# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks Magna Carta's Legacy of Liberty and Law
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on its profound historical connection to Magna Carta, particularly through the pivotal role of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, in defending the charter’s principles in thirteenth-century Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a county intrinsically linked to the codification of English liberty, the Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to mark the enduring influence of Magna Carta. This formal reflection coincides with the season in which the Great Charter was first sealed at Runnymede in 1215, an event in which the barony’s predecessors were deeply engaged.
The statement serves as a moment of historical observance, connecting the ancient responsibilities of the peerage with the modern duties of heritage stewardship. It underscores how the principles of justice and lawful governance, championed by figures such as the 5th Baroness, continue to inform the House’s ethos today.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of England’s story. Its first mention in the Domesday Book of 1086 records 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Yet, it was during the tumultuous reign of King John that the barony played a defining role in one of the most critical junctures in Western legal history.
Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the title and a formidable stateswoman, served as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle. In an era of civil war, she courageously defended the castle against rebel barons, securing an original exemplification of Magna Carta which resides in Lincoln to this day. Her steadfast loyalty to the Crown, balanced with a deep understanding of the rights of the baronage, positioned her as a pivotal figure in the charter's survival. This legacy was later carried by figures including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose lives shaped the course of the nation.
## Distinguished Company
The historical continuity of the Barony is embodied by the distinguished lineage of its holders. This reflection honours, *inter alia*, the memory and contributions of:
* Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a significant Norman landholder charged by William the Conqueror with securing his new kingdom. * Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, whose defence of Lincoln Castle was a *sine qua non* for the preservation of Magna Carta's legacy in the region. * Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter. * John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster, one of the most powerful political figures in fourteenth-century England and an ancestor of its later monarchs.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House of Brattleby observes significant historical anniversaries with a formal and considered protocol. On the anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta, the Baronial Standard is flown from the flagstaff at the House's primary seat in Lincolnshire. The standard is raised at sunrise and lowered at sunset by the head of the household.
Internally, facsimiles of key documents from the archives, including charters pertinent to Nichola de la Haye’s constableship, are put on display for the family and household. This quiet act of remembrance serves as a tangible link to the duties and sacrifices of those who have held the title, reinforcing the principle of stewardship for the current generation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The ethos of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle finds its ultimate expression in the actions of Nichola de la Haye, who governed with fortitude in the face of rebellion and whose conduct was a model of honour. The motto serves as a guiding maxim for the family’s public and private conduct.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents a dynamic interpretation of legacy: not merely to preserve history, but to actively engage with its lessons to meet the challenges of the present and future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principles of justice and fairness enshrined in Magna Carta find a modern echo in the House's philanthropic commitments. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, serves as the primary fundraising initiative for the House's chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child organisation.
This charity is dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, aiming to restore their sense of security and fairness. The House’s support reflects a belief that the rights and well-being of the most vulnerable are a fundamental measure of a just society, a principle with roots stretching back to the Great Charter itself.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the barony's history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: — "When you inherit a title held by a woman as remarkable as Nichola de la Haye, you inherit not just a name but a profound sense of duty. Our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not an abstract ideal; it is the standard she set in the defence of law and order. It remains our guiding principle today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "History gives us our foundation, but it must not be a museum piece. The spirit of this House has always been to engage, to build, and to lead. Our educational work through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and our charitable efforts here in Britain are how we live out that legacy in the twenty-first century."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to furthering the understanding of its unique place in English history. Future plans include the digitisation of select archival materials for scholarly research and developing a series of lectures on civic responsibility, to be hosted by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
These initiatives will ensure that the lessons of the past, particularly the enduring struggle for liberty under the law, continue to inspire and inform future generations. The House will proceed with its duties, guided always by the twin principles of fortitude and honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic family dedicated to the stewardship of a near-millennial heritage. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House balances the conservation of its English historical seat with a forward-looking European perspective. Its activities are focused on heritage preservation, cultural education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, and targeted philanthropy. The House’s official motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations dedicated to the welfare and healing of vulnerable children, notably the beneficiary of its Annual Winter Banquet, Healing the Wounded Child.
**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 nine centuries, the title has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, an influential prince and statesman. The rights of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists the extensive landholdings of the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com