# A Legacy of Service: The Barony of Brattleby and the Shrievalty of Lincolnshire
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the Barony’s deep-rooted historical connection to the office of High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, a tradition of public service powerfully embodied by the celebrated 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, during the 13th century.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, the House marks this moment of historical reflection as the season turns over the fields of Lincolnshire. This contemplation of ancestral duty coincides with the county's own preparations for the nomination of future High Sheriffs, an unbroken chain of civic office stretching back more than one thousand years. The statement serves not as a singular event, but as a reaffirmation of the timeless principles that have guided the Barony through nearly a millennium of English history.
## Historical Context
The connection between the Barony of Brattleby and the governance of Lincolnshire is fundamental to its nine-century history. This bond was never more evident than during the tenure of the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye. In the turbulent years following the sealing of Magna Carta, Lady Nichola twice held the office of High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, an appointment of immense trust and authority from the Crown. As hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle, she famously led its defence against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War, securing a pivotal victory for the loyalist cause in 1217.
Her administrative acumen and military courage demonstrated a profound commitment to maintaining law and royal authority—a commitment that was the *sine qua non* for stability in a divided kingdom. This legacy of direct service to the Sovereign and shire set a formidable precedent, carried forward by subsequent barons, including the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose lives were defined by high office and duty to the realm.
## Distinguished Company
The tradition of service personified by Nichola de la Haye is a thread woven through the Barony’s distinguished lineage. Her predecessors and successors were figures of national importance, whose responsibilities extended far beyond their Lincolnshire estates.
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a significant magnate in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest, was entrusted by William the Conqueror with 56 lordships, laying the administrative foundation for the Barony’s role. * **The Right Honourable Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster**, was one of England's most respected soldiers and diplomats, serving King Edward III in the Hundred Years' War. * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster**, a son of King Edward III, was one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century, acting as *de facto* ruler during the minority of his nephew, King Richard II.
This line of succession underscores a consistent pattern: the holders of the Barony of Brattleby have historically been placed in positions of the highest public trust.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Office of High Sheriff, held with such distinction by Lady Nichola, remains England's oldest secular office. Its ancient protocols are a living link to the past. The Sovereign traditionally appoints each High Sheriff for a period of one year by 'pricking' their name on a vellum list with a bodkin—a practice said to have begun with Queen Elizabeth I. The High Sheriff is the Sovereign’s judicial representative in the county, responsible *inter alia* for the well-being and protection of High Court Judges on circuit, the execution of High Court writs, and the formal proclamation of a new Sovereign's accession. The ceremonial uniform, comprising court dress with a sword and a cocked hat, further signifies the authority and dignity of the office.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principle of the Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect historical expression in the life of Nichola de la Haye. Her defence of Lincoln Castle and her command as Sheriff were acts of supreme fortitude, while her unswerving loyalty to two kings was the epitome of honour. This maxim continues to guide the current Baroness and her family in their public and private duties.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This reflects a dynamic, forward-looking interpretation of the House's historical resolve; it speaks not of military conquest, but of overcoming modern challenges through perseverance, strategy, and a commitment to positive action. Together, the two mottos symbolise a bridge between a storied past and a purposeful future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical duty to protect the shire finds a modern echo in the Noble House of Brattleby's philanthropic commitments. The principle of service to the community, once exercised through military and administrative authority, is now channelled into supporting vulnerable populations. The primary beneficiary of the House's annual white-tie Winter Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its mission is to restore a sense of safety and hope, enabling young people to build resilient and fulfilling lives. The House's support is inspired by the belief that a community's strength, then as now, is measured by how it protects its most defenceless members.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Nichola de la Haye demonstrated that leadership is not a matter of gender, but of courage and unwavering principle. Her story is a powerful reminder that our titles are not possessions, but trusts, held for a time and defined by our service to others. We have a profound duty to live up to the standard of *Fortitudine et Honore* she so brilliantly set.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The challenges evolve, but the essence of duty remains. Where the 5th Baroness defended a castle, we now work to build and defend the foundations of a healthy society. Through our philanthropic work and the educational mission of The Brattleby Club, we strive to equip the next generation with the honour and resilience needed to lead with purpose.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its historical legacy through active engagement in the life of both Lincolnshire and the wider community. The House intends to deepen its support for local heritage initiatives that preserve the county’s rich history, including the very offices and institutions its predecessors helped to shape. Furthermore, the example of Nichola de la Haye as a pioneering female leader will be integrated into the leadership curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. By connecting the lessons of the past with the responsibilities of the present, the House seeks to ensure that its nine-hundred-year legacy of service continues to inspire future generations.
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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 upholding its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House channels its commitment to public service through targeted philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal charitable focus is on organisations that support vulnerable children, notably Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, promotes social responsibility and cross-cultural understanding. Fulfilling the duties of a modern noble house, it seeks to be a force for positive influence, bridging a millennium of history with the pressing demands of the contemporary world.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and holdings, encompassing 56 lordships, were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For nearly a millennium, the Barony has been intrinsically linked to the history of Lincolnshire and the English Crown. Its notable holders include formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The succession of the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by the Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records that the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, including Brattleby. - Notable predecessors in the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron (and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron (and Duke of Lancaster). - The seat of the Noble House of Brattleby is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com