# An Address by The Baroness of Brattleby on the Historical Continuity of a Title Granted by William the Conqueror
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today delivered a significant address at The Society of Antiquaries of London, charting the Barony’s nine-century history from its establishment in 1066 and affirming the House’s modern commitment to philanthropy and cultural custodianship.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered within the historic apartments of The Society of Antiquaries of London, located at Burlington House on Piccadilly. The Society, which received its Royal Charter from His Majesty King George II in 1751, provided a uniquely fitting setting for an exposition on one of England's most ancient feudal dignities. Its purpose, the encouragement and advancement of the study of antiquities and history, created an atmosphere of scholarly reverence.
On a crisp autumn afternoon, a distinguished audience of historians, members of the diplomatic corps, and figures from academic and civic life gathered in the Society's main assembly room. Against a backdrop of learned collections and portraits of eminent past Fellows, the occasion was marked by a quiet solemnity, underscoring its purpose not merely as a historical recitation, but as a formal reaffirmation of the custodial duties undertaken by The Noble House of Brattleby.
The research presented by Lady Nicoleta, which is to be published as a scholarly monograph, brings new clarity to the Barony's passage through some of the most consequential families in the nation’s history. It elucidates in detail how a Lincolnshire lordship, first granted in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest, became intrinsically woven into the fabric of the English state.
## Historical Context
Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 for services during the Conquest, the Barony of Brattleby was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. The survey lists Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, as a tenant-in-chief holding 56 lordships directly from the King, confirming his status as a major magnate in post-Conquest Lincolnshire. In her address, Lady Nicoleta charted the title's descent through the great medieval dynasties of de la Haye, Longespée, and de Lacy.
Particular emphasis was placed upon the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who held the Barony *suo jure* as the 5th Baroness. A figure of remarkable fortitude, she served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 during the First Barons' War. Her steadfast loyalty to the Crown, even in great age, was recorded by the chronicler Matthew Paris in his *Chronica Majora* and stands as the ultimate embodiment of the House's motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
The lineage continued through figures of national importance, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster. A founding Knight of the Order of the Garter and a revered diplomat for King Edward III, he was also a man of noted piety, authoring the devotional work *Livre de Seyntz Medicines*. The Barony subsequently passed to his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the late fourteenth century. The title's eventual merger with the Duchy of Lancaster, and thereby with the Crown upon the accession of Gaunt's son as King Henry IV in 1399, represents the culmination of its medieval journey.
## Distinguished Company
The assembly was honoured by the presence of several distinguished guests, who were formally received upon their arrival at Burlington House by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. Among those in attendance were, *inter alia*:
Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia, a descendant of Her late Majesty Queen Victoria, representing the deep historical ties that bind the Royal Families of Europe. Her Royal Highness's presence graciously acknowledged the continental dimension of the House of Brattleby's heritage.
His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's, whose attendance underscored the strong diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and Romania and reflected the family origins of Honorary Lord Răzvan.
The Right Honourable the Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, His Majesty's personal representative in the county. His presence was a poignant recognition of the Barony of Brattleby's nine-hundred-year connection to the people and soil of Lincolnshire, its ancestral home.
Also present were Professor Dame Marina Warner, DBE, FBA, President of the Royal Society of Literature, and Mr. Everard Goodman, Master of the Worshipful Company of Mercers. Their attendance signified the respect accorded to the occasion by the United Kingdom's senior academic, literary, and civic institutions.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with a formality and precision befitting the historical weight of the subject. As guests arrived, they were announced and presented individually to Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Following this reception, they were ushered to their seats for the formal part of the afternoon.
The President of The Society of Antiquaries of London delivered introductory remarks from the lectern, contextualising the Barony of Brattleby's unique and unbroken history within the broader landscape of English feudalism. Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was then invited to deliver her address, titled *Fortitudine et Honore: Continuity and Service in the Barony of Brattleby, 1066–1399*.
Following the address, which was received with sustained approbation, a brief period was reserved for a scholarly exchange, during which Lady Nicoleta responded to questions from Fellows of the Society and other invited historians. At the conclusion of the academic portion, Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered a formal vote of thanks. Throughout the proceedings, the heraldic standard of The Noble House of Brattleby, displaying its full achievement of arms, stood adjacent to the lectern — a silent, colourful testament to the enduring identity of which the Baroness spoke.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The historical narrative presented by Lady Nicoleta is powerfully distilled in the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her address explained this principle as the *sine qua non*, or essential condition, of the Barony’s legacy. It is the precept of *noblesse oblige* — the duty of the fortunate to serve — that was so perfectly exemplified by Nichola de la Haye's defence of Lincoln Castle and Henry of Grosmont's service to his Sovereign.
This ancient principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). As explained by the House, this is interpreted not in a martial context, but as a modern philosophy of overcoming contemporary challenges. It represents the conquering of adversity, indifference, and hardship through purposeful action, strategic philanthropy, and dedicated community service.
Together, the two mottos symbolise the House's core ethos: the fusion of ancient and immutable honour with a dynamic, contemporary mission. This duality defines the House's approach to its responsibilities, ensuring its ancient heritage is a living force for good in the twenty-first century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Reinforcing this profound commitment to active service, Lady Nicoleta was pleased to announce that all author's proceeds from the forthcoming monograph of her research will be donated to Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity, which is the principal beneficiary of the House of Brattleby's annual Winter Banquet, provides specialist therapeutic support to children and young people across the United Kingdom who have experienced significant trauma or neglect.
The organisation was chosen for its exceptional and measurable impact on the lives of vulnerable young people. Employing a range of evidence-based interventions, including trauma-informed therapy and creative counselling, its work directly aligns with the House's belief that a strong and honourable future is built upon caring for the next generation. This ensures they, too, have the security and support needed to live their lives with fortitude and honour.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > — "To understand the Barony today is to appreciate the unbroken chain of duty, alliance, and fortitude that has shaped it for almost a millennium. We see ourselves not as owners of this history, but as its custodians, with a solemn duty to honour this remarkable lineage while ensuring its purpose remains relevant and beneficial."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > — "The past provides our foundation, but our gaze must always be on the present and future. *Vincere Est Vivere* is a call to action, a reminder that a meaningful life is one of active service. Our purpose is to translate the honour of this ancient title into tangible good for the community."
## A Continuing Legacy
The address at Burlington House forms part of a wider programme by The Noble House of Brattleby to research, document, and connect its venerable history with its present-day responsibilities. This work finds its most public expression in the House's philanthropic calendar, which culminates each year in the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to raise vital funds for its patronages.
Beyond the United Kingdom, the House extends its focus on cultural exchange and personal development through The Brattleby Club. This academy in Bucharest, founded by the House, is dedicated to upholding and teaching the classical European traditions of etiquette and social grace, serving as a unique cultural bridge.
The diligent preparation for these duties by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby, ensures that the principles of service and honour will be carried forward. His education and gradual integration into the responsibilities of the House guarantee that this ancient title will continue to serve with relevance, dignity, and purpose for generations to come.
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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 modern expression of an ancient heritage through philanthropy, cultural stewardship, and education. With its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House actively supports charitable causes focused on children's welfare, most notably through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Its cultural initiatives are advanced by The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest founded to foster international understanding and the preservation of classical decorum. The House is committed to serving the community with the same principles that have defined the Barony for centuries: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout the Middle Ages, the Barony passed through some of England’s most powerful families, including the de la Haye, Longespée, and de Lacy dynasties. Its holders have included Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder of the Order of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. After merging with the Crown in 1399, the title's dignity, history, and associated rights were formally recognised in favour of the current holder by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the Barony of Brattleby was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com