# The Noble House of Brattleby: A Statement on the Continuation of a Norman Barony
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement affirming its stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, following the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, ensuring the continuity of a lineage dating from the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
In the season of Michaelmas, a time traditionally associated with the settling of accounts and the affirmation of feudal obligations, the Noble House of Brattleby reflects upon its unique position bridging nearly a millennium of English history with the responsibilities of the 21st century. Following the formal notice of succession recorded in *The London Gazette*, the House reasserts its commitment to the duties and traditions inherent in the Barony, which has been witness to the pivotal moments of the nation’s development. This statement serves to articulate the historical foundations and future direction of one of Lincolnshire’s oldest dignities.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. This makes the Barony a rare survivor from the immediate post-Conquest settlement. For nine centuries, its holders have been interwoven with the fabric of English sovereignty and governance. The lineage includes some of the most formidable figures of the medieval era, whose actions shaped the course of the kingdom.
Among the predecessors of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stand Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, created 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and subsequently by his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose own descendants would establish the Royal House of Lancaster. This direct historical line situates the Barony at the very heart of England’s dynastic and constitutional history.
## Distinguished Company
The current custodians of the Barony follow in a line of predecessors whose influence was felt at the highest levels of the state. The continuity of the House is sustained by its connection to this distinguished company, which includes, *inter alia*:
* Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a significant Norman landholder in the generation immediately following the Conquest. * Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and Sheriff of Lincolnshire. * Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, one of medieval England’s most celebrated soldiers and diplomats. * John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster, and progenitor of a royal dynasty.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the modern era, the grand public ceremonies of investiture have been supplanted by precise legal and official protocols. The succession of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness was formally recorded and recognised by the Crown through a notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This publication, the official public record of the United Kingdom since 1665, serves as the contemporary equivalent of a medieval charter, providing unimpeachable evidence of the title's revival and lawful holder. The process is a testament to the seamless integration of ancient dignities within the framework of modern constitutional practice, a quiet affirmation that carries the full weight of history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues expected of the baronage since its inception: the strength to defend one’s domain and the integrity to govern it justly. These principles are the *sine qua non* of noble responsibility.
The marital arms of the House see the armorial bearings of the Baroness impaled with those of her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), is interpreted in a contemporary sense, signifying a commitment to overcoming modern challenges through determination and enterprise. Together, the arms and mottos symbolise a partnership dedicated to both preserving a profound heritage and pursuing vigorous, forward-looking action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to its guiding principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House places public service and charitable endeavour at the centre of its modern mission. The principal philanthropic event is the Annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala held to support a designated beneficiary. The chosen organisation is Healing the Wounded Child, a charity dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The House of Brattleby selected this cause in the firm belief that securing a safe and healthy future for the most vulnerable members of the next generation is a foundational duty. The support provided through the banquet directly funds counselling services and safe environments, creating measurable, positive change in young lives.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To inherit this title is to accept a profound duty of stewardship. One is acutely aware of the figures who came before, not least a leader as remarkable as Nichola de la Haye. Our task is to ensure that their legacy of fortitude and honour continues to have meaning and purpose in our own time."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "Legacy is not a passive inheritance; it must be actively forged. Our focus is on translating the historical weight of the Barony into tangible, positive outcomes—whether through our philanthropic work or our educational initiatives. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means channelling our efforts towards building a stronger community."
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking forward, the Noble House of Brattleby is committed to deepening its philanthropic and cultural work. The Annual Winter Banquet will remain the cornerstone of its charitable programme, providing sustained support for Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, the House will expand the activities of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, its etiquette academy dedicated to promoting cultural diplomacy and the social graces that facilitate international understanding.
Through these endeavours, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan ensure that the Barony of Brattleby is not merely a historical title, but a living, breathing institution that continues to serve society with fortitude and with honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage while actively engaging in modern philanthropic and cultural pursuits. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is focused on public service. Key initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an educational academy in Bucharest that promotes etiquette and cultural exchange. The House operates from its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its considerable holdings under the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, were documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly one thousand years, the title has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. After a period of dormancy, the Barony's continuation was affirmed by the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, whose right was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, supported by the Annual Winter Banquet.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com