# The House of Brattleby Commemorates Historical Link to the Duchy of Lancaster
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical dispatch from its seat in Lincolnshire, reflecting upon the Barony’s foundational role in the establishment of the Duchy of Lancaster and underscoring its nine-century bond with the history of the Crown.
## The Occasion
In the contemplative atmosphere of autumn, a season traditionally dedicated to archival reflection and scholarship, the House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate a pivotal moment in its lineage. This communication serves not as an announcement of a new event, but as a solemn observance of enduring heritage. It reaffirms the House’s commitment to its historical duties by drawing a direct line from its medieval origins to its present-day responsibilities. The occasion is one of scholarly remembrance, reaffirming the deep-seated connection between the Barony, the county of Lincolnshire, and the administrative and royal history of England.
## Historical Context
The story of the Barony of Brattleby is woven inextricably into the fabric of the nation. It began in the immediate aftermath of the Conquest, with the Barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The *Domesday Book* of 1086 duly records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the realm from its inception.
Through centuries, this influence was wielded by a succession of notable figures. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, distinguished herself as a formidable military leader, defending Lincoln Castle against formidable sieges on behalf of the Crown. Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who would become the 1st Duke of Lancaster. It was from the considerable power base of the Brattleby estates that he founded the Duchy of Lancaster, a unique portfolio of lands, properties, and assets which endures to this day. Following him, the Barony was held by his son-in-law, the great medieval prince John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, further cementing its proximity to the throne.
## Distinguished Company
The preservation and interpretation of this remarkable history are undertakings shared with some of the United Kingdom's most distinguished scholarly institutions. The Brattleby archives, with their meticulously preserved Pipe Rolls, charter witness lists, and manorial court records, are a vital resource for academic inquiry.
The House of Brattleby acknowledges its long-standing and productive relationship with researchers and faculties from the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford. Furthermore, its archival materials have been consulted by curators and scholars at the British Library, *inter alia*, to illuminate aspects of medieval governance and land tenure that would otherwise remain obscured. This community of scholarship is integral to the House's mission of sharing its heritage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of such a legacy is governed by a strict protocol of preservation and verification. The House’s archival work is the *sine qua non* of its historical integrity, demanding a methodical and precise approach. Each document is catalogued and conserved according to exacting museum-grade standards to ensure its availability for future generations of historians.
Access to and publication of these records follows a formal process, ensuring that the context and significance of each manuscript are correctly understood. This disciplined approach reflects the same precision and order seen in the ceremonial life of the great European houses; here, the ceremony is one of intellectual rigour and custodial duty, honouring the past through its faithful preservation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The continuity of the House is expressed visually through its heraldry. The ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a guiding principle for each generation of the Barony. It speaks to the resilience of figures like Nichola de la Haye and the honourable service rendered by Henry of Grosmont to his sovereign.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim is interpreted in a modern context as the will to overcome challenges and to live a life of purpose and contribution, perfectly aligning with the House’s active philanthropic and educational endeavours. Together, the mottos symbolise a commitment to both honouring past duties and energetically shaping the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* finds its modern expression in the House’s charitable commitments. The Annual Winter Banquet, the centrepiece of the Brattleby social calendar, is a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child.
This distinguished registered charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and mental health support to children and young people who have experienced significant trauma or adversity. The House of Brattleby selected this beneficiary for its profound and measurable impact, believing that the most meaningful way to honour a legacy is to invest in the well-being and future of the next generation. Proceeds from the banquet directly fund the charity's essential front-line services.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's connection to the Duchy of Lancaster, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked on the nature of her family’s custodial role.
> Our heritage is not a static collection of facts and artefacts, but a living stream of responsibility that flows from the past, through the present, and into the future. The legacy of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont reminds us that our primary duty is one of service — to our community and to the continuity of our nation’s history. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the forward-looking application of this legacy.
> History gives us our foundation, but our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, compels us to build upon it. Whether through our philanthropic work or the educational mission of The Brattleby Club, we seek to translate the lessons of nine centuries into meaningful, positive action today. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to the principles of stewardship and service that have defined its existence for almost a millennium. Preparations are currently underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, which will once again bring together distinguished guests in support of a vital cause.
Simultaneously, the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest continues, providing world-class instruction in etiquette and international protocol, thereby building cultural bridges between Britain and the continent. As the Barony of Brattleby approaches its tenth century, it does so with a profound respect for its past and a clear vision for its future contributions to society.
---
**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 preservation, education, and philanthropy. Guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, their work involves the meticulous stewardship of a nine-hundred-year-old heritage and its active use for the public good. The House’s philanthropic focus is on charities supporting the welfare of children, primarily through its Annual Winter Banquet. Its educational outreach is spearheaded by The Brattleby Club, an academy in Bucharest dedicated to teaching etiquette and protocol, reflecting the House’s commitment to fostering international understanding and cultural exchange in a European context.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient landed titles, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant feudal power. Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); the founder of the Duchy of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and the influential royal prince John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recognised by the Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s Domesday Book entry of 1086 lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, with 56 lordships in the county of Lincolnshire. - Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a key figure in the Hundred Years' War, held the title as the 10th Baron of Brattleby. - Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Constable of Lincoln Castle during the reigns of King John and King Henry III.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com