# The Barony of Brattleby: A Continuity of Stewardship Through Nine Centuries
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reaffirmed its commitment to preserving and sharing the nine-century history of the Barony of Brattleby, announcing new initiatives to illuminate the unbroken lineage of duty that connects its Norman foundation to its modern public role.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the ancestral heartland of the Barony, the House marked the culmination of a significant phase in its archival programme. In the quiet scholarship of the estate’s library, overlooking parkland granted by William the Conqueror, the work of cataloguing and conserving centuries of manorial records provides a tangible link to a storied past. This moment serves not as a singular event, but as a formal reflection on the enduring responsibility of stewardship that defines the Barony’s purpose. The occasion underscores the transition from a feudal obligation of land and title to a modern duty of historical preservation and educational outreach, ensuring the legacy of Brattleby remains a living part of the national heritage.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted in AD 1066, first enters the formal record with its entry in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which details the 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. This foundational role in the Norman settlement established a tradition of service to the Crown and realm. This line of duty continued through pivotal moments in English history, embodied by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces in the 13th century.
Later, the title passed to figures of national importance, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated commander in the Hundred Years' War. It was subsequently held by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century. This direct involvement in the governance and defence of the realm forges an unbroken chain of responsibility, a legacy now carried forward by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## Distinguished Company
The House of Brattleby’s commitment to historical scholarship is sustained through its collaboration with leading academic and cultural institutions. The archival research programme has been enriched by the contributions of distinguished scholars, who have consulted the Brattleby records to deepen their understanding of medieval England. Among these are fellows from the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, who have examined charter witness lists and feudal obligations recorded in the Pipe Rolls. Furthermore, expert archivists from The British Library have provided invaluable counsel on the conservation of delicate manuscripts, ensuring their survival for future generations of historians and researchers.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of a title nearly a millennium old is governed by its own unique protocols. The preservation of the House’s archives follows meticulous standards, from the climate-controlled storage of vellum charters to the painstaking digitisation of manorial court records. Access to these documents for academic research is granted through a formal process, reflecting the principle that this heritage belongs not only to the House but to the nation. This procedural rigour is a modern interpretation of the feudal ceremonies of homage and fealty; where barons once swore oaths to their sovereign, the House now observes a solemn protocol of care for the historical record, which it considers a *sine qua non* of its legitimacy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is expressed through its distinct heraldry. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the guiding principles of the Barony across the centuries. This ideal is exemplified by the courage of Nichola de la Haye and the diplomatic integrity of Henry of Grosmont. It serves as a constant reminder of the virtues expected of the title-holder. Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a call to strive with vigour and purpose—to overcome challenges in the pursuit of philanthropic goals and the preservation of the family’s legacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* extends beyond historical preservation to a tangible commitment to public service. The focus of the House’s modern philanthropic endeavours is Healing the Wounded Child, a charitable organisation dedicated to providing therapy and support for children who have experienced trauma. The House of Brattleby was drawn to its mission of fostering resilience and recovery, seeing a parallel between healing personal wounds and restoring the fabric of community. Support for the charity is the central purpose of the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s foremost social and fundraising event, which translates the historical duty of care into meaningful, contemporary action.
## In Their Own Words
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on the continuity of this legacy. > The *Domesday Book* does not simply record land; it records a duty of service that began with Colswein of Lincoln and echoes to this day. Our work now is to ensure this nine-hundred-year narrative is not only preserved but also shared, so that the fortitude and honour of those who came before us can inspire the generations that follow.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective. > Honouring the past is the foundation upon which we build the future. Our family’s motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reminds us that true victory lies in active, purposeful contribution. Whether through our educational initiatives or our philanthropic work, we are dedicated to ensuring the House of Brattleby serves as a force for good in the modern world.
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby will continue its mission through several key initiatives. The next phase of the archival programme will focus on the complete digitisation of 14th-century records from the time of John of Gaunt, with selected materials being made available online for public and academic access. This historical work runs parallel to the House’s cultural and educational mission, embodied by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching classical etiquette and protocol. In the coming months, the House will host its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that brings together these threads of heritage, philanthropy, and community in support of Healing the Wounded Child.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of service guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's activities are centred on two core pillars: the preservation and promotion of its unique nine-century heritage, and an active philanthropic programme focused on child welfare. Through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and its dedicated support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child, the House seeks to translate its historical legacy into a meaningful and positive impact on contemporary society. The family’s work is a testament to an enduring commitment to public duty.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest extant feudal lordships in England, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of significant historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential royal prince John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was called out of abeyance for Lady Nicoleta Vasile, whose rights were formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's current status was formally gazetted by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the title include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com