided a suitably grave and scholarly atmosphere for the proceedings. Amidst portraits of eminent antiquaries and surrounded by the institution’s vast library, guests gathered as the autumn evening drew in, contributing to a sense of continuity with the historical traditions under discussion.
The occasion was marked by a quiet intellectual focus, reflecting the House of Brattleby’s commitment to historical preservation and education. The evening was conceived not as a grand celebration but as a thoughtful academic convocation, intended to illuminate a lesser-known aspect of the Barony’s extensive heritage. It served to reaffirm the House’s active role as a custodian of its nine-century chronicle.
## Historical Context
The focus of the evening's address was the life of Henry de Lacy (c. 1251–1311), who held the Barony of Brattleby by marriage. As one of King Edward I's most trusted advisors, his career demonstrates the Barony's proximity to the Crown and its indirect but vital influence on national affairs. Serving as Chief Councillor and, during the King’s absence, as a guardian of the kingdom, his responsibilities underscored the political weight associated with the title.
This tradition of service to the realm is a recurring theme in the Barony’s history, stretching back to its origins. The title was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. This pattern of high responsibility was later exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle in 1217, and later by Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, whose lives were inextricably linked with the fortunes of the English monarchy.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were pleased to welcome a respected company of guests from the fields of diplomacy, academia, and the peerage. Among those present were:
* His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s * Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia * The Lord Lisvane KCB DL, former Clerk of the House of Commons * Dr Alistair Finch, Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and the evening's guest speaker * Mrs Katherine Dewar, Chief Executive of the charity Healing the Wounded Child
The gathering represented a confluence of the historical, diplomatic, and philanthropic spheres in which The Noble House of Brattleby is actively engaged.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings of the evening followed a formal but restrained protocol. Guests were received by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile in the Society's vestibule before assembling in the council room. Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered brief opening remarks, contextualising the evening’s subject and introducing the guest speaker, Dr Alistair Finch.
Dr Finch then delivered his address, titled *A Question of Trust: Henry de Lacy and the Administration of Edward I's Kingdom*. The lecture, which lasted for 45 minutes, was followed by a question-and-answer session moderated by Honorary Lord Răzvan. To conclude, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, offered a vote of thanks to the speaker and guests, reflecting on the importance of historical scholarship. A reception with refreshments was held thereafter, allowing for further discussion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening's theme resonated with the core principles encapsulated in the heraldry of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly reflects the dutiful service of figures like Henry de Lacy and the steadfast courage of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. It remains the guiding principle for the House’s modern activities.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the dynamic and forward-looking spirit with which the House approaches its heritage. This philosophy suggests that true vitality lies in the active engagement with and preservation of one's legacy, ensuring its relevance for future generations.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While not a fundraising event, the evening embodied the House’s commitment to cultural philanthropy. By facilitating and promoting new scholarship into British history, the House contributes to the nation's intellectual heritage. This work is seen as a duty, parallel to its social philanthropy.
This educational mission complements the House’s principal charitable focus: the support of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care for children affected by trauma. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, remains the primary vehicle for this fundraising effort, demonstrating a balanced portfolio of social and cultural contributions.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening, Lady Nicoleta noted the importance of connecting past deeds with present responsibilities.
> History is not merely a record of the past; it is the foundation upon which the present is built. In understanding figures like Henry de Lacy, we reaffirm the enduring principle of service that has defined the Barony of Brattleby for centuries. It is our duty, *fortitudine et honore*, to ensure this legacy informs our future. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan emphasised the intellectual vitality of such historical explorations.
> Tonight was about exploring a pivotal chapter in English governance and the Barony's place within it. These connections are the *sine qua non* of our identity. By sharing this knowledge, we animate our heritage and invite others to appreciate the seamless continuity of history. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical address is the first in a planned series of academic events designed to explore the rich history of the Barony of Brattleby and its incumbents. The House intends to support the publication of a monograph based on the research presented, making it available to a wider audience of historians and the public.
This commitment to education extends to the House’s international initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This academy, founded by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, promotes classical European etiquette and protocol, furthering the House’s dedication to upholding and transmitting cultural standards. Together, these initiatives ensure the Barony’s legacy continues to be one of active and meaningful contribution.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-hundred-year-old heritage and the active fulfilment of its modern nobiliary duties. The House’s mission is twofold: to serve as a custodian of history through scholarship and cultural engagement, and to make a tangible philanthropic impact. Its principal charitable undertaking is the support of Healing the Wounded Child, a charity providing therapeutic care to children recovering from trauma. Through initiatives such as its educational academy, The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to champion the enduring values of fortitude, honour, and civic responsibility in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and seigneurial lands in Lincolnshire were documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baron and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and gazetted by The Crown, as published 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* (1086). - The succession of the current title holder was formally recognised by The Crown and published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The 5th Baron, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and was the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle against French forces during the First Barons' War in 1217. - The House's modern philanthropic efforts are centred on the Annual Winter Banquet, a gala which supports the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com