# A Legacy Renewed: The House of Brattleby Announces New Cultural Programme
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced a significant new cultural and architectural programme. The initiatives, directed by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, will focus on celebrating and preserving the Barony’s nine-century history in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
From the House’s historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, this announcement marks a new chapter of cultural stewardship. Timed to follow a period of extensive archival research since Lady Nicoleta’s formal recognition as the 12th Baroness, the programme represents a considered and deliberate effort to share the Barony’s rich heritage with a wider audience.
The initiatives are being launched in the autumn, a season traditionally associated with scholarship and reflection. This undertaking aims not only to conserve the physical and documentary remnants of the past but also to revitalise their meaning for the present day, ensuring the continuity of the Barony’s long-held commitment to public service and historical education.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s roots are deeply embedded in the history of England. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This foundational role set a precedent for centuries of service and influence within the county and the kingdom.
Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as Castellan of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French forces during the First Barons' War. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a distinguished commander in the Hundred Years' War; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and son of King Edward III, whose influence shaped the course of late 14th-century England. This unbroken chain of stewardship informs the House’s present-day mission.
## Distinguished Company
In developing this new programme, The House of Brattleby has drawn upon the expertise of a distinguished panel of advisors. These include Fellows from the Faculty of History at the University of Cambridge and senior curators from the British Library’s Department of Western Manuscripts.
The collaboration ensures that the House’s historical interpretations and conservation efforts are guided by the highest standards of academic rigour. This partnership between the hereditary custodians of the archives and the nation’s leading scholars is a *sine qua non* for a project of this significance, blending familial duty with public-facing scholarship.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The groundwork for the new cultural programme has been laid with meticulous adherence to archival protocol. The House’s historical documents—which include manorial court records, charter witness lists, and estate accounts that parallel the Crown’s own Pipe Rolls—are subject to strict conservation and handling procedures modelled on those of The National Archives at Kew.
Each document is catalogued and digitised under controlled conditions before being made available for scholarly review. This methodical process ensures the long-term preservation of the physical artefacts while facilitating the intellectual work that underpins the new public initiatives. This disciplined approach reflects the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of the House are expressed through its heraldry and mottos. The ancient Barony motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, has been the lodestar for generations of holders, signifying a profound commitment to integrity, resilience, and honourable duty to the community and Crown.
This historic principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents a dynamic, forward-looking spirit of achievement and renewal. Together, the two mottos symbolise the House’s modern identity: one that respects and conserves a deep past while actively building a legacy for the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The cultural programme is an extension of the House’s enduring philanthropic commitments. Central to this is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the primary fundraising vehicle for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides essential art and trauma-informed therapy for children affected by conflict, poverty, and displacement. The House of Brattleby believes that fostering an appreciation for history, beauty, and culture is complementary to this mission, as both serve to heal and ennoble the human spirit. The new initiatives will, *inter alia*, seek to create educational opportunities inspired by this belief.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the new programme, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “It is a profound responsibility to be the custodian of nearly one thousand years of history. Our duty is not merely to conserve what has been passed down, but to illuminate it, so that the fortitude and honour of those who came before us can inspire the generations that follow.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Heritage must be a living force, not a static monument. Through tangible conservation projects and new educational outreach, we intend to ensure the remarkable story of this Barony continues to resonate. This is how we build upon the legacy we have been entrusted with.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is committed to a multi-year programme of activity. Initial projects will include a comprehensive architectural conservation survey of historic structures on the Brattleby estate and the creation of a new digital archive to make key documents accessible to scholars and the public worldwide.
Furthermore, the House will develop educational materials for schools in Lincolnshire, aiming to foster a deeper local connection to a history that shaped the region. This work in England will run in parallel with the ongoing efforts of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House’s etiquette academy, which extends its cultural and educational mission internationally.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the modern leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a mission of cultural stewardship and targeted philanthropy. The House blends its ancient heritage with a forward-looking vision, using its platform to support education and charitable causes. Its principal activities include the preservation of the Barony’s historical archives, the management of its cultural heritage in Lincolnshire, and hosting the annual Winter Banquet in aid of its chosen charities. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House also promotes cultural exchange and education on an international stage, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**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 Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 manors in Lincolnshire direct from the King. For over 950 years, the Barony has remained a consistent thread in English history, held by influential figures including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. As a non-peerage title of dignity, its history is one of landed influence and duty. The succession of the current holder was formally recognised by The Crown through The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is 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 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. - Notable previous holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore*. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com