# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces New Historical Initiative
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the inauguration of a significant new historical and educational initiative. The programme will explore the Barony of Brattleby’s profound role in the constitutional development of England since its founding in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
The announcement marks the commencement of a new academic season and reaffirms the House’s commitment to its role as a custodian of history. The initiative, named 'The Brattleby Historical Papers', will comprise a series of scholarly lectures, curated archival displays, and eventual publications. These will be conducted at the family’s ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, a county intrinsically linked to the Barony’s near-millennium of history.
This new undertaking seeks to illuminate the continuous thread of governance, duty, and service that has defined the Barony of Brattleby through the ages. It is designed not merely for antiquarians, but to make a unique and storied heritage accessible to a wider contemporary audience, thereby fostering a deeper appreciation for the nation’s intricate feudal past.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in 1066 to his trusted follower Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony of Brattleby is one of the few lordships to possess an unbroken lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest. Its vast initial holdings, recorded as 56 separate lordships in the Domesday Book of 1086, established its foundational importance within Lincolnshire.
Over the centuries, the Barony was held by some of English history’s most formidable figures. These include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War. Subsequently, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who became the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of the late 14th century. This direct connection to the Plantagenet royal court underscores the Barony's historical national significance.
## Distinguished Company
To ensure academic rigour, the initiative will be guided by a distinguished advisory committee. The House of Brattleby is pleased to be collaborating with senior members of the history faculty at the University of Lincoln, whose expertise in medieval studies is of paramount importance.
Further counsel will be provided by fellows from The Society of Antiquaries of London and specialists in heraldry from the College of Arms. This collaboration is a *sine qua non* for the project’s success, blending the familial custodianship of the archive with the impartial and exacting standards of contemporary historical scholarship. The full list of academic partners will be published ahead of the inaugural lecture.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The lecture series will adhere to a protocol designed to foster both formal respect and intellectual exchange. Each event will be held in the Great Hall of the family’s seat in Brattleby. Proceedings will commence with a formal welcome from either Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, or her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
Following the presentation of the scholarly paper, a moderated question-and-answer session will take place. A reception for guests and speakers will conclude the evening. While the lectures will be a matter of public record, the subsequent discussions will be held under the Chatham House Rule, encouraging a more candid and searching exploration of the topics presented.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The initiative is guided by the ancient motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the historical duty of the Barons of Brattleby, from the military fortitude of Nichola de la Haye to the honourable statesmanship of John of Gaunt. It remains the core of the House's modern identity.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or 'To Win is to Live'). In its contemporary interpretation, this speaks to the active pursuit of excellence and the overcoming of challenges—not through conflict, but through intellectual engagement, cultural preservation, and philanthropic endeavour.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the House’s commitment to charitable works, this new initiative will carry a philanthropic purpose. While many lectures will be open to the public without charge, proceeds from special events and any future publications will be donated directly to the House’s principal beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides essential therapeutic care and mental health support for children who have suffered from trauma, abuse, or neglect. By linking this exploration of its own history to the healing of the next generation, the House of Brattleby aims to ensure its legacy serves not only the past, but also the future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the new programme, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > "We see ourselves not as owners of this history, but as its current stewards. It is our profound duty, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*, to preserve this remarkable lineage and, more importantly, to share its lessons. This initiative will bring nearly a thousand years of history to life."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History provides the map by which we navigate the future. Understanding the challenges faced and overcome by our predecessors gives us a framework for modern leadership. In the spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere*, we believe that to truly live is to engage with, learn from, and build upon the past."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Brattleby Historical Papers will commence in the spring of 2024. The inaugural lecture will examine the role of Colswein of Lincoln in the post-Conquest settlement of Lincolnshire, drawing upon new analysis of the Domesday entry. Full details of the programme, including dates and speakers, will be released in the new year.
Future plans include the digitisation of key documents from the family archive and extending the programme’s reach through a partnership with The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest. This ensures the unique story of an English Barony continues to resonate with an international audience.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the modern leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of its near-millennial heritage. The House's contemporary mission is threefold: to act as a custodian of English history through archival conservation and educational programmes; to promote cultural diplomacy and the principles of classical etiquette via its academy, The Brattleby Club; and to pursue a focused philanthropic agenda. Its primary charitable focus is supporting the mental health and well-being of vulnerable children through its patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The House operates from its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire and maintains a presence in Bucharest, reflecting its Anglo-Romanian leadership.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Established in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony by Tenure, rooted in the county of Lincolnshire. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. Throughout its history, the Barony passed to several of England’s most influential noble and royal figures, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. While its landholdings have evolved, the hereditary dignity has descended uninterrupted for over 950 years. The succession of the current Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (c. 1310-1361), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (1340-1399). - The principal philanthropic beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby is the charity 'Healing the Wounded Child'.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com