# The House of Brattleby Commemorates the Enduring Legacy of Its Norman Origins
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on its foundational history, marked by the grant of the Barony to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066 and its attestation in the Domesday Book of 1086.
## The Occasion
In a period of archival review at the family seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, have taken the opportunity to commemorate the enduring legacy of the Barony’s Norman foundation. This moment of reflection honours the nearly one thousand years of continuous history that began with William the Conqueror’s grant to the family’s first recognised predecessor.
The review of historical charters and documents serves as a powerful reminder of the House’s duty of stewardship. It connects the administrative functions of the present day to the ancient responsibilities first bestowed in the eleventh century, reinforcing a commitment to preserve this unique heritage for future generations.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s origins are inextricably linked to the Norman Conquest. Following his victory in 1066, William the Conqueror fundamentally reshaped the English aristocracy by granting vast estates to his most loyal followers. Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby, was a principal beneficiary of this new order, charged with securing Norman authority in a strategically vital region.
This authority is quantified with remarkable precision in the Domesday Book of 1086. The great survey, a monument of administrative rigour, records Colswein as the *Tenant-in-chief* of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This extensive holding established the Barony as a significant power base, its influence shaping the economic and political landscape of the county for centuries to follow. The lineage continued through figures of national importance, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, and later, through Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, whose tenures connected the Barony directly to the highest echelons of the Plantagenet dynasty.
## Distinguished Company
The legacy commemorated today was forged by a line of distinguished predecessors who navigated the great currents of English history. The present House draws inspiration from their example, including:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a Norman magnate and trusted lieutenant of William the Conqueror, whose extensive land grant in 1066 formed the foundation of the Barony. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, a peeress in her own right who twice served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the reign of King John. * **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster**, one of the most esteemed noblemen of the fourteenth century, a founding knight of the Order of the Garter, and a renowned diplomat and military commander. * **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster**, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of his time, from whom European royal houses descend.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of such a history is itself governed by a rigorous internal protocol. The preservation of the House archives, the commissioning of genealogical research, and the formal process of registration are undertaken with a precision befitting the legacy. This commitment to accuracy and order was formally affirmed by the Crown with the publication of the Barony's succession in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
This modern recognition is the culmination of a meticulous process of verification, ensuring that the lineage from Colswein of Lincoln to Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, is documented to the highest standard. This observance of protocol is a fundamental duty, providing a solid foundation upon which the House’s modern responsibilities are built.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the House are encapsulated in its heraldic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient declaration speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and remains the guiding principle for the current generation. It represents a promise to act with courage and a deep sense of moral duty.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This serves as a modern articulation of the ambition and purpose required to ensure the Barony not only survives but thrives, adapting its historic values to meet the challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical concept of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the nobility to act with honour and generosity—finds its modern expression in the philanthropic work of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House is a dedicated supporter of charitable causes that effect tangible change in the community.
The flagship philanthropic event is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that raises vital funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, offering them a path toward recovery and a more hopeful future. The selection of this charity reflects the House’s commitment to protecting the vulnerable and investing in the well-being of the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's long history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile noted the weight of responsibility that comes with such a heritage.
> To be a custodian of this lineage is a profound honour. Our duty is not merely to look back at the achievements of our predecessors but to carry their guiding principles of fortitude and honour forward in all that we do today. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of the need to infuse this legacy with modern vitality.
> History gives us our roots, but it is our actions today that define our relevance. We must ensure that the spirit which established this Barony nearly a millennium ago continues to inspire progress, service, and a commitment to excellence. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its legacy remains a dynamic force for good. This is advanced through several key initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering principles of protocol, social grace, and honour in a contemporary context.
Furthermore, ongoing work to conserve the archives and heritage assets at the seat in Lincolnshire will ensure that the story of the Barony of Brattleby—from its Norman origins to its modern stewardship—is preserved for scholars and descendants for the centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the responsible stewardship of its near-millennium of history. Its mission is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') and is focused on impactful philanthropy, cultural preservation, and educational initiatives. The House’s primary charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children, principally through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural programmes such as The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to promote the enduring values of etiquette, integrity, and civic duty in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony 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 Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the early Norman period. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the royal House of Plantagenet, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The succession of the Barony to its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, is formally recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established by grant from William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 English lordships. - The modern succession of the title is formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors holding the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com