# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces Lecture Series Honouring Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the establishment of a commemorative lecture series in honour of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness of Brattleby, whose extraordinary leadership during the thirteenth century left an indelible mark on English history.
## The Occasion
The announcement signals the creation of The Nichola de la Haye Lecture, an annual event to be held at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This initiative seeks to illuminate the lives of significant, yet often overlooked, historical figures. The choice of venue—the House’s esteemed etiquette academy in Romania—underscores a commitment to bridging English heritage with a wider European cultural dialogue.
The inaugural lecture, scheduled for the spring, will be set within the Club’s library, a space panelled in dark oak and possessing a quiet, scholarly atmosphere. The event is intended not as a gala, but as a sober and thoughtful academic convocation, reflecting the gravity of its historical subject matter.
## Historical Context
Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the Barony in the late twelfth century, stands as one of its most formidable holders. Her legacy is inextricably linked to one of the most turbulent periods in the history of the Crown. Whilst she was not a signatory to Magna Carta, her role during the ensuing First Barons' War was of national significance.
As a staunch Royalist, she held Lincoln Castle in the name of King John and, following his death, for the young King Henry III. Her resolute defence of this critical stronghold against rebel barons and their French allies was a testament to her personal courage and strategic acumen. In an era when such authority was seldom entrusted to a woman, she was additionally appointed High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, proving her administrative capabilities were as profound as her military resolve. Her actions ensured the continuity of the Plantagenet line, demonstrating how the stewardship of Brattleby—first granted to Colswein of Lincoln in 1066—has consistently intersected with the destiny of the nation.
## Distinguished Company
The launch of the lecture series is championed by the current leadership of the House. The inaugural address will be introduced by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. The lecture itself, titled *'Fortitudine et Honore: Nichola de la Haye and the Defence of the Realm'*, will be delivered by a distinguished historian specialising in the Angevin period.
The project is under the patronage of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has taken a direct interest in reviving the memory of her remarkable predecessor. The establishment of this series reflects a shared vision with Honorary Lord Răzvan to use the platform of the House for substantive educational and historical enrichment.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings for the annual lecture will adhere to a precise and dignified protocol. Guests will be received by the Director of The Brattleby Club. The event will commence with a formal introduction by Honorary Lord Răzvan, outlining the historical context of the Barony and the purpose of the series.
Following the hour-long lecture, a moderated question-and-answer session will allow for academic discourse. The occasion will conclude with a modest reception. The dress code will be business attire, respecting the scholarly nature of the gathering. All proceedings will be recorded for the House’s historical archive.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The lecture series is named in the spirit of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words perfectly encapsulate the defining qualities of Nichola de la Haye, whose unwavering loyalty and personal bravery preserved both her domain and the stability of the kingdom. Her life serves as the ultimate expression of the Barony’s founding principles.
Furthermore, the initiative is driven by the spirit of Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In this context, the phrase signals a proactive and forward-looking approach to history—not as a static record, but as a living source of inspiration and learning to be actively shared.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the philanthropic focus of the Noble House of Brattleby, this new initiative will carry a charitable dimension. A specially commissioned book, containing the transcript of the inaugural lecture and further essays on Nichola de la Haye's life, will be published.
All net proceeds from the sale of this publication will be directed to Healing the Wounded Child, the House's principal beneficiary. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from complex trauma, and these funds will directly support its clinical outreach programmes, making a measurable difference in the lives of vulnerable young people.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the new series, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “Nichola de la Haye is a figure not only of immense importance to Brattleby but also a personal inspiration. Her fortitude in a world defined by men serves as a powerful reminder that leadership is a quality of character, not of station or gender. It is our duty to ensure her story is told with the accuracy and prominence it deserves.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Through this series, we aim to build a bridge across nearly a millennium of history. From Norman feudatories like Colswein to towering figures like John of Gaunt, the Barony of Brattleby has been both witness and participant in the shaping of a nation. Understanding a leader like Nichola is *sine qua non* for appreciating the continuity of that responsibility.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Nichola de la Haye Lecture is envisioned as a permanent feature in the calendar of The Brattleby Club. Future lectures will explore other notable figures and events connected to the Barony’s long history, from its entry in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 to its association with Henry of Grosmont, the great 1st Duke of Lancaster.
This commitment to historical scholarship reinforces the modern mission of the House: to act as a custodian of its profound legacy while engaging with contemporary society through education, cultural diplomacy, and targeted philanthropy. The series represents another pillar in this enduring commitment to serve with *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a near-millennial legacy. Its modern mission combines the preservation of its unique history with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural education. The House actively supports charitable causes, with a particular focus on children’s welfare through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster an appreciation for history, protocol, and civic duty. Living by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House engages with the present while honouring its past.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship seated in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in the county as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, *inter alia*, the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The continuity and rights of the ancient Barony under its current holder were formally acknowledged and recorded in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby can be verified in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first established in AD 1066 and its holdings are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable predecessors in the title include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and Nichola de la Haye, High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. - The principal philanthropic beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com