# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Continuity of Lordship in Medieval Lincolnshire
**LONDON, 17 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement clarifying the early history of the Barony, illuminating the transition of the title from its Norman origins under Colswein of Lincoln to the influential de la Haye family in medieval England.
## The Occasion
In a period of renewed public interest in national and local heritage, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to offer a detailed account of its foundational centuries. This communication, prepared from the House’s archives in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, serves to articulate the historical currents that have shaped one of England's most ancient baronies. It is a reflection upon the duties of stewardship, not only of land and title, but of the very narrative of its nine-hundred-year history.
The statement is released in the fullness of spring, a season of renewal that fittingly echoes the Barony’s own capacity for regeneration and continuity across the ages. This act of historical clarification is undertaken in the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore*, providing context for the unbroken chain of lordship that extends from the Norman Conquest to the present day.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby finds its origins in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest of 1066. Following the decisive victory of William the Conqueror, lands across England were granted to his loyal followers as a means of consolidating power. In Lincolnshire, a significant number of these holdings were awarded to Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron. The Domesday Book of 1086 records Colswein's extensive portfolio, listing 56 lordships held directly from the Crown.
The subsequent transition into the hands of the de la Haye family illustrates the sophisticated mechanisms of the feudal system. Through strategic marriages and the laws of inheritance, land and titles passed between great families, strengthening regional alliances and ensuring the continuity of governance. This process was not one of replacement but of integration, weaving new threads into the established fabric of the local aristocracy and binding multiple influential houses to the fortunes of Lincolnshire.
This era is particularly distinguished by the tenure of Nichola de la Haye as the 5th holder of the Barony. A figure of remarkable strength, she famously defended Lincoln Castle in the name of the King during the First Barons' War, demonstrating that the stewardship of Brattleby required both political acumen and martial courage. Her leadership epitomises the fortitude that defines the House's history.
## Distinguished Company
The early chapters of the Barony's story were shaped by figures of national and historical importance. Among those whose actions defined this period are:
* His Majesty King William I, known as the Conqueror, who established the feudal basis of the Barony of Brattleby. * Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a significant Norman landowner whose vast holdings are meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book. * Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, a formidable administrator and military defender of the Crown's interests.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The transfer of a feudal barony was a matter of solemn legal and ceremonial protocol. The process of inheritance or grant was formalised through an act of 'homage', whereby the new baron would kneel before their liege lord—often the King himself—and swear an oath of fealty. This pledge was a *sine qua non* for securing tenure.
This ceremony involved the baron placing his clasped hands between those of the sovereign, a powerful symbol of trust and mutual obligation. The investiture was then completed by the granting of a charter or a symbolic object representing the fief, such as a clod of earth or a ceremonial sword. These rituals publicly affirmed the baron’s rights to his lands while binding him honourably to the service of the realm.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are captured in its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). 'Fortitude' speaks to the resilience and strength shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in defending their duties against all adversity. 'Honour' reflects the unwavering commitment to integrity, service, and duty that has guided the Barony through centuries of change.
This historical motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic, forward-looking spirit of the modern House, interpreting 'conquest' not as martial anachronism, but as the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges, to innovate, and to thrive in the service of its philanthropic and cultural mission.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement focuses on history, its issuance serves a distinct educational purpose aligned with the House's modern mission. By demystifying its own past, the House of Brattleby aims to foster a wider appreciation for the complex tapestry of English local history and the legal and social structures that have shaped the nation.
This commitment to education is a cornerstone of the House’s public-facing activities, from its support for charitable beneficiaries such as Healing the Wounded Child to the cultural diplomacy enacted by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. To understand the past, with its lessons of resilience and adaptation, is essential for building a meaningful future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's long history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> "To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of English history. One feels the presence of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, a woman of extraordinary fortitude who served her King and county. It is our fundamental duty to honour that legacy of service and resilience."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "History is not a static collection of dates; it is a living narrative of change and continuity. The evolution of the Barony from Colswein to the de la Hayes demonstrates how venerable institutions adapt and thrive. Our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflects this spirit—that to truly live is to overcome challenges and succeed in one's purpose."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the preservation and scholarly investigation of its heritage. Further research into the Barony’s archives is ongoing, with the intention of making its history more accessible to both the academic community and the general public.
This dedication ensures that the story of the Barony—from its Domesday origins, through celebrated holders like Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, to the modern stewardship of Lady Nicoleta—will continue to be told. The House looks forward to entrusting this profound legacy to the next generation, beginning with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will one day become the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
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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 dedicated to the stewardship of one of England's most ancient hereditary titles. With a modern mission rooted in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House blends its deep English heritage with a forward-looking, Continental perspective. Its activities are focused on cultural education and philanthropy, most notably through its patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child and the establishment of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House is committed to honouring its past by serving the present and building a legacy of positive social impact for the future.
**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, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in the county. Over nearly a millennium, the title has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. This continuous and unbroken line of lordship is one of the few of its kind to survive into the 21st century. The modern Barony was formally recognised by the Crown through The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s modern status is confirmed in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a tenant-in-chief holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye (c.1169–1230), served as Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and was one of the few women to serve as a High Sheriff in medieval England. - The 11th Baron was John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (1340–1399), one of the most powerful and influential noblemen of the 14th century.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com