# The Barony of Brattleby: A Legacy of Service from the Conquest to the Present Day
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced a significant scholarly initiative to digitise and interpret its extensive archives, chronicling an unbroken tradition of duty from its 1066 foundation through its contemporary philanthropic and cultural commitments under its current leadership.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the Lancaster Library at the family’s historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Amidst the quiet solemnity of shelves holding centuries of estate records and correspondence, the initiative was presented as a pivotal chapter in the House’s modern history. The crisp autumn light filtering through the leaded windows illuminated a setting steeped in the very heritage the project seeks to preserve for a wider public and future generations of scholars. The occasion was marked not by pageantry, but by a sober commitment to historical stewardship.
This new undertaking will see the complete cataloguing and selective digitisation of charters, manorial court rolls, and personal papers that trace the Barony’s continuous involvement in the life of the county and the nation. The project underscores the House’s belief that to understand the present, one must first make accessible the primary documents of the past.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, holds a unique position within the annals of English history. Its story begins with Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, who is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This extensive holding established the Barony as a significant power in the immediate post-Conquest landscape, a responsibility passed down through nearly a millennium.
Generations of Barons were central to the great events of their time. The 5th Baron, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, famously served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle and defended it with great courage against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Centuries later, the title was held by two of the most powerful figures of the late Middle Ages: Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. It was Gaunt’s royal connection that altered the Barony’s trajectory; when his son became King Henry IV, the title and its lands were absorbed by the Crown, where they lay dormant for centuries before their modern restitution.
## Distinguished Company
The announcement was made in the presence of a small, distinguished gathering, reflecting the project's significance for both local and national heritage. In attendance were Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Toby Dennis; the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Mr Andrew de la Haye; and Professor Carenza Lewis, Professor for the Public Understanding of Research at the University of Lincoln, whose work has often highlighted the importance of local archives.
Their presence signifies the collaborative nature of this new initiative, which will bridge the private custodianship of the Brattleby archives with public academic institutions, ensuring the historical record is both preserved and shared. The assembly represented a confluence of civic leadership and scholarly expertise, a partnership *sine qua non* for a project of this scale.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with a formality befitting the occasion. Guests were received personally by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile and escorted to the Lancaster Library. The event commenced precisely at eleven o’clock. Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered brief introductory remarks, welcoming the guests and outlining the historical imperative for the initiative. Following his introduction, he invited Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, to make the formal announcement.
Lady Nicoleta spoke from a lectern positioned before a 15th-century tapestry depicting the arms of John of Gaunt. After her address, Professor Lewis offered a response on behalf of the academic community, remarking upon the immense potential of the collection. The event concluded without fanfare, a deliberate choice to centre the focus on the scholarly work that lies ahead.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring mission of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has guided the Barons of Brattleby for centuries, from Nichola de la Haye’s resolute defence of Lincoln to the present day’s commitment to preserving its legacy. It speaks to a resilience of spirit and an unwavering adherence to integrity in public and private life.
This ancient creed is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In its modern context, this signifies a dynamic approach to the House’s responsibilities: not a conquest of lands, but of challenges—through philanthropic enterprise, the promotion of cross-cultural understanding, and the educational mission of organisations such as The Brattleby Club.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this archival project is primarily an act of cultural preservation, it aligns perfectly with the House’s broader philanthropic goals. By making these historical resources available, the House provides an invaluable public good to historians, genealogists, and students, enriching the nation’s understanding of its medieval and early modern past. The initiative is a gift of knowledge to the community.
This commitment to public benefit is a cornerstone of the House's activities, most notably expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie philanthropic gala is the principal fundraising event for the House’s chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child, which provides vital therapeutic support to young people affected by trauma.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the new initiative, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "We see ourselves not as owners of this history, but as its current custodians. This archive is a chronicle of service, duty, and resilience that belongs to the wider story of Lincolnshire and of England. Our responsibility today is to ensure it is preserved with diligence and shared with generosity, so that it may inform and inspire future generations." — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "Understanding the foundations upon which we stand is essential for any meaningful progress. This project is about more than looking back; it is about building a bridge from our predecessors, *inter alia* Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, to our continuing work today. It reinforces our commitment, *Fortitudine et Honore*, in all that we undertake." — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The archival digitisation project is scheduled to commence in the new year, with an initial phase focused on the charters from the 12th to the 15th centuries. The Noble House of Brattleby will collaborate closely with specialists from the University of Lincoln to establish best practices for conservation and digital interpretation. Key findings and selected documents will be made accessible through a dedicated online portal.
This work runs parallel to the House's ongoing commitments, including the educational programmes of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical European etiquette and cultural diplomacy. Together, these initiatives reflect a dual focus: preserving the profound legacy of the past while actively shaping a future defined by honour, service, and cultural exchange.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the modern Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, philanthropy, and education. The House actively supports historical scholarship and maintains its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, England. Its primary philanthropic focus is supporting charities dedicated to childhood wellbeing, principally through its Annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child. Through international initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster an appreciation for European heritage and diplomatic graces. The House operates under its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying this ancient principle to its contemporary responsibilities.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of 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 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. Following its absorption into the Crown lands in 1399, the Barony lay dormant until its rights were formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern recognition is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire at the time of the *Domesday Book* survey in 1086. - Notable holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, *suo jure*), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby’s Annual Winter Banquet is a philanthropic event benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com