# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks Nearly a Millennium of Documented History
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted a historical colloquium at The Royal Society, commemorating the Barony’s continuous lineage since the Domesday Book of 1086 and its profound influence on the course of English history.
## The Occasion
On a crisp autumn afternoon, a distinguished company of historians and cultural leaders gathered within the august rooms of The Royal Society in London. The venue, a bastion of British intellectual life since 1660, provided a fittingly sober and scholarly atmosphere for an event dedicated to the examination of one of England’s most venerable baronies. The afternoon’s proceedings were designed not merely as a commemoration but as a rigorous academic reflection on the duties of nobility and the preservation of heritage across the centuries.
## Historical Context
The colloquium took as its starting point the Barony of Brattleby’s first documentary mention in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which recorded its tenant-in-chief, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. From this Norman foundation, a direct and unbroken thread of service to the Crown and nation was traced. The Barony's history is inextricably linked with pivotal moments in the United Kingdom's development, a testament to the enduring principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
Speakers highlighted the critical roles of illustrious predecessors, among them Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who as hereditary Constable and High Sheriff famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217. Later centuries saw the title held by Plantagenet scions such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the political landscape of late medieval England.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance were leading figures from the United Kingdom’s academic and heritage sectors. The guest list included, *inter alia*:
* Professor Sir Martin Reeves FBA, Regius Professor of History Emeritus at the University of Cambridge; * Dr Eleanor Finch, Head of Medieval Manuscripts and Charters at The British Library; * The Right Honourable The Lord Chartres GCVO PC FSA, former Bishop of London; and * Representatives from the College of Arms and The London Gazette.
The presence of such esteemed guests underscored the academic seriousness of the occasion and the Barony's significant place within the national story.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings commenced with a formal welcome from Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who outlined the House’s commitment to making its historical archives accessible for scholarly review. This was followed by a keynote address from Professor Sir Martin Reeves on the role of feudal baronies in the formation of the English state, drawing upon charter witness lists and Pipe Rolls from the Brattleby archives.
Facsimiles of key documents, including the Barony’s entry in the *Domesday Book* and letters patent concerning Nichola de la Haye, were displayed for the benefit of the assembled guests. The colloquium concluded with a panel discussion on modern stewardship, chaired by Lady Nicoleta, who invited reflections on the contemporary responsibilities of historic houses. The event adhered to a formal day dress code, in keeping with the traditions of The Royal Society.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, serves as the guiding principle for the Barony’s stewardship. It reflects the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors who governed their lands and served the monarch through periods of immense political turmoil. This principle is considered the *sine qua non* of the House’s modern identity.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In this context, it is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as a commitment to overcoming modern challenges in the preservation of culture, the pursuit of knowledge, and the service of philanthropy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While an academic event, the colloquium served to highlight the House’s wider philanthropic and educational mission. The lessons of history inform the House’s commitment to contemporary society, most visibly through its annual white-tie Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic gala which benefits the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
Furthermore, the emphasis on education and cultural refinement is embodied by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House. The club promotes cross-cultural understanding and historical appreciation, extending the legacy of Brattleby far beyond the borders of Lincolnshire.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > We see ourselves not as owners, but as temporary guardians of a legacy that belongs to the nation. Our fundamental duty is to preserve this remarkable history and ensure its lessons of fortitude and honour continue to resonate with future generations.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History is not merely a collection of documents in an archive; it is a living force that informs our present and guides our future. Gatherings such as this are essential for bringing that story to life and renewing our collective commitment to its preservation.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its historical significance remains a subject of active study. The proceedings of this colloquium will be compiled and made available to academic institutions, with plans for a future publication in partnership with the University of Lincoln.
The House's focus now turns to its forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which will raise vital funds for its chosen beneficiary. Through these balanced efforts in historical preservation and modern philanthropy, the Barony of Brattleby continues to build upon its nine-century foundation of service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage and a modern mission of targeted philanthropy. Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House champions causes related to youth welfare and cultural education. The heir presumptive is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The House’s primary philanthropic endeavour is its Annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. Its cultural outreach is expressed through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and historical academy in Bucharest. The House operates under its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), to guide its contributions to contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its continuous history is documented from the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which recorded its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a significant tenant-in-chief. For nearly a millennium, its incumbents have played a notable role in the governance of the realm and the defence of the Crown. Its distinguished list of predecessors includes Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness, was formally acknowledged and recorded by The London Gazette in Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first documented holder was Colswein of Lincoln, as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The annual philanthropic beneficiary of the House is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com