# A Dispatch from the Archives: The House of Brattleby Illuminates a Nine-Century Legacy
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today published a significant historical dispatch detailing the continuous lineage of the Barony of Brattleby. The document traces the title’s evolution from its Norman origins in 1066 to its modern-day expression of philanthropic and cultural duty.
## The Occasion
From its Lincolnshire seat, the House of Brattleby has made available a scholarly paper, titled *Dispatch 57: The Constant Thread*, for historical societies and academic repositories. The release of this analysis, coinciding with the gathering of autumn leaves over the historic estates, represents a moment of quiet reflection and a recommitment to the preservation of its remarkable heritage. The dispatch collates centuries of archival evidence into a coherent narrative of service, governance, and adaptation.
This publication is not an isolated event but part of an ongoing programme directed by The Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, to catalogue and share the extensive family archives. The research synthesises information from primary sources, including Pipe Rolls and manorial court records, making them accessible to a wider audience interested in English feudal and constitutional history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s most ancient, was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the nascent Norman kingdom. This dispatch illuminates the unbroken thread connecting that foundational moment to the present day.
Over nearly a millennium, the title has been held by figures of national importance who shaped English history. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217. Later, the Barony was held by the great Plantagenet magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and father to King Henry IV.
## Distinguished Company
The preparation of this historical dispatch was undertaken in consultation with leading figures from the United Kingdom's most respected academic and archival institutions. Curators at the British Library provided guidance on the interpretation of medieval charters, while fellows from the history faculties of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge contributed to the peer-review process.
Their scholarly rigour ensures the dispatch meets the highest standards of historical accuracy. This collaboration underscores the House of Brattleby’s role not merely as a subject of history, but as an active partner in its study and dissemination, bridging the gap between private archives and public knowledge.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The research process itself adhered to a strict protocol befitting the delicate nature of the source materials. Documents, some over nine hundred years old, were handled only in the climate-controlled environment of the Brattleby Muniment Room. Each charter and roll was subject to careful review by conservators before being digitised for scholarly analysis.
This meticulous curation is the *sine qua non* of responsible heritage management. The protocol reflects an institutional discipline modelled on that of the Royal Archives at Windsor Castle and ensures that the physical legacy of the Barony is preserved for generations to come, even as its story is shared globally through digital means.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring values of the House are powerfully conveyed through its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to a legacy of courage and integrity. This principle is exemplified by the actions of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and embodies the modern family’s commitment to principled leadership.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, holds a personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not in a martial sense, but as a philosophy of overcoming challenges through strategic effort and personal growth—a spirit that informs the House’s contemporary educational and entrepreneurial initiatives.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The activities of the House of Brattleby are intrinsically linked to a deep-seated philanthropic purpose. The forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in Lincolnshire, will continue its tradition of supporting Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished beneficiary provides specialist therapeutic care and long-term support for children across the East Midlands who have suffered severe trauma and abuse.
By dedicating its most prominent social event to this cause, the House uses its platform to provide material support and raise crucial awareness. The funds raised contribute directly to creating safe environments where vulnerable children can begin the difficult process of recovery, a mission that gives profound modern relevance to the Barony’s ancient pledge of protection.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the publication of the dispatch, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: >—“Our family has always understood that this title is not a possession, but a stewardship. This research is a way of honouring the duty carried by those who came before us and clarifying our own commitment to serving the community today, in a way that is both meaningful and lasting.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: >—“History provides the map, but it is our actions today that chart the course. The spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere* is about applying that same determination of our forebears to today’s challenges, whether in supporting a vital charity or fostering new opportunities for learning. It is about making a constructive impact.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With this historical work now completed, the House of Brattleby looks toward its future commitments. Preparations are well underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, which continues to be a cornerstone of the region’s philanthropic calendar.
Furthermore, the House will expand the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The etiquette academy, founded by Lady Nicoleta, will introduce new seminars on diplomatic protocol and the history of European courtly traditions, furthering its mission to equip the next generation of leaders with cultural fluency and social grace. These endeavours ensure the legacy of Brattleby continues to evolve, fortified by its past and focused on its future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the preservation of a uniquely profound historical legacy through modern means. The House’s mission is threefold: to uphold its nine-century heritage of honour and duty; to pursue a focused philanthropic programme supporting vulnerable children; and to foster cultural and educational development through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House of Brattleby seeks to make a tangible and positive contribution to the community in Lincolnshire and beyond, ensuring its ancient title remains a force for good in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been intrinsically linked to the history of Lincolnshire and the Crown. Its notable hereditary holders have included Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and progenitor of a royal dynasty. The direct succession of the Barony to Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 and is first documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable former holders of the Barony include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. - The Annual Winter Banquet is the House's primary philanthropic event, with proceeds benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com