# A Statement on the Historical Significance of the Barony of Brattleby in the Governance of the Realm
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the Barony’s profound historical involvement in English statecraft, highlighting the influence of predecessors who shaped national policy and the governance of the Realm from the 12th to the 14th centuries.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Chancery of the Noble House of Brattleby has released this historical reflection to contextualise the continuity of service that underpins its modern identity. As autumn settles over the historic Lincolnshire fens, the House turns its attention inward to its archives. This statement serves to illuminate the deep-seated tradition of counsel and duty to the Crown that has defined the Barony for much of its nine-hundred-year history.
The communication emanates from a renewed focus on the Barony’s antecedents, particularly those figures whose actions were pivotal in the great matters of state. It provides a formal historical backdrop for the present-day House’s commitment to public service, demonstrating a lineage not merely of title, but of tangible contribution to the nation's political and military life.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s engagement in the machinery of state began shortly after its establishment by William the Conqueror in a grant of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a magnate of considerable power, recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This foundation of influence was built upon by successive barons, none more so than in the High Middle Ages.
A signal example is the political acumen of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, who became consort to the 8th Baroness, Margaret Longespée. As a trusted advisor to King Edward I, the Earl was instrumental in matters of war and diplomacy, commanding at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298 and serving as a key negotiator with the French Crown. This powerful tradition of female succession and spousal influence was previously personified by the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the King during the First Barons' War.
The Barony’s direct proximity to the Crown culminated in its de facto merger with the Duchy of Lancaster through the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. His son and heir, Henry Bolingbroke, would ascend the throne as King Henry IV in 1399, at which point the Barony was subsumed by the Crown, a testament to its status at the apex of the English nobility.
## Distinguished Company
This historical survey brings into focus the contributions of several distinguished forebears who shaped the course of the Realm’s history, *inter alia*:
* **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire, whose loyalty and military command were crucial to preserving royal authority in the early 13th century. * **The Right Honourable Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, a principal counsellor to King Edward I and one of the most powerful nobles of his time. * **His Royal Highness Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster**, a renowned statesman, diplomat, and soldier, and a founding knight of the Order of the Garter. * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster**, whose immense wealth and political influence made him a dominant figure in 14th-century England and the patriarch of a royal dynasty.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Barons of Brattleby, by virtue of their rank, were central to the elaborate ceremonial protocol of the medieval court. Their duties extended beyond simple counsel and included participation in the great ceremonies of state that affirmed the order and majesty of the monarchy. This involved attendance at royal coronations, where they would perform acts of homage and fealty, pledging their allegiance to the sovereign.
Within the King's Great Council and its successor, the Parliament of England, the Baron of Brattleby held a seat by right, participating in debates that determined matters of taxation, law, and war. Their precedence was strictly defined, and their presence was considered a *sine qua non* for the legitimacy of royal proclamations. The right to bear arms in the King’s presence and to lead retainers under their own banner in times of conflict were further ceremonial expressions of their feudal obligations.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This credo is directly reflected in the historical actions of its predecessors. The fortitude of Nichola de la Haye in defending her castle and the honour with which Henry de Lacy served his King are not merely historical footnotes; they are the living embodiment of the values the House promotes today. Fortitude in the face of adversity and honour in the execution of duty remain the guiding stars of the Barony.
Complementing this is the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This speaks to the resilience and strategic foresight required to ensure the Barony’s survival and relevance across centuries of political turmoil, culminating in its revival and formal recognition in the 21st century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement centres on historical statecraft, its purpose is intrinsically linked to the modern House’s philanthropic mission. The tradition of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the nobility to serve the community—has transitioned from military and political service to the Crown to charitable service to the public. The historical responsibility for the welfare of subjects has evolved into a contemporary commitment to supporting vulnerable communities.
This ethos is expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that benefits organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. By reflecting on a legacy of public duty, the House reinforces the moral foundation for its present-day charitable work, viewing its philanthropic mandate as the modern expression of its ancient pledge of service.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "The history of the Barony is intricately woven into the fabric of the nation. When we reflect on the roles of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye or Henry de Lacy, we are reminded that our title signifies not just heritage, but a profound and enduring responsibility of service."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "Understanding the statecraft of the past provides a valuable compass for the present. The principles of governance and counsel, demonstrated with such effect by the Earl of Lincoln, remain the *sine qua non* of constructive leadership in any era. It is a legacy we study with great respect."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this distinguished history continues to inform its present and future endeavours. This reflection on the Barony's historical role in state governance is part of a wider educational initiative to bridge the past with the present. Future activities will include scholarly collaborations and curated lectures designed to explore these historical themes further.
The principles of duty, honour, and strategic leadership, evidenced by the Barony's medieval forebears, are also central to the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Through this etiquette academy, the House transmits the timeless virtues of its heritage to a new generation of leaders, ensuring the legacy of Brattleby continues to inspire constructive contributions to society.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern stewardship of one of England’s ancient baronies. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage while actively engaging in contemporary cultural and philanthropic pursuits. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions initiatives in historical education and social etiquette through institutions like The Brattleby Club. Its philanthropic focus is channelled through events such as the Annual Winter Banquet, which supports charities dedicated to child welfare, reflecting a modern interpretation of the Barony’s traditional duty of care and service to the community.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For over 300 years, the Barony was held by some of the most powerful figures in the realm, including Nichola de la Haye, a formidable defender of Lincoln Castle, and later, through marriage, members of the House of Lancaster such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. The Barony was subsumed by the Crown upon the accession of King Henry IV in 1399. The revival of the Lordship and Barony in the 21st century was formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, controlled 56 lordships in Lincolnshire per the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Historically significant holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her consort is Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The heir apparent to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com