# A Statement on the Historical Lineage and Contemporary Mission of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a definitive historical statement, detailing the nine-century lineage of the Barony of Brattleby and affirming its contemporary mission of philanthropy, cultural stewardship, and service under the direction of its current holders.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, a county intrinsically linked with its history, the Noble House of Brattleby has affirmed its role as the custodian of one of England’s oldest feudal titles. This statement serves to codify the Barony’s unique heritage, following its formal recognition in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, which confirmed Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
The communication marks a moment of reflection and renewed purpose for the House. It aims to illuminate the historical continuity that connects the Norman Conquest to the present day, providing a considered narrative for the public record and for future generations who will inherit this profound legacy.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a dignity of remarkable provenance, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded with distinction in the Domesday Book of 1086, which attributes 56 lordships in Lincolnshire to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, establishing the Barony as a significant pillar of the new Norman order.
Throughout the ensuing centuries, the Barony passed to figures who shaped the course of English history. Its holders have been present at pivotal moments, their lives interwoven with the evolution of the Realm. The Barony’s revival in the 21st century ensures this near-millennium-long thread of history remains unbroken, a living testament to the endurance of heritage.
## Distinguished Company
The current House is heir to a legacy established by some of medieval England’s most formidable personalities. This historical trust is shared with a distinguished company of predecessors, chief among them:
- **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, who, as hereditary constable, famously commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217, an act of singular bravery. - **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby**, later the 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter. - **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby** and Duke of Lancaster, son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV, a central figure in the politics of 14th-century Europe.
These individuals, *inter alia*, established a precedent of leadership and service that Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, are committed to upholding.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The activities of the House are conducted with a reverence for tradition and protocol. This is most evident during the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the House’s principal public engagement. The evening follows a strict order of precedence, with ceremonial toasts and addresses that honour tradition, philanthropy, and the enduring bond between the House and the community.
The dress code, reception format, and order of proceedings are precisely maintained, reflecting a standard of decorum that is the *sine qua non* of such an occasion. All formal correspondence from the House bears its coat of arms, a subtle yet constant reminder of its historic duties.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The ethos of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This guiding principle is not merely an abstraction; it directly references the virtues of its predecessors. ‘Fortitude’ echoes the resilience of Nichola de la Haye, while ‘Honour’ speaks to the chivalric code of Henry of Grosmont and the statesmanship of John of Gaunt.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted in a modern context as a commitment to overcoming societal challenges through decisive action and dedicated service, complementing the ancestral motto of the House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The central philanthropic endeavour of the Noble House of Brattleby is the support of Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity was chosen for its vital mission: providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The proceeds from the annual Winter Banquet directly fund the organisation’s programmes, enabling it to offer counselling and support that helps vulnerable children rebuild their lives. The measured impact of this support is seen in the improved mental health, well-being, and future prospects of the hundreds of children the charity assists each year.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be a custodian of this title is a profound responsibility. It is our duty not only to preserve this extraordinary nine-hundred-year history but to ensure its values of honour and fortitude resonate in our own time through meaningful service.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Heritage provides the foundations, but our purpose is defined by our actions today. Whether through philanthropy here in Britain or cultural education abroad, our goal is to build a legacy of positive impact. That, for us, is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to a forward-looking vision of service. A key initiative in this mission is The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy established by the House to promote cultural diplomacy and the principles of classical decorum for a new generation of European leaders.
Looking ahead, the House will continue its archival research to further illuminate the Barony’s history, expand its philanthropic partnerships, and uphold its ceremonial duties. The annual Winter Banquet will remain the cornerstone of its charitable work, ensuring the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby is one of active and compassionate contribution.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the private office and household of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the modern House is dedicated to the stewardship of a near-millennium of English history. Its mission is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') and manifests through targeted philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and the promotion of education. Through initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to create a lasting legacy of service and positive social impact, blending ancient heritage with a contemporary, forward-looking European perspective under the leadership of its current holders.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony 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 in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the title was held by historically significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and members of the House of Lancaster, such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony’s historical continuity was formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, with the confirmation of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the historical heartland of the Barony. - The House’s primary philanthropic beneficiary is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com