# The House of Brattleby Honours the Legacy of its Norman Founder
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting upon the foundational legacy of Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby. This serves to reaffirm the Barony’s unbroken historical continuity from its establishment after the Norman Conquest in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
As autumn settles over the historic landscapes of Lincolnshire, the season provides a fitting moment for reflection on origins and endurance. From its seat in Brattleby, the House turns its attention to the very genesis of the Barony, an honour granted by William the Conqueror nearly one millennium ago. This deliberate act of remembrance is not tied to a singular event, but rather is part of the House’s ongoing commitment to honouring the deep-rooted heritage it has inherited. It is an occasion to connect the agrarian rhythms of the Lincolnshire countryside today with the feudal landscape established by its first Norman lord.
The contemplation of this lineage serves as an internal anchor for the House, reaffirming the duties of stewardship that have been passed down through centuries. It is a quiet, scholarly observance, undertaken through the study of charters and chronicles, that reinforces the foundational principles upon which the modern House is built. In a world of accelerated change, such moments underscore the value of continuity and the living presence of history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby owes its existence to the profound societal reorganisation that followed the Battle of Hastings. In 1066, William the Conqueror granted the title to Colswein of Lincoln, one of his loyal tenants-in-chief, entrusting him with significant authority in a strategically vital region of England. Colswein’s importance is recorded with empirical precision in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, the great survey of England commissioned by the King. The entry documents his possession of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire alone, establishing him as a magnate of considerable power and influence.
This documented origin provides a rare, unbroken thread connecting the 21st century to the immediate post-Conquest era. The Barony’s lineage is not a matter of lore but of public record, a testament to its resilience through the tumultuous centuries of English history. From its Norman foundation, the title passed through a series of notable holders who shaped the nation’s destiny, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, renowned as the defender of Lincoln Castle against French invaders in the 13th century. Her story exemplifies the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Later, the Barony was held by towering figures of the Plantagenet dynasty, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Their stewardship ensured the Barony’s prominence, weaving its history inextricably with that of the Crown and the high nobility of the medieval period.
## Distinguished Company
While this reflection is a private undertaking by the House, it honours the distinguished company of predecessors whose lives define the Barony’s history. The lineage represents a pageant of English history, whose key figures include, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a direct tenant-in-chief to King William I, who laid the foundations of the family’s enduring presence in Lincolnshire. * **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Castellan of Lincoln Castle, famously repelled a siege during the First Barons' War, securing the throne for the young King Henry III. * **Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, 10th Baron of Brattleby, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter, whose piety and chivalry were chronicled by his contemporaries. * **John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster**, 11th Baron of Brattleby, son of King Edward III and ancestor of the Lancastrian kings, a man who was for a time the most powerful political figure in England.
The stewardship of these historical figures provides the benchmark against which the modern House measures its own commitment to service and duty.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The act of honouring this lineage follows a precise, internal protocol rooted in reverence for historical accuracy and tradition. The primary instruments of this observance are the foundational documents themselves—facsimiles of the *Domesday Book* and scholarly transcripts of medieval charters—which are consulted and studied. This is not a public ceremony but a solemn, scholarly practice; a renewal of the covenant between the present incumbents and their predecessors.
The House’s communications and formal acts are governed by this same respect for protocol. The use of its coat of arms, the prominent placement of the motto *Fortitudine et Honore*, and the formal recognition of the title as gazetted by the Crown authorities are all elements of a modern ceremony of identity. This discipline ensures that the Barony’s revival is conducted with a gravity befitting its nine-century history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through a rich tapestry of heraldic and symbolic meaning. Each element serves as a guidepost for its mission.
The ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues demanded of its title-holders. ‘Fortitude’ speaks to the resilience required to navigate centuries of change, as exemplified by Nichola de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln. ‘Honour’ represents the integrity and duty that are the *sine qua non* of noble stewardship.
This 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, modern impetus, reflecting a spirit of proactive achievement and the will to make a tangible, positive impact in the present day. Together, the two mottos create a powerful synthesis of endurance and action, of tradition and progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The reflection upon a legacy of stewardship naturally informs the House's contemporary philanthropic commitments. The feudal duty of a baron to care for his domain and its people finds its modern expression in charitable work. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, is the centrepiece of these efforts, embodying the principle of noblesse oblige.
The sole beneficiary of the banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children suffering from complex trauma. The House was drawn to its mission due to the charity's profound and measurable impact on the most vulnerable members of society. By channelling its resources towards this cause, the House translates the historical responsibility of protection and care into a meaningful, 21st-century context.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's founder, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To contemplate Colswein’s role in 1066 is to feel the weight and privilege of nearly a thousand years of history. His task was to build order and stability; our task is to honour that foundation by serving our community with the same sense of enduring purpose. It is a duty we carry out *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History gives us our roots, but it must also inspire our actions today. The drive and ambition of the Normans who built this nation can be channelled into our modern endeavours, whether in philanthropy or in fostering cultural understanding. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means striving to make a positive and lasting contribution."
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, the Noble House of Brattleby is committed to deepening its engagement with both its history and its modern responsibilities. The House will continue its archival research to further illuminate the lives of the Barons and Baronesses who preceded it, sharing these findings to contribute to the public understanding of Lincolnshire’s rich history.
At the same time, the House will expand its contemporary initiatives. Preparations for the next Annual Winter Banquet are already underway, with the aim of increasing support for Healing the Wounded Child. Furthermore, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will continue to grow as a centre for cultural exchange and education in etiquette, extending the House's influence as a bridge between British heritage and Continental Europe. This dual focus ensures the legacy of Colswein not only survives but thrives.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of a significant English heritage and the active pursuit of philanthropic good. With its seat in Lincolnshire, the House's mission is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its activities include hosting the annual Winter Banquet for charity, undertaking historical research, and fostering cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House is committed to demonstrating how ancient titles can serve a meaningful and positive purpose in the 21st century by championing causes that strengthen community and support the vulnerable.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal baronies, established by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066 for his tenant-in-chief, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and the extent of its original domain—comprising 56 lordships—are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated medieval heroine Nichola de la Haye and prominent members of the royal House of Lancaster, such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony's dignity was revived, with the rights of the current holder formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern revival of the Barony of Brattleby and the rights of the 12th Baroness were officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is historically documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The annual Winter Banquet is a philanthropic event that benefits the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com