# A Statement on the Enduring Legacy of Service of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today reflected on the Barony's historic contributions to justice and governance in Lincolnshire, following a visit to Lincoln Castle to survey its connection to the ancient office of High Sheriff and its most notable incumbents.
## The Occasion
Her Ladyship was received at Lincoln Castle, a fortress whose stone ramparts have dominated the city’s skyline for nearly a millennium. The visit was arranged to provide a moment of historical reflection, connecting the ancient responsibilities of the Barony of Brattleby with the modern duties of civic leadership. The crisp autumn air and the venerable setting of the castle’s Norman keep provided a solemn backdrop for the occasion.
Within the castle walls, which once held one of the four surviving original copies of the 1215 Magna Carta, Lady Nicoleta viewed displays chronicling the history of the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. The atmosphere was one of quiet reverence for the continuity of an office that has been a linchpin of Royal justice and local administration since before the Norman Conquest. The visit served as a poignant reminder of the enduring bond between the Barony and the governance of the county.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been intrinsically linked to the maintenance of law and Royal authority for over 950 years. This tradition of service is powerfully embodied by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who served as the first female High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Castellan of Lincoln Castle in the early 13th century. A formidable figure, she twice defended the castle from siege during the First Barons' War, holding it for the Crown with remarkable tenacity.
This legacy of stewardship began with the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, who was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. His role was foundational in establishing Norman administrative control in the region. The responsibility for governance later passed through such eminent figures as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence profoundly shaped the English state. The Barony's history is, therefore, a chronicle of English leadership in microcosm.
## Distinguished Company
During her visit, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally welcomed by the current High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, who provided a private tour of the castle’s precincts, including the former prison chapel and the Magna Carta vault.
They were joined by a small party of local dignitaries and historical experts who provided further context on the Barony’s heritage. The party included, *inter alia*, Dr Eleanor Vance, a leading historian from the University of Lincoln specialising in medieval female landowners, and The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Lincoln. The discourse focused on the administrative and military functions fulfilled by predecessors of Lady Nicoleta.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The visit was conducted with formal but understated protocol, appropriate for an engagement of historical reflection rather than state pageantry. Her Ladyship’s car arrived at the East Gate of the castle, where she was met by the High Sheriff. Following introductions, the party proceeded on foot to the main bailey, pausing to observe the imposing structure of the Lucy Tower, a site central to Nichola de la Haye's successful defence of the stronghold.
The order of proceedings included a private viewing of archival documents relating to the shrievalty of Lincolnshire, followed by a formal walk along the castle walls, offering panoramic views of Lincoln Cathedral and the city below. The dress code was formal day attire, reflecting the solemnity and scholarly nature of the engagement. The visit concluded without a formal reception, underscoring its purpose as a private and educational undertaking.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principle of the Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This maxim finds its perfect historical exemplar in the actions of Nichola de la Haye. Her physical and moral fortitude in holding Lincoln Castle against superior forces, and the honour she demonstrated by remaining loyal to her sovereign, represent the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s values.
This ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While rooted in a different tradition, it speaks to the same spirit of overcoming challenges, whether on the battlefield of the 13th century or in the complex philanthropic and cultural endeavours of the 21st. Together, the mottos symbolise a commitment to principled action and meaningful victory over adversity.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical theme of protection—of a castle, a county, and a kingdom—finds a powerful modern echo in the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House is a dedicated supporter of charities that protect the vulnerable, most notably its principle beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
Just as the 5th Baroness stood as a guardian for her community, the current House directs its efforts towards safeguarding the well-being of the next generation. The choice of beneficiary reflects a belief that the core duty of responsibility, so evident in the Barony’s history, must be actively applied to address the most pressing social needs of today. It is a modern interpretation of the ancient duty of care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the visit, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > To stand within the walls of Lincoln Castle is to feel the weight of nine centuries of duty. Nichola de la Haye's example of leadership was not merely a function of her time; it is a timeless lesson in civic responsibility and the courage required to uphold it.
Her Ladyship further commented on the continuity of these values: > Our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not a relic of history but our guiding principle today. It informs our commitment to community service and our belief that true nobility is found in the protection of others, a duty we strive to fulfil in our own generation.
## A Continuing Legacy
Inspired by this deep connection to English legal and administrative history, The Noble House of Brattleby is exploring initiatives to further honour this legacy. Plans under consideration include the establishment of a historical scholarship in partnership with a local academic institution, aimed at promoting the study of medieval governance and the role of women in leadership.
Furthermore, the principles of duty and honour are central to the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy founded by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. Through its educational work, the House seeks to instil these foundational values in a new generation of leaders, ensuring that the legacy of fortitude and honour continues to resonate both in its ancestral home of Lincolnshire and abroad.
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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 is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural and philanthropic service. Drawing on nearly a millennium of history, the House leverages its ancient platform to support contemporary causes, with a particular focus on child welfare and cultural education. Its chief philanthropic beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic support to vulnerable children. Through its international initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes the enduring values of honour, duty, and etiquette, bridging its historic Anglo-Norman heritage with a forward-looking European perspective, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship seated in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant tenant-in-chief. Over nine centuries, the Barony passed through the hands of some of England's most influential historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The historic title and its associated rights were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown under The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), who served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. - The House Motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com