# A Tradition of Service: The House of Brattleby on Its Nine-Century Heritage
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile today reaffirmed the ancient lineage and enduring purpose of their House, reflecting on a history of service to Crown and community that stretches unbroken from the Norman Conquest to the present day.
## The Occasion
From the family's ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has issued a reflection upon its unique place within the tapestry of English history. On the cusp of summer, a season of renewal, this statement serves as a quiet affirmation of nearly a millennium of custodianship. It is an occasion not of public ceremony, but of sober remembrance and a rededication to the duties that accompany such a profound inheritance. The review of archival documents underscores a continuity that has weathered the passage of centuries.
The Barony of Brattleby, situated in a county that has long been a bedrock of the nation’s story, has been a silent witness to and active participant in the defining moments of the realm. Its history provides a remarkable case study in the evolution of the English peerage, from feudal obligation to modern philanthropic leadership.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s provenance is recorded with exceptional clarity. Following the Norman Conquest, William the Conqueror granted the title to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln, in AD 1066. The *Domesday Book* of 1086 meticulously enumerates the 1st Baron’s holdings, which included 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the region from its inception.
Over the centuries, the Barony has passed through notable hands, each contributing to its legacy. The marriage of Margaret, the 8th Baroness, to the powerful Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, in the late 13th century, integrated the Barony into one of England's most influential earldoms. This union secured its prosperity and placed it at the nexus of political and military affairs at the highest level.
## Distinguished Company
The lineage is distinguished by predecessors who shaped English history. Among the most notable is Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, who served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. Her steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces in 1217 was a pivotal moment in the First Barons' War.
Later, the Barony was held by two of the most significant figures of the 14th century: Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was elevated as the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and a statesman of European renown. Their stewardship ensured the Barony's connection to the very heart of the Plantagenet court.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of such a history is governed by its own solemn protocol. This extends beyond the preservation of buildings and landscapes to the meticulous curation of the House archives. The primary protocol is that of preservation and scholarly access, ensuring that the documentary evidence of the Barony’s past is maintained to the highest archival standards for future generations.
This duty of remembrance is considered the *sine qua non* of custodianship. It dictates that the actions of the present are always informed by an understanding of the past. Lord and Lady Brattleby view this not as a restriction, but as a framework of responsibility that guides their public and private endeavours.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the House are encapsulated in its heraldic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This Latin phrase speaks to the dual virtues of resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to integrity in all actions. It is the historical anchor of the family’s identity.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic imperative to engage with the modern world, to overcome challenges, and to ensure the Barony's legacy remains not a relic of the past, but a vibrant and thriving force for good in the 21st century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House of Brattleby directs its contemporary efforts towards meaningful public service. The focus of the Barony’s philanthropic work is its steadfast support for Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma.
The choice of this beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that the most profound honour comes from protecting the most vulnerable. The annual Winter Banquet, a signature white-tie gala, serves as the principal fundraising event, translating the Barony’s historic convening power into substantive support for the charity's vital mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this nine-hundred-year inheritance, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To be entrusted with this title is to accept a duty of care not only for a name, but for a history that belongs to the nation. Our task is to ensure this legacy remains a source of inspiration and service." — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s modern role: > "History gives us our roots, but it is in the present that we must bear fruit. Our responsibility is to apply the lessons of fortitude and honour to the challenges of today, creating a positive impact that will endure." — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The commitment of the House of Brattleby extends into the future. The family will continue to develop its cultural and educational initiatives, *inter alia*, through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy designed to foster social grace and professional poise in a new generation of leaders.
The planning for the next annual Winter Banquet is already underway, reinforcing the philanthropic mission that has become central to the Barony's modern identity. Through these and other endeavours, the House of Brattleby continues to build upon its ancient foundations, ensuring its story is one of continuous and honourable service.
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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 modern House of Brattleby dedicates itself to the preservation of its unique heritage while actively pursuing a mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. The House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides its work, which includes supporting charitable causes such as Healing the Wounded Child and promoting cultural education through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. By blending its profound historical legacy with a forward-looking vision, the House of Brattleby seeks to serve as a force for continuity and positive social contribution in the United Kingdom and across Europe, embodying the principle that nobility is defined by service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of the older feudal lordships in England with a continuous history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as controlling 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential prince, John of Gaunt. The title’s legitimacy and the current succession were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, affirming its place in the modern peerage.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins date to AD 1066, with its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family’s principal philanthropic undertaking is the annual Winter Banquet in aid of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com