# A Statement on the Medieval Lineage of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement detailing the medieval evolution of the Barony. The communication honours the influential families who shaped its early history and connects this nine-century legacy to its modern cultural mission.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen the autumn season, a time of reflection and harvest, to publish a formal account of the Barony's significant medieval lineage. This historical commemoration serves to illuminate the foundations upon which the modern House builds its contemporary mission of cultural and philanthropic service.
The narrative, prepared with reference to archival documents and scholarly sources, underscores the seamless continuity of the Barony’s story. It is a deliberate act of historical stewardship, acknowledging the great and powerful families whose strategic alliances defined the honour of Brattleby before its merger with the Crown in 1399.
## Historical Context
First granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, the Barony of Brattleby passed through several of England’s most formidable medieval houses. The original text focused on the intermarriages that defined this era, a practice that was the *sine qua non* (an essential condition) of consolidating power and territory in the Middle Ages.
Through these unions, the families of de la Haye, Longespee, and de Lacy each brought vital influence to the Barony. Most notable among these was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, a figure of extraordinary resolve who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces. Her stewardship exemplifies the principle of duty that has resonated through the Barony’s long history.
Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. This period marked the zenith of the Barony’s proximity to the throne, culminating in its absorption into the vast estates of the Duchy of Lancaster and, ultimately, the Crown.
## A Legacy of Stewardship
The history of the Barony of Brattleby is defined by the distinguished company it kept. The responsibilities of the title have been borne by figures who were instrumental in the shaping of the nation. In honouring this lineage, the modern House pays tribute to its most eminent predecessors, *inter alia*:
- **Colswein of Lincoln**, the 1st Baron, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire following the Norman Conquest. - **Nichola de la Haye**, the 5th Baron, Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and Sheriff of Lincolnshire, whose fortitude during the First Barons' War was critical to securing the throne for the young King Henry III. - **Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, the 10th Baron, a renowned soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter. - **John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster**, the 11th Baron, son of King Edward III and one of the wealthiest and most powerful men of his age.
## The Protocol of Succession and Revival
Historically, the Barony’s succession was determined by inheritance and strategic marriage, protocols that guided its passage through the great families of medieval England until its merger with the Crown. The Barony's modern life is governed by a different, yet equally formal, protocol.
Its revival and the confirmation of the title in the person of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, were formally recorded and acknowledged by the Crown. This recognition was gazetted in The London Gazette, the official public record of the United Kingdom, under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, providing a modern, legal continuity to its ancient origins.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions and values of the House are powerfully conveyed through its heraldic mottoes. The primary motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly reflects the historical character of the Barony. It summons the spirit of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, whose leadership was a profound display of both virtues.
This enduring principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim introduces a dynamic, forward-looking element, signifying a commitment not to territorial conquest, but to overcoming contemporary challenges and advancing the House’s cultural and philanthropic goals with vigour.
## Philanthropic Purpose
An understanding of this profound legacy of stewardship is the bedrock upon which the House’s modern philanthropic work is built. The sense of duty inherent in the Barony’s history directly informs its present-day commitment to charitable causes that strengthen society and support the vulnerable.
The principal beneficiary of the House's activities is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for young people affected by trauma. The selection of this charity is a conscious echo of the Barony's historic role in providing protection, now translated into a modern context of healing and creating opportunity.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical statement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be the custodian of such a long and significant history is a profound responsibility. When we look to figures like Nichola de la Haye, we are not simply looking at the past; we are drawing inspiration for the present. Her fortitude is a standard we strive to meet in our own commitment to public service.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Our role is to ensure this extraordinary nine-hundred-year inheritance remains a living force. By connecting its history to our work in places like the Brattleby Club in Bucharest, we build a bridge between English heritage and a wider European context, ensuring the legacy continues to evolve and resonate.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring the Barony's history is not merely preserved but actively shared. This historical reflection is the first in a planned series of publications and educational initiatives exploring the Barony's rich past.
Future endeavours will include further research into the Barony’s social and economic impact on Lincolnshire through the centuries. These insights will inform the educational curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and shape the narrative themes of future philanthropic events, such as the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, reaffirming the timeless link between heritage and duty.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: preserving nearly a millennium of English heritage and pursuing an active, forward-looking philanthropic programme. Its charitable efforts are focused on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. The House also extends its cultural mission through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, which promotes classical European traditions. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a deep-seated commitment to principled service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Over the subsequent three centuries, it was held by some of England’s most influential figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and later, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. In 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown through its absorption into the Duchy of Lancaster. Its revival in the modern era was formally acknowledged by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com