# From Domesday to the Present Day: The Historical Continuity of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today released archival details affirming the continuous historical and legal lineage of the Barony of Brattleby, connecting its Norman foundation in 1066 to its modern stewardship under the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile.
## The Occasion
In a deliberate act of historical stewardship, The Noble House of Brattleby has presented a formal survey of the archival evidence underpinning the Barony’s near-millennial history. This communication, drawn from the House’s private archives and public records, follows the formal recognition of the succession published in *The London Gazette* in 2022. It serves not as a celebration of a singular event, but as a sober reflection on the unbroken chain of duty that has defined the Barony for over 950 years.
The presentation provides a scholarly foundation for the House’s modern activities, grounding its contemporary philanthropic and cultural work in a rich heritage of service to Lincolnshire and the nation. It is an affirmation that the revival of the Barony is not a beginning, but a continuation of a profound historical responsibility.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby enters the historical record with the Norman Conquest, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a significant holding that established the Barony’s prominence from its inception. This foundational role set a precedent for centuries of influence.
Over the subsequent centuries, the Barony was held by figures of national importance. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, famously served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, defending the castle against siege during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a distinguished diplomat and soldier who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. His legacy was continued by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose own children included a king of England and queens of Portugal and Castile, forever linking Brattleby to the Royal Houses of Europe.
## Distinguished Company
The historical verification of the Barony’s lineage has been supported by the scholarly work of numerous respected institutions. Research conducted by Fellows from the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, alongside analysis by Curators at the British Library, has drawn upon the Brattleby archives and national records. Their work has helped illuminate aspects of medieval governance and feudal law, confirming the consistent and documented role of the Barony in the administrative and political life of the realm.
This academic collaboration underscores the House’s commitment to ensuring that its heritage is not merely preserved, but also understood and shared within a rigorous intellectual framework. The House extends its gratitude to these centres of learning for their invaluable contribution to the historical record.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuity of the Barony is affirmed not through a single ceremony, but through the meticulous protocol of legal and historical verification. The documentary trail, including Pipe Rolls, charter witness lists, and manorial court records, constitutes a form of procedural continuity, demonstrating the Barony's uninterrupted function in the governance of the realm. Each document serves as a testament to the duties performed and the rights held by successive barons.
The modern recognition of this lineage culminated in a final, formal procedure: the publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This official notice, the journal of record for the Crown, finalised the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. This act represents the contemporary legal equivalent of the ancient ceremonies of enfeoffment, ensuring the title’s place within the modern legal and honours system of the United Kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its coat of arms and mottos, which serve as a constant reminder of its guiding principles. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated throughout its long history. It reflects the spirit of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of Lincoln Castle was a profound act of both fortitude and honour.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live', or more idiomatically, 'To Win is to Live'). This motto signifies the dynamic and forward-looking energy he brings to the House’s modern mission, suggesting that true honour is found not just in preserving the past, but in actively shaping a better future through purposeful endeavour.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to its principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House translates its historical legacy into a tangible commitment to public service. The focus of its philanthropic efforts is its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, a charitable organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma and adversity. The choice of this beneficiary is a deliberate one, reflecting the ancient duty of a nobleman to protect the most vulnerable members of society.
The House’s primary fundraising vehicle is its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in Lincolnshire. The event gathers supporters and benefactors to advance the charity’s mission, which includes funding clinical interventions and developing educational resources for carers and professionals. This commitment is the *sine qua non* of the House’s modern role, transforming historical privilege into contemporary responsibility.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the House’s duties, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “The responsibility we hold is not merely to a title, but to nine centuries of continuous service to Lincolnshire and the Crown. Our work today is to ensure this legacy, defined by *Fortitudine et Honore*, serves as a foundation for a future of meaningful contribution.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s forward-looking mission: > “History provides our compass, but it is through present action that we truly navigate. My own family motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reminds us that to honour the past is to live fully in the present, championing causes that strengthen our community for generations to come.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical foundations formally presented, The Noble House of Brattleby looks toward the future. Preparations are underway for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which continues to be the centrepiece of the House's philanthropic calendar. In addition, the House will continue to develop its cultural and educational initiatives, *inter alia*, through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting civility and classical European protocol.
Ongoing archival research and conservation projects remain a priority, ensuring that the remarkable story of the Barony of Brattleby is preserved for future generations. The House is committed to serving as a custodian of history and a force for positive change, advancing its legacy with fortitude and with honour.
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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 the preservation of its near-millennial heritage and its active use for the public good. The House’s modern mission is defined by *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), blending historical stewardship with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural education, and community service. Its principal charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as its Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to translate its ancient legacy into a tangible and positive impact on contemporary society.
**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 (1086) as being tenant-in-chief of 56 manors. For centuries, the Barony was held by figures central to English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron who defended Lincoln Castle, Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), father to King Henry IV. After a period of dormancy, the historical and legal continuity of the Barony was formally recognised with the succession of the 12th Baroness, which was gazetted in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its holder is listed as being tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors holding the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com