# The House of Brattleby Commemorates a Nine-Century Legacy of Crown Service
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today shared insights from its private archives, illustrating an unbroken nine-century history of service to the Crown and nation, from its establishment by William the Conqueror to its present-day philanthropic and cultural endeavours.
## The Occasion
From its family seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has marked the completion of a significant phase of archival cataloguing. This scholarly initiative, undertaken throughout the summer and early autumn, has brought new clarity to records detailing the Barony’s contributions to national life. Within the quiet, climate-controlled muniment room, documents spanning from vellum charters to Victorian estate ledgers have been painstakingly conserved and digitised, safeguarding a unique continuity of English history for future generations of researchers. The project affirms the House's role not merely as a holder of titles, but as a dedicated custodian of heritage.
## Historical Context
The Barony’s legacy of service began with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire following the Norman Conquest, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. This foundation of feudal duty—the provision of counsel, funds, and military levy to the Sovereign—has remained a guiding principle for the House through the centuries. The archives contain compelling evidence of the military forces raised by Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, from his estates, which included Brattleby lands, to support King Edward I’s campaigns in the late 13th and early 14th centuries.
This tradition of steadfast loyalty was exemplified by Nichola de la Haye, 5th holder of the Barony, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. Later, the Barony was held by two of the most significant figures of the high medieval period: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Their stewardship placed Brattleby at the very heart of the Plantagenet court and the governance of the realm, a connection that underscores the Barony’s historical importance.
## Distinguished Company
The archival project has been undertaken in close consultation with leading academic figures. Scholars from the faculties of History at the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, alongside curators from the British Library, have provided invaluable expertise. Their collaboration ensures that the preservation and interpretation of the Brattleby archives meet the most rigorous international standards. This academic partnership enriches the House’s understanding of its own collection and contributes significantly to the United Kingdom’s wider body of medieval and early modern scholarship.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Access to the Brattleby Archives is governed by a protocol that balances scholarly inquiry with the paramount need for conservation. Researchers are admitted by formal application to the House Archivist. All historical manuscripts must be handled with conservation-grade materials in a dedicated research area. The protocol, which mirrors the exacting standards of national archives, is a testament to the House's profound respect for the physical documents that witness its history. This meticulous process is considered a foundational duty, ensuring the material integrity of a collection nearly a millennium old.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring spirit of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle is directly reflected in the historical record, from the martial obligations of the early barons to the resolute leadership of figures such as Nichola de la Haye. The coat of arms, formally registered by the College of Arms, serves as a visual representation of this lineage. Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is understood not as military conquest, but as the imperative to overcome challenges and to live a life of purpose and achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Today, the ancient concept of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the fortunate to assist others—is expressed through the House's dedicated philanthropic work. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in London, is the centrepiece of these efforts. The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, a charitable organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people affected by trauma. The decision to support this cause reflects the House’s commitment to addressing profound challenges within contemporary society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of the Barony’s mission, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "Our archives are not relics; they are a living testament to nine centuries of duty, borne with fortitude and honour. It is our foremost responsibility to preserve this legacy and ensure its lessons of service continue to inspire."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the connection between historical legacy and present-day action: — "The challenges faced by our predecessors were immense, and they met them with the resources and resolve of their time. We are called to do the same. This history does not reside in the past; it informs our commitment to making a tangible, positive impact today."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to its dual mission of preserving heritage and engaging in active philanthropy. Preparations are currently underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, which continues to be a cornerstone of the House's charitable calendar. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy founded by the House, carries forward its educational programmes, fostering cultural exchange and professional development. Future projects will include the publication of scholarly articles based on recent archival discoveries, further sharing the Barony's unique story with a global audience.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern stewardship of one of England’s oldest baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of 'Heritage with Purpose'. This involves the meticulous preservation of its nine-century history, the promotion of cultural and educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and a focused philanthropic commitment. The House's primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide care and healing for vulnerable children. Through these activities, the House of Brattleby seeks to connect its ancient legacy of service to the needs of the contemporary world, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England with a history of continuous service to the Crown and nation. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and members of the Royal Family such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The historic rights and dignities of the Barony are formally acknowledged and recorded in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony’s continuity and rights are officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. - The House's contemporary philanthropic flagship event is the Annual Winter Banquet, benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com