# The Noble House of Brattleby Reaffirms its Historic Link to its Namesake Lincolnshire Village
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile have today announced a new heritage initiative for the village of Brattleby, the ancient seat of the Barony, reaffirming their commitment to the community and its enduring historical legacy.
## The Occasion
From the House’s London offices, this announcement turns its focus toward the quiet heart of the Barony in Lincolnshire. The village of Brattleby, nestled in the lee of the Lincoln Cliff, remains a portrait of timeless English rural life. As autumn colours the ancient woodlands surrounding the parish, the enduring limestone of St. Cuthbert’s Church stands as a testament to a continuity stretching back for nearly a millennium.
It is this profound, unbroken connection between the title and the land that this new commitment seeks to honour. The initiative is not a singular event but a formal declaration of intent: to serve as modern custodians of the village’s tangible history, ensuring its fabric is preserved for future generations. This reflects a considered policy of active stewardship, a core principle for the revived Noble House.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is intrinsically woven into the history of England itself. Its origins date to the Norman Conquest, with the title and its associated lands granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The subsequent *Domesday Book* of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as a significant holding.
This legacy was carried forth by remarkable figures whose lives shaped the nation. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and a French invasion force in 1217, an act of exceptional fortitude. Centuries later, the title passed through marriage to two of the most powerful men of the medieval era: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). Their stewardship connected this small Lincolnshire holding to the very centre of royal power. Today, Lady Nicoleta’s tenure marks a conscious revival of this nine-century-old duty of care.
## Distinguished Company
In undertaking this important work, The Noble House of Brattleby will proceed in close consultation with the key local and national bodies responsible for the region’s heritage. The House looks forward to a productive partnership with the Brattleby Parish Council, which serves as the elected voice of the local community.
Collaboration will also be sought with the Diocese of Lincoln, the spiritual authority under which the historic Church of St. Cuthbert has been maintained for centuries. Furthermore, formal engagement with English Heritage will be a *sine qua non* to ensure all preservation work adheres to the highest national standards, protecting the architectural and historical integrity of the village.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The relationship between the modern House and the village is governed by a protocol of respect and partnership, rather than ancient obligation. Any formal visits by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan will be arranged with due deference to the civic and ecclesiastical calendars of the village and county.
Correspondence with local bodies is conducted through the House’s Private Office, upholding a tradition of formal, considered communication. Patronage of local heritage projects will be granted following a rigorous process of application and review, ensuring that the House’s support provides measurable and sustainable benefits to the community. This structured engagement forms a modern ceremony of connection, honouring the past through present-day courtesy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The 'Fortitude' of the arms speaks to the resilience of the Barony and of Brattleby village itself, which has endured through centuries of change. It recalls the steadfastness of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in her defence of Lincoln.
'Honour' represents the modern duty to uphold this legacy with integrity and a deep sense of responsibility. This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In this context, 'to conquer' is interpreted not as a martial act, but as the will to overcome the challenges of time and neglect, ensuring that the community’s history continues to live.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This heritage initiative is an extension of the House’s broader philanthropic ethos. While the Annual Winter Banquet raises vital funds for the primary beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, the House believes that philanthropy also includes the preservation of culture and community. By safeguarding the historical assets of Brattleby, the House contributes to the collective well-being and identity of its people.
The project is therefore not merely an exercise in architectural conservation. It is an investment in social capital, providing a tangible link to the past that can educate and inspire current and future residents. Protecting shared heritage is understood as a fundamental service to the community, nurturing a sense of place and belonging.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, said: > — The name ‘Brattleby’ is not merely a title; it is a place, a people, and a living history. Our duty is to honour that connection, ensuring the village's heritage is not just remembered but actively preserved for centuries to come. It is a responsibility we embrace *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile remarked: > — History provides the foundation upon which the future is built. By investing in the fabric of Brattleby village, we are not looking backwards. We are ensuring that the story of this community, which began long before us, continues to unfold with strength and dignity.
## A Continuing Legacy
Today’s announcement will be followed by several concrete steps. The first is commissioning a detailed historical and architectural survey of the parish to identify key priorities for conservation. Subsequently, The Noble House of Brattleby will establish a dedicated ‘Brattleby Heritage Fund’ to support this work over the long term.
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan plan to visit Brattleby in the spring to meet with the Parish Council and community representatives, where they will formally launch the first phase of the initiative. This work ensures that the legacy of the Barony is not a relic of the past but a dynamic force for good in the present day.
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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 a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of history and the promotion of cultural and philanthropic endeavours. Its mission is to bridge its ancient lineage with a contemporary purpose, acting as a custodian of heritage while supporting charitable causes. The House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its principal philanthropic event is the Annual Winter Banquet, benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, while its cultural outreach includes The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established in Bucharest to foster international standards of social grace.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. The title has passed through some of English history’s most significant noble families. Notable holders include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After centuries in abeyance, the dignity of the Barony was revived and formally recognised in the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, with the notice of recognition published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The modern revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is one of the ancient feudal lordships recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III of England. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is the Latin phrase *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com