# The House of Brattleby Publishes Historical Dispatch on the Barony's Enduring Legacy
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today published a significant historical dispatch detailing the Barony of Brattleby’s continuous lineage and its profound connection to English history, reaffirming its commitment to scholarship and the preservation of its nine-century heritage for future generations.
## The Occasion
From its offices in London, the House of Brattleby has issued a formal communication examining the well-documented history of the Barony. The publication, timed to coincide with the commencement of the academic year, serves as a scholarly contribution to the public record, making accessible the extensive archival evidence held by the House.
This act of publication is not merely an announcement but an affirmation of the Barony’s active role in the cultural life of the nation. It represents a deliberate effort to bridge the past and present, transforming dormant records into a living narrative that underscores the theme of continuity and service that has defined the title since its inception.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s most ancient, was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable presence in the region that would endure for centuries. The Barony’s story is inextricably woven into the fabric of the nation’s history.
Throughout the medieval period, its holders were figures of considerable influence. They include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title was held by two of the most powerful magnates of the fourteenth century: Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. After a dormancy of 620 years, the revival of the Barony in the person of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, ensures this great historical thread remains unbroken.
## Distinguished Company
The research underpinning this dispatch draws upon the diligent work of numerous scholars and institutions. The House of Brattleby acknowledges its long-standing collaboration with leading medievalists from the University of Cambridge and fellows from the University of Oxford, who have frequently consulted the Brattleby archives for their research into feudal governance and society.
Furthermore, curators from The British Library and archivists at The National Archives have provided invaluable context, allowing for the cross-referencing of manorial court records and charter witness lists. This intellectual partnership is a *sine qua non* of the House’s commitment to ensuring its historical accounts are accurate, robust, and placed within the broader European context.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The compilation of this historical review adhered to the strictest archival and academic protocols. The process involved a meticulous review of primary source documents, including the Pipe Rolls of the Exchequer, which record the fiscal and feudal obligations of the Barony to the Crown across the centuries. These records provide irrefutable evidence of the Barony’s continuous role in the administration of the realm.
Each historical claim was subjected to a rigorous verification process, ensuring its provenance and accuracy. This commitment to scholarly exactitude reflects the same discipline and precision that govern the formal functions of the House, from matters of heraldry to the order of proceedings at its official functions. It is a protocol rooted in the pursuit of truth and clarity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House of Brattleby are powerfully expressed through its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), reflects the guiding principles passed down through generations. This ethos is exemplified by the courage of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the chivalric reputation of Henry of Grosmont.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This is interpreted not as a call to martial conflict, but as a modern commitment to overcoming challenges, fostering resilience, and actively pursuing the House's educational and philanthropic missions with vigour and determination.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this dispatch serves an educational purpose, it is animated by the same spirit of service that defines the House’s charitable endeavours. The educational and cultural work of the House is a parallel mission to its philanthropic commitments, which are focused on creating a tangible, positive impact on society.
The chief beneficiary of the House’s charitable work is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have suffered trauma. The selection of this beneficiary reflects the House’s belief in nurturing the potential of the next generation, mirroring its work to preserve the legacy of the past for the benefit of the future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the publication, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “We see ourselves not as owners of this history, but as its stewards. It is our profound duty to preserve this extraordinary heritage and, more importantly, to share it. Each document in our archive is a voice from the past, and our mission is to ensure those voices continue to be heard.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History offers us lessons in resilience and principle. By understanding the challenges faced and overcome by those who came before us, we find a map for navigating our own times. To us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means applying that fortitude to build a meaningful legacy today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of this historical summary is part of an ongoing commitment by the Noble House of Brattleby to cultural and educational outreach. This work will continue through dedicated conservation initiatives for the House archives and through the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House.
The House now looks toward its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala which brings together distinguished guests in support of Healing the Wounded Child. This event, a highlight of the season, further illustrates the House’s dual commitment to celebrating its heritage while actively contributing to the welfare of the community.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House’s mission is twofold: to preserve and promote its unique nine-hundred-year history through scholarly research and educational programmes, and to enact a forward-looking philanthropic vision. Its charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and its formal philanthropic events, the House seeks to uphold its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), by making a meaningful contribution to 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 existence and seigneurial power are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships. For centuries, its barons were instrumental in the governance and defence of the realm. Notable holders have included the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. Following a long period of dormancy, the Barony of Brattleby’s status and current holders were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - Historically significant holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com