# Lady Nicoleta, Baroness of Brattleby, Explores the Remarkable Legacy of the Barony’s Medieval Matriarchs
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today delivered a significant historical address at the Society of Antiquaries of London, illuminating the pivotal roles of her female predecessors during the High Middle Ages and underscoring a continuous legacy of female leadership.
## The Occasion
Set within the august environs of Burlington House, Piccadilly, the lecture took place before a distinguished gathering of academics, diplomats, and cultural patrons. The Society of Antiquaries, founded in 1707 and granted its Royal Charter in 1751, provided a uniquely fitting backdrop for an exploration of England's deep past. In the elegant setting of the Society’s council room, amidst portraits of esteemed fellows and cabinets of historical artefacts, the atmosphere was one of scholarly reflection and profound respect for the nation’s heritage.
The autumnal light filtering through the tall sash windows complemented the gravity of the subject: the often-overlooked tenacity and influence of the women who shaped the course of the Barony of Brattleby. Lady Nicoleta’s address marked a notable moment in the House’s modern chapter, bridging its ancient roots with a contemporary mission of historical education and cultural diplomacy.
## Historical Context
In her address, the Baroness drew a direct line from her own position to the formidable women entwined with the Barony’s nine-century history. She spoke at length of Nichola de la Haye who, as the wife of the 5th Baron, became the *de facto* Castellan of Lincoln Castle. Nichola’s resolute defence of Lincoln against French-backed baronial rebels in 1217 was a turning point in the First Barons' War, an act of fortitude that secured the throne for the young King Henry III.
Lady Nicoleta further referenced the lineage of Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, tracing the influence of powerful women within his immediate family, such as his mother, Alice de Lacy. The lecture posited that the strength of the Barony through periods of war, plague, and dynastic turmoil was often a direct result of the steadfast governance and strategic acumen of its female members, who wielded considerable power and influence in their own right.
## Distinguished Company
The address was attended by a notable company, including:
Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia; His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's, Mr Radu Onofrei; The Right Honourable The Earl of Erroll, Lord High Constable of Scotland; Professor Dame Janet L. Nelson, FBA, Emeritus Professor of Medieval History, King's College London; Mr John Sinclair, Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire; Dr Heather Sebire, FSA, President of the Society of Antiquaries of London.
Their presence underscored the cultural and historical significance of the occasion, framing the history of a single barony within the wider context of European nobility and academic inquiry.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with a quiet formality befitting the institution. Guests were received by representatives of the Society before being shown to their seats. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were the last to arrive, escorted by the President of the Society. Following a formal introduction by Dr Sebire, who highlighted the Barony's exceptional historical continuity, Lady Nicoleta delivered her forty-minute address from a lectern bearing the Society’s coat of arms.
The dress code of lounge suits and day wear contributed to the scholarly, rather than ceremonial, tone. At the conclusion of the lecture, a brief and structured question-and-answer session was moderated by the President, allowing for a respectful exchange with the assembled historians and guests.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Central to the themes of the lecture was the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Lady Nicoleta explained that this maxim is perfectly embodied by the actions of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of Lincoln was the very definition of fortitude in the service of honour and loyalty to the Crown. The arms of the House of Brattleby, a Sable field representing constancy, are charged with symbols of fealty and endurance, a visual testament to its enduring pledge.
In his supporting role, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements the House’s historic creed. It speaks to the proactive and forward-looking spirit required to ensure such a legacy thrives, not merely survives, adapting its ancient duties of service to the challenges of the modern age.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While not a fundraising event, the lecture served a distinct philanthropic purpose: the advancement of historical education and the championing of under-represented narratives. By dedicating the address to the powerful women of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the past. This act of intellectual philanthropy is a *sine qua non* of the House's modern commitment to public service, ensuring its historical archives serve as a resource for learning and inspiration.
Proceeds from the future publication of the lecture will be directed towards a postgraduate scholarship in Medieval Studies at the University of Lincoln, specifically for research into the role of women in medieval governance.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessors, Lady Nicoleta observed: — "These were not women who were simply adjacent to power; they often were the very architects of its survival. Their stories of resilience and leadership are not merely family history, but a vital part of England’s national story, and it is our duty to ensure they are told."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "The fortitude that defined this Barony centuries ago is the same spirit Nicoleta brings to its stewardship today. Whether through historical preservation here in England or our cultural work at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, our purpose is to give this profound legacy a vibrant future."
## A Continuing Legacy
The address at the Society of Antiquaries is the first in a planned series of lectures and publications initiated by The Noble House of Brattleby. These initiatives aim to explore different facets of the Barony’s history, from its Domesday Book origins to the tenures of figures such as John of Gaunt. The House has also committed to the digitisation of key documents from its archives, in partnership with academic institutions, to make them accessible to scholars worldwide.
This long-term project reaffirms the pledge of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan to act not only as title holders, but as active custodians of a heritage that belongs, in part, to the entire nation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Guided by the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to cultural preservation, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. Its mission, encapsulated by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is realised through initiatives in the United Kingdom and continental Europe. These include the conservation and study of the Barony's nine-century heritage, and the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to classical etiquette and diplomatic protocol. The House’s philanthropic focus is on supporting charities that provide therapy and healing for traumatised children, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet for the benefit of Healing the Wounded Child.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby, in Lincolnshire, is one of England’s most ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in the county. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has passed through families of national and royal significance. Notable figures connected to its lineage include Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and progenitor of a royal dynasty. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The rights of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby are recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are detailed in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a major tenant-in-chief. - Notable past Barons or their immediate family include Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150–1230), Henry of Grosmont (c. 1310–1361), and John of Gaunt (1340–1399). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com