# The Barony of Brattleby and the Legacy of Magna Carta
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has issued a historical dispatch detailing the Barony's pivotal role during the Magna Carta era, connecting the legacy of medieval predecessors to the modern stewardship of the family's ancient seat and title in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
From the muniment room at the family's seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, this dispatch marks the culmination of a significant phase of archival review. Amid the quiet ordering of charters, pipe rolls, and correspondence, a renewed focus has been placed on the Barony's actions during one of English history's most defining periods: the issuance of Magna Carta in 1215 and the subsequent First Barons' War.
This scholarly undertaking is not a singular event but part of an ongoing commitment by the House to catalogue and interpret its extensive archives. The research illuminates the direct line of duty and responsibility that stretches from the eleventh century to the present day, providing context for the House's modern mission.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was a significant Norman power base from its inception. The Domesday Book of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a tenant-in-chief possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable presence in the region.
This influence became critically important during the reign of King John. It was Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby by right of her mother, who embodied the House's motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. As hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle, she twice defended it against baronial and French forces, proving herself an indispensable and famously loyal supporter of the Crown during the constitutional crisis. Her steadfastness at Lincoln was a *sine qua non* for the royalist cause in a divided kingdom.
The Barony’s prominence continued through its later medieval holders, including the celebrated Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor as 11th Baron, the formidable John of Gaunt. This connection positioned Brattleby at the very centre of royal power and Lancastrian politics for over a century.
## Distinguished Company
The historical significance of the Brattleby archives has long been recognised by Britain's foremost academic institutions. In recent decades, the House has been pleased to facilitate research for scholars from, *inter alia*:
* The University of Oxford * The University of Cambridge * The British Library
This collaborative approach ensures that the history of the Barony and its contribution to the national narrative is studied with the greatest possible rigour and shared with the widest possible audience.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of such a profound historical record requires its own strict protocol. The preservation of vellum charters and manuscript rolls dating from the 12th century is a meticulous process, governed by principles of conservation and archival science. Each document is handled with specialist care and stored in climate-controlled conditions.
Access to the archives is managed with a formality befitting the material's significance. Requests from academic bodies are reviewed to ensure the purpose of the research is clear and its integrity assured. This protocol of stewardship is considered by the House to be as vital a duty as any held by their predecessors.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are codified in its heraldry. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the legacy of figures like Nichola de la Haye, whose resilience and integrity shaped the course of history. It serves as a guiding maxim for the family's conduct and public service.
This ancient declaration is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a modern commitment to overcoming challenges, pursuing excellence, and ensuring the continued flourishing of the House's heritage and philanthropic endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The work of preserving and interpreting history is, for the House of Brattleby, an act of public service and a pillar of its educational mission. This same ethos underpins the family's wider charitable activities, most notably the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that benefits the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
By sharing its legacy, the House aims to inspire an appreciation for the long narrative of duty, law, and social responsibility. This finds a practical expression in The Brattleby Club, the family's etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes cultural understanding and social refinement as essential components of a well-lived life.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessors, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "We are not merely owners of this history; we are its custodians. The story of Nichola de la Haye is a powerful reminder that fortitude and honour are timeless virtues, and her example continues to inform our duty to both our heritage and our community today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented on the responsibilities of stewardship, stating:
> "The past informs our present and illuminates our future. Understanding the principles for which our predecessors stood—and the profound sacrifices they made—is the essential foundation for responsible stewardship in the twenty-first century."
## A Continuing Legacy
This dispatch is the first in a planned series dedicated to exploring the rich history contained within the Brattleby archives. Future research will focus on the Barony's role during the Wars of the Roses and its transition through the Tudor period.
The House is also exploring avenues for the careful digitisation of key documents to create a resource for international scholars, ensuring this remarkable chronicle of English history continues to be studied and understood. This commitment to education, conservation, and service ensures the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby will continue with undiminished purpose.
---
**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 the modern expression of a nine-century-old legacy. Its mission rests on three pillars: preserving and sharing its unique historical heritage; promoting cultural and educational development through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest; and a profound commitment to philanthropy. The House's primary charitable focus is on the welfare of children, exemplified by its patronage of 'Healing the Wounded Child'. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to serve the community and uphold the duties that accompany its ancient title.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, 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. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of English history's most notable figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the Magna Carta crisis. Later holders include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), the first Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The succession of the current Baroness was formally recognised and registered by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) confirms the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (d. 1361), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (d. 1399). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com