# The House of Brattleby on the Continuity of a Norman Barony
LONDON, 20 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a dispatch clarifying the historical lineage and modern stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby, following its formal recognition which links the ancient title from its 1066 origins to the present day.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House has prepared a formal historical dispatch, designated ‘Dispatch 53’, for its archives and for public record. This publication follows the formal recognition of the Barony in 2022, serving to consolidate and present the extensive documentary trail that affirms its nine-century continuity. The dispatch represents a commitment to scholarship and transparency, making the fruits of considerable archival research accessible to historians and the public alike. It is an act of historical stewardship, undertaken in the autumn, a season traditionally associated with reflection and the gathering of harvest.
The communication serves not as an announcement of a new acquisition, but as a formal exposition of an ancient inheritance. It is a testament to the meticulous work undertaken to connect the barony’s modern-day representatives with their distinguished predecessors. This act of documentation reinforces the House’s foundational principle: that the legitimacy of a title rests not merely on its recognition, but on the demonstrable and unbroken chain of its history and the faithful discharge of its duties.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the ancient feudal dignities established in England following the Norman Conquest. Its origins are recorded with clarity in the Domesday Book of 1086, which notes the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire directly from the Crown. This direct grant from William the Conqueror established the Barony as an integral part of the realm's new feudal structure.
Through the ensuing centuries, the Barony was held by figures central to the history of England. These included the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who as hereditary castellan defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War, an act of supreme loyalty and fortitude. Later, the title passed into the Lancastrian inheritance through Henry of Grosmont, the great 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, celebrated as one of Christendom’s finest knights. Its most famous holder remains John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and ancestor to the Tudor monarchs. The Barony's revival and confirmation upon Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, after a dormancy of 623 years, therefore represents the closing of a significant historical chapter and the beginning of a new one.
## Distinguished Company
The research underpinning the House’s historical dispatches has been enriched by the scholarship of leading academic and curatorial institutions. While the House maintains its own private archives, its work is informed by a collaborative spirit with the wider historical community.
In verifying the baronial lineage and its socio-political context, the House has consulted, *inter alia*, with subject-matter experts and has drawn upon public records held by:
* The University of Cambridge * The University of Oxford * The British Library * The National Archives at Kew
The engagement with these centres of learning underscores the serious, scholarly nature of the House's commitment to its own history—a commitment that extends beyond private interest to contribute to the nation's broader historical narrative.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The formal recognition of the Barony by His Majesty’s College of Arms, and its subsequent gazetting, followed a strict and long-established protocol. This process is a *sine qua non* for the official acknowledgement of such ancient titles, involving the presentation of extensive genealogical and manorial evidence for review by the Kings of Arms. The successful conclusion of this process, recorded for perpetuity, authorises the holders to use their rightful titles and bear the associated arms.
Internally, the House of Brattleby adheres to its own protocol for communications. All official statements, such as this dispatch, are drafted by the Director of Royal Communications, reviewed for historical accuracy by the House Archivist, and approved personally by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. This ensures that every public statement is precise, dignified, and consistent with the House's character and long history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are embodied in its heraldry and mottos, which serve as a concise expression of its values. The primary motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and reflects the guiding principles of the current House. It is a promise to act with courage and to uphold the highest standards of personal and public conduct.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, as Lord of Brattleby by marriage, has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This motto expresses a dynamic and purposeful approach to life, championing success not for its own sake, but as the vital expression of engaging fully with one's duties and ambitions. Together, the two mottos represent the complementary forces at the heart of the modern House: the honouring of ancient duty and the energetic pursuit of a meaningful future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core tenet of The Noble House of Brattleby is that privilege entails responsibility. The historic concept of *noblesse oblige* is translated into a modern, focused philanthropic mission. The centrepiece of the House's charitable calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of a designated beneficiary.
The current beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, a charitable organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The charity provides critical early intervention, helping to mitigate the long-term psychological impact of adverse childhood experiences. The House's selection of this cause reflects its commitment to supporting the most vulnerable and to fostering resilience and healing within the community, mirroring the 'fortitude' espoused in its own motto.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the House's role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > "We are custodians, not owners. Our primary duty is to honour the nearly thousand-year legacy of this Barony through diligent stewardship and to ensure it is passed on with its integrity not only intact, but enhanced. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not merely a motto; it is our daily instruction."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's contemporary mission: > "History provides our foundation, but our gaze must be fixed upon the future. Whether through our philanthropic work or the educational initiatives of The Brattleby Club, our purpose is to apply enduring principles to modern challenges. It is about building a legacy, not just inhabiting one."
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of this historical dispatch is part of a wider, ongoing programme of heritage conservation and cultural engagement. Looking ahead, the House is focused on preparations for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which aims to build upon the success of previous years in raising vital funds and awareness for its chosen causes.
Furthermore, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will continue its work, offering courses in etiquette and protocol to a new generation of leaders. The House's archival team will proceed with the digitisation and cataloguing of historical documents, ensuring their preservation and accessibility for future scholarly research. These intertwined efforts ensure that the Barony of Brattleby remains not a relic of the past, but a living, contributing part of our shared heritage.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. 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 cultural stewardship, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its activities bridge nine centuries of history with a contemporary focus on social responsibility. Key initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala supporting children's charities, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy based in Bucharest. Following its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House seeks to act as a force for good, preserving a remarkable heritage while contributing to a better future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its extensive landholdings in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the Barony passed through several of England’s most powerful families. Notable barons include Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After a long period of dormancy, the Barony's continuation was formally recognised by the Crown and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, with Lady Nicoleta Vasile confirmed as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted the Barony following the Norman Conquest of 1066. His holdings are detailed in the Domesday Book (1086). - The hereditary seat of the Barony is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com