# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Foundational Legacy of Colswein of Lincoln
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement reflecting upon the foundational legacy of Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron. His significant role in establishing Norman authority in Lincolnshire following the Conquest of 1066 remains a cornerstone of the Barony’s near-millennial history.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has undertaken a moment of historical reflection, reaffirming its commitment to the custodianship of the Barony’s long and storied heritage. As the autumn colours settle upon the ancient landscape, this period serves as a poignant time to consider the origins of the responsibilities that have been passed down through nearly one thousand years of English history.
This commemoration is not an event of public gathering but rather a solemn observance of duty. It is an act of looking to the past to inform the present, ensuring that the principles established at the Barony’s inception continue to guide its modern mission of service and cultural preservation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby stands as one of the most direct and enduring links to the Norman settlement of England. Following his victory in 1066, William the Conqueror initiated a sweeping reorganisation of the kingdom, granting lands to his most loyal followers to secure his new realm. Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman magnate, was a principal beneficiary of this strategy in the vital region of Lincolnshire.
As recorded in the great survey of 1086, the Domesday Book, Colswein was granted 56 lordships, with Brattleby at their core. This made him a powerful *tenant-in-chief*, holding his domains directly from the King. His authority was a *sine qua non* for the consolidation of Norman rule in a strategic yet restive part of the country. This initial grant laid the foundations for a system of governance and obligation that would shape the region for centuries.
The Barony's significance is further illuminated by the stature of its subsequent holders, *inter alia*: Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who as Castellan defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose tenure brought the Barony into the orbit of the Royal Family itself.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon its history, the House of Brattleby honours the memory and contributions of the distinguished lineage that precedes it. This historical company includes:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, First Baron of Brattleby, a primary architect of Norman authority in the region and a direct vassal of King William the Conqueror. * **Nichola de la Haye**, Fifth Baroness of Brattleby and Hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle, a figure of remarkable fortitude who twice defended Lincoln against baronial and French forces in the early 13th century. * **The Right Honourable and Most Noble Prince Henry of Grosmont**, Tenth Baron of Brattleby, First Duke of Lancaster, and Earl of Derby, a pre-eminent English diplomat, soldier, and founding Knight of the Garter. * **The Right Honourable and Most Noble Prince John of Gaunt**, Eleventh Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster, and son of King Edward III, one of the most powerful and influential figures of the 14th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of such a long history is governed by its own precise protocols. The Noble House of Brattleby maintains a detailed archive, cross-referencing its records with primary national sources, including the original Domesday folios held at The National Archives and notices published in *The London Gazette*.
The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, confirmed by Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, represents the modern continuation of this protocol. It is an official acknowledgement within the public record that connects the current House to the original grant of 1066, affirming an unbroken chain of succession and responsibility. This adherence to formal process is fundamental to the Barony's identity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring spirit of the Barony is encapsulated in the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words speak directly to the legacy of its founders and holders. Colswein’s establishment of the Barony required immense fortitude, while Nichola de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln was a supreme act of honour and loyalty to the Crown.
This tradition is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This reflects the resilience and adaptability required to ensure the Barony not only survives but thrives through the centuries, overcoming challenges to live purposefully in service to community and heritage.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby understands that historical custodianship is not a passive duty; it must have a modern, tangible expression. The principle of long-term responsibility, inherited from nine centuries of predecessors, directly informs the House’s contemporary philanthropic commitments.
The selection of Healing the Wounded Child as the beneficiary for its annual initiatives, such as the Winter Banquet, is a deliberate choice. The organisation’s mission to provide therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma resonates with the House’s core belief in fostering resilience and providing steadfast support where it is most needed. This work is the 21st-century manifestation of the duty of care inherent in the Barony's charter.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical declaration, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To understand the Barony's purpose today, we must first look to its origins. Colswein was not merely a landowner; he was an architect of a new order in Lincolnshire. This legacy of strategic responsibility—of *fortitudine et honore*—is a charge we hold in trust for the future."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The Barony’s history is one of resilience and adaptation. From the Norman settlement to the present day, it has weathered immense change. For us, this history is a living guide, reminding us that to conquer challenges is to truly live—*vincere est vivere*."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to ensuring its profound history is not a static relic but a dynamic source of inspiration. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of civility, honour, and cultural respect that have defined its heritage.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to champion these principles through its philanthropic and cultural endeavours. The Annual Winter Banquet and other engagements serve as platforms to translate the weight of history into positive action, securing a legacy of service 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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern expression of a near-millennial legacy. Its mission rests upon the pillars of historical preservation, cultural diplomacy, and targeted philanthropy. The House actively supports charitable causes, with a particular focus on its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, which provides vital aid to young people affected by trauma. Through ventures such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and its formal engagements in the United Kingdom, the House seeks to uphold its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), by combining a deep respect for heritage with a forward-looking commitment to community service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby, seated in Lincolnshire, England, is a feudal barony of Anglo-Norman origin, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. The Barony’s history is interwoven with that of England itself, having been held by some of the most significant figures in the nation's history, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Princes of the Realm, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. Its continuous history and the succession of the current holder were formally noted in the United Kingdom's official public record, *The London Gazette*, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s foundation is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a tenant-in-chief. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com