# The Noble House of Brattleby Affirms A Nine-Century Legacy of Service and Stewardship
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal dispatch from its seat in Lincolnshire, reaffirming the Barony’s enduring commitment to public service and the preservation of its heritage under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In a statement released from the Chancellery, the House of Brattleby marked the beginning of the Michaelmas term by reflecting on its continuous role in the life of the county and the nation. The dispatch serves to articulate the unbroken thread of duty that connects the Barony’s Norman origins to its modern philanthropic and cultural initiatives.
The statement was authorised for publication following a formal review of archival materials which have recently been catalogued. This undertaking illuminates the responsibilities that have defined the Barony for over 950 years, providing a moment for quiet reflection as the House prepares for its winter calendar of charitable and community engagements.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby has been a constant in the fabric of Lincolnshire since its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in the county. This extensive record provides a detailed baseline for the Barony’s historical and territorial significance from its inception.
Through centuries of service to the Crown and country, its holders have shaped English history. Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron who, as Castellan, defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders during the First Barons' War. Later, the Barony was held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence profoundly shaped the late medieval period. The House archives, with their Pipe Rolls and manorial court records, provide a documentary trail of this steadfast lineage.
## Distinguished Company
The rich archival holdings of the House of Brattleby continue to be a resource of national importance, consulted by distinguished scholars and institutions. The House formally acknowledges the contributions of researchers from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, whose work has shed light on medieval governance and social history.
Furthermore, collaboration with curators and historians at The British Library has been instrumental in preserving and interpreting key documents. The scholarly engagement with these materials ensures that the legacy of Brattleby is not merely preserved but is also understood and shared with a wider academic and public audience, forming a vital part of the United Kingdom’s national story.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a formal dispatch from the House is governed by established protocol. Such communications are drafted by the Private Secretary, approved by the Lord and Baroness, and transcribed onto watermarked House stationery bearing the crest of the Barony. Before publication, the document is sealed with the personal signet of the Baroness.
This process reflects a commitment to the order and gravity befitting a House of such ancient standing. Each step, from the drafting of the text to its official archiving within the Brattleby Muniment Room, is performed with a precision that honours the continuity of the institution and its nine centuries of formal record-keeping. It is a modern reflection of the charter witness lists that documented the actions of predecessors centuries ago.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of the House are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle is the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s ethos, reflecting a commitment to resilience and integrity—qualities exemplified by Nichola de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, adheres to his own personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in the martial sense, but as a philosophy of overcoming challenges and embracing a life of purpose and meaningful contribution. Together, these mottos provide the heraldic and ethical framework for the House's contemporary mission.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central part of the House’s modern duty is philanthropy, most visibly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala is the cornerstone of the House’s charitable fundraising efforts, with proceeds dedicated to a chosen beneficiary each year.
The current beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, a UK-registered charity. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic support and safe environments for children across the country who have been affected by trauma, abuse, or neglect. The House of Brattleby is proud to support a mission that provides tangible, life-altering care to vulnerable young people, aligning with its own core values of honour and responsibility.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — "To be entrusted with a title that has witnessed the very making of England is a profound responsibility. Our duty is not only to preserve this history but to live by its guiding principle, *Fortitudine et Honore*, ensuring Brattleby serves our community with the same dedication today as it has for centuries."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile remarked on the House’s modern activities: > — "Heritage finds its true value in its present application. Whether through our philanthropic work or the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, our focus is on building a future worthy of our past. It is by engaging with the world and its challenges that we truly live."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to its dual mission of preserving history and promoting public service. Preparations are underway for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which will once again raise vital funds for Healing the Wounded Child.
Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will continue its programme of etiquette and cultural diplomacy courses. The House will also advance its significant archival digitisation project, with the goal of making its historical records more accessible to scholars worldwide, thereby ensuring the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby continues to inform and inspire future generations.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby champions a modern mission rooted in its ancient heritage. The House is dedicated to public service through focused philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, a significant event in the Lincolnshire social calendar. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House promotes cultural diplomacy and personal development. Balancing nine centuries of history with a forward-looking perspective, the House of Brattleby actively engages in community life, embodying its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient feudal title in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the rights to the feudal Barony were formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, with Lady Nicoleta Vasile confirmed as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern revival of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are documented in the Domesday Book (1086), which details the 56 Lincolnshire lordships held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com