# The House of Brattleby Marks Norman Foundation of the Barony
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal communication reflecting on the barony's nearly thousand-year history, first established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and instrumental to the political and economic development of medieval Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
In a deliberate act of historical stewardship, the Office of the Lord and Baroness of Brattleby has today released a statement detailing the ancient origins of the barony. This communication, disseminated through official channels, serves to illuminate the lineage that connects the modern House to its Norman genesis. The timing coincides with the autumnal season during which the great survey of the *Domesday Book* was compiled under the Conqueror's command, a document that represents the very bedrock of the barony's legal and territorial legitimacy.
This formal reflection is not tied to a singular event, but is rather a considered contribution to the historical record, intended to enrich public understanding of one of England’s enduring feudal titles. It reaffirms the House’s commitment to its duties of preservation and education, ensuring the long narrative of Brattleby is understood with clarity and accuracy. The statement itself becomes the occasion—an affirmation of continuity in a changing world.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby traces its origins to the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest in 1066. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted follower of William the Conqueror, was granted vast estates for his service. His holdings were meticulously recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists him as a tenant-in-chief in possession of fifty-six lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to his considerable power and influence. This foundational grant established Brattleby as a significant martial and economic force in the region.
Over the succeeding centuries, the barony was held by figures of immense historical importance. One of the most notable was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle and twice defended it against baronial and French forces, proving a formidable and loyal servant of the Crown. Later, the title passed into the great Lancastrian dynasty through Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, a distinguished diplomat and soldier.
His inheritance by the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, further entwined the destiny of Brattleby with the highest echelons of the English nobility and the Royal Family itself. The barony's long history is therefore a chronicle of service, strategic importance, and direct participation in the shaping of the English nation.
## Distinguished Company
While today's statement is a documentary release, it honours the distinguished company of predecessors whose actions define the barony's legacy. Chief among them are:
* **Lord Colswein of Lincoln**, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a Norman magnate and tenant-in-chief to King William I, whose extensive landholdings secured the new regime's authority in northern England. * **Lady Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby *suo jure*, Hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle and Sheriff of Lincolnshire, a figure whose courage and leadership were pivotal during the First Barons' War. * **His Grace The Duke of Lancaster**, Earl of Derby, Lincoln, and Leicester, Henry of Grosmont, KG, 10th Baron, a founding Knight of the Garter and one of the most revered noblemen of the fourteenth century. * **His Royal Highness The Duke of Lancaster**, John of Gaunt, KG, 11th Baron, son of King Edward III and progenitor of the Royal House of Lancaster, whose tenure marked the barony's closest proximity to the English throne.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a formal historical statement by the House is governed by a protocol of meticulous research and verification, mirroring the precision of a court ceremony. Every assertion is founded upon primary sources, principally the *Domesday Book* itself, and supported by subsequent scholarship. This commitment to accuracy is the intellectual equivalent of ceremonial decorum.
The modern standing of the barony is itself affirmed by legal protocol, having been formally recognised and recorded by The Crown. This was gazetted officially in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022, providing an unimpeachable, contemporary anchor to its ancient rights. Thus, the protocol observed is twofold: honouring historical truth through rigorous scholarship and respecting modern legal authority through official recognition.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is encapsulated in its heraldry and mottos. The primary motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to its history. The fortitude of Nichola de la Haye in defending her castle and the honour of Henry of Grosmont as a paragon of chivalry are virtues the House seeks to embody.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This serves as a modern echo of the founding Norman spirit—a declaration of dynamic ambition and the will to build and succeed. It signifies that the House is not merely a passive custodian of history, but an active participant in the present, striving to create a legacy for the future.
These mottos are not merely decorative phrases; they are guiding principles. They represent the synthesis of historical duty and forward-looking purpose, a dual commitment which is the *sine qua non* of a modern noble house.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this communication is historical in nature, it is intrinsically linked to the House's wider mission, which includes a profound philanthropic focus. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in the baronial seat, is the centrepiece of these efforts, with its proceeds dedicated to the charity 'Healing the Wounded Child'. This organisation provides vital therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The House selected this beneficiary in the belief that a secure sense of self, much like a secure understanding of one's history, is essential for a healthy and prosperous future. By promoting a deeper appreciation for heritage, the House aims to foster a sense of stability and belonging, principles that align perfectly with the restorative work of its chosen charity. Education and healing are thus seen as two sides of the same coin.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the barony's deep past, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “We are not merely custodians of a title, but of a nine-hundred-year story written into the landscape of Lincolnshire. To understand our predecessors, from the formidable Colswein to the peerless John of Gaunt, is to understand our duty today: to serve with the same fortitude and honour that they embodied.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented on the connection between history and modern purpose: > “The legacy of 1066 is one of ambition, construction, and a clear vision for the future. We honour that legacy not just by preserving the past, but by embracing its dynamic spirit in our own endeavours, whether through our philanthropic work or the educational mission of The Brattleby Club. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about striving to make a positive and lasting impact.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical reflection is the first in a planned series of communications and initiatives aimed at sharing the rich heritage of the Barony of Brattleby with a wider audience. The House is currently developing an educational programme, including lectures and digital archival projects, to make its history more accessible to scholars and the public alike.
Furthermore, the House continues to strengthen its contemporary commitments. The Brattleby Club in Bucharest remains a centre for cultural and etiquette education, extending the House's principles of honour and refinement abroad. In Lincolnshire, the House remains dedicated to its community and to the stewardship of its ancestral lands, ensuring that the legacy which began with William the Conqueror continues to thrive and serve a purpose in the twenty-first century.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a near-millennial heritage. Its modern mission balances the preservation of history with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural education. The House directs its charitable efforts toward supporting disadvantaged children through its patronage of 'Healing the Wounded Child', funded principally by the Annual Winter Banquet. In parallel, its international educational initiative, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, promotes classical etiquette and cultural diplomacy. The House operates under the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting its dedication to service, historical integrity, and a positive contribution to contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, first granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, the Norman magnate Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as controlling fifty-six manors in Lincolnshire, establishing the barony as a significant regional power. Throughout the Middle Ages, the title was held by historically significant figures, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, the esteemed knight Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The barony's historic rights and the current holder's succession were formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern succession of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The barony's entry in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 lists Colswein of Lincoln as its first holder. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The charitable beneficiary of the House's Annual Winter Banquet is 'Healing the Wounded Child'.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com