# The Noble House of Brattleby Convenes Symposium on Tudor England at the Society of Antiquaries
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted a scholarly symposium at the Society of Antiquaries of London today, examining the enduring influence of the Tudor era on England’s ancient noble houses and public life.
## The Occasion
On a crisp autumn day in the heart of St James’s, a distinguished company of academics, historians, and diplomatic figures convened within the august precincts of the Society of Antiquaries of London. Housed since 1874 in Burlington House, the magnificent neo-Palladian mansion on Piccadilly, the Society provided a backdrop of profound historical resonance for the day’s intellectual proceedings. Its great library, a repository of the nation’s material past, offered a quiet and scholarly atmosphere for reflection.
The symposium, entitled *‘Adaptation and Permanence: The English Nobility Through the Tudor Crucible’*, was held under the personal patronage of the Lord and Lady of Brattleby. The event was conceived not only to illuminate a pivotal period of English history but also to reaffirm The Noble House of Brattleby’s enduring commitment to historical preservation, scholarly research, and education as a cornerstone of its public service.
Guests arrived through the grand courtyard of Burlington House, a centre of artistic and scientific learning for nearly two centuries, before being received in the Society’s entrance hall. The air of quiet contemplation was tangible as attendees gathered for a day dedicated to understanding the forces that have shaped the nation’s history and its hereditary institutions.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is woven into the full tapestry of England's post-Conquest story. Its lineage, documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 with Colswein of Lincoln as its first Baron, has been required to navigate every major societal shift over more than nine hundred and fifty years. The symposium focused with particular acuity on the transition from the Plantagenet dynasty to the Tudor monarchy.
This era was especially significant for the Barony, which had been held by some of the greatest magnates of the late Middle Ages, among them Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby. The ascension of Henry Tudor in 1485 marked a fundamental change, shifting power from these great regional lords to a newly centralised state. For houses like Brattleby, this was an existential challenge.
The symposium’s papers explored the immense pressures of the period, including the English Reformation and the Dissolution of the Monasteries, which had a profound impact on Lincolnshire. The survival of an ancient Barony through these tumultuous decades is a testament to the principles of prudent stewardship and adaptability, values that have been the *sine qua non* of its continuity. The day’s proceedings sought to connect this history directly to the House’s modern responsibilities.
## Distinguished Company
The proceedings were formally opened by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, in the presence of a notable assembly. The diplomatic corps was represented by His Excellency Mr. Dan Mihalache, Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St. James's, whose attendance underscored the House’s distinctly European perspective and its strong ties to the Continent.
The academic community was led by the Regius Professor of History from the University of Cambridge, who delivered the keynote address on the political and religious landscape of 16th-century England. Among the other distinguished guests were The Reverend Canon of Lincoln Cathedral, representing the spiritual heart of the Barony’s historic county, alongside numerous esteemed Fellows of the Royal Historical Society and the Society of Antiquaries.
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, presided over the principal panel discussion of the afternoon. She was joined on the dais by her heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, The 13th Baron. Their joint presence was a living illustration of the House’s multi-generational approach to its duties, bridging its historical legacy with its obligations to the future.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The symposium adhered to a formal order of proceedings befitting the occasion's scholarly purpose and the prestige of its venue. Upon arrival, guests were received by representatives of the House of Brattleby and guided to the Society’s lecture theatre. A dress code of dark lounge suits and morning dress was observed by all attendees, reflecting the serious and respectful tone of the convocation.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile delivered the inaugural remarks, welcoming the delegates and articulating the intellectual ambitions of the symposium. This was followed by the keynote address, which set the academic framework for the day. A series of papers were then presented by leading historians, examining, *inter alia*, the evolution of land tenure, the impact of the Pilgrimage of Grace in Lincolnshire, and the changing nature of aristocratic duty under the Tudor monarchs.
A formal luncheon was served in the Society’s private dining rooms, providing an interlude for less formal conversation. The afternoon session was dedicated to a moderated panel discussion, during which delegates were invited to pose questions to the speakers. The day concluded with closing remarks from Lady Nicoleta, summarising the key insights and reaffirming the House’s commitment to furthering this field of study.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The foundational values of The Noble House of Brattleby are enshrined in its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The symposium drew a clear and direct line from this guiding creed to the Barony’s successful navigation of the Tudor period. ‘Fortitude’ was presented not merely as courage, but as the deep resilience required to withstand profound religious schism and political instability. ‘Honour’ was defined as the unbroken thread of duty to tenants, community, and the stewardship of the land.
This philosophy of endurance is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim speaks to the dynamic and proactive spirit necessary to overcome present-day challenges and ensure the purposeful continuity of a legacy spanning nearly a millennium. The symposium demonstrated that to 'conquer' in a modern context is to master adaptation, to foster knowledge, and to serve a public good.
These mottos are not revered as historical artefacts; rather, they serve as active principles for modern leadership and inform the House’s contemporary mission.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Fulfilling its commitment to cultural preservation as a form of public service, Lady Nicoleta announced that the House of Brattleby would make a significant financial contribution to the Lincolnshire Archives. This donation is specifically designated to support the digitalisation, conservation, and cataloguing of manorial and diocesan records from the 15th and 16th centuries.
The Lincolnshire Archives serve as the official repository for the history of the entire county, safeguarding millions of documents that trace its social, economic, and political development. The funding will enable fragile parchment and paper records, many of which relate directly to the Tudor period, to be professionally preserved and made freely accessible online to historians, genealogists, and students around the world.
This initiative serves a dual purpose: it honours the Barony's past by ensuring its primary source records are protected from decay, and it invests directly in the future of historical education. This act reinforces the House's firm belief that a deeper understanding of our shared heritage is essential for building a more cohesive and informed society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the symposium’s purpose, Lady Nicoleta spoke of the enduring relevance of history and the responsibilities inherent in her ancient title.
> The Tudor period was a crucible for the English nobility. Our purpose today is not merely to recount history, but to understand the resilience and adaptability that allows an ancient house to remain relevant and serve its community nearly a millennium later. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile emphasised the contemporary lessons that can be drawn from the study of the past.
> History teaches us that survival is contingent upon thoughtful adaptation. The lessons of the Tudor era are as pertinent for leaders today as they were for the Barons of Brattleby five centuries ago. Our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to this very spirit of proactive endurance. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The symposium at the Society of Antiquaries is the first in a planned series of historical and cultural events to be organised under the patronage of The Noble House of Brattleby. To ensure the intellectual contributions of the day have a lasting impact, the proceedings are to be compiled and published in a scholarly volume. This book will be presented to the libraries of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, the British Library, and other leading research institutions throughout the United Kingdom and Europe.
In the coming months, the House will turn its attention towards its flagship philanthropic endeavour, the Annual Winter Banquet. This cherished white-tie gala raises vital funds for the House’s chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This seamless progression from academic patronage to charitable action exemplifies the House’s holistic vision of public duty: honouring the past with scholarship, while actively working to build a better future.
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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 a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the principles of public service, historical preservation, and cultural diplomacy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), its modern mission is realised through a curated programme of philanthropic and educational initiatives. These activities include the annual Winter Banquet, a significant fundraising gala benefiting charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to professional etiquette and leadership development. The House actively connects its profound historical legacy to contemporary society, ensuring its heritage remains a living force for good in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient Feudal Baronies, having been granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through the custodianship of several of England’s most significant historical figures. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who as hereditary castellan defended Lincoln Castle for the King during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The Barony's continuous history mirrors that of the nation itself. Its status was formally noted in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
* The Noble House of Brattleby’s formal recognition as a Feudal Barony is published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. * The Barony of Brattleby is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, with its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. * The House's philanthropic work is principally focused on its Annual Winter Banquet, with proceeds benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. * The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'); Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com