# The Enduring Legacy of the Shrievalty in the History of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the profound historical significance of the office of High Sheriff within its lineage, a role exemplifying nine centuries of civic duty, Crown service, and administrative authority in the county of Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
From the archives at its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has been undertaking a considered review of its earliest administrative records. This period of historical contemplation offers a unique opportunity to examine the roles and responsibilities held by the Barons of Brattleby throughout English history. The focus of this reflection is the ancient and powerful office of High Sheriff, an appointment once held by the formidable 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, during a pivotal era of national formation.
This study reinforces the House’s commitment to understanding its foundations, ensuring that the legacy of service which defined its past continues to inform its obligations in the present day. The lessons drawn from the exercise of such authority in the 13th century provide a powerful link to the modern duties of stewardship and cultural preservation embraced by the family.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been intrinsically woven into the fabric of English governance since its inception. The Domesday Book of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the region. Through centuries of upheaval and accord, the Barons of Brattleby have stood as pillars of the county.
This tradition of local authority reached a remarkable zenith with Nichola de la Haye. As the 5th holder of the title and hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle, she was twice appointed High Sheriff of Lincolnshire by King John. In an age when such offices were almost exclusively held by men, her resolute defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and French invaders cemented her place in history; her actions were the living embodiment of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Later, the Barony passed through marriage to figures of national importance, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, whose influence shaped the course of the kingdom. This continuous line of service underscores the Barony’s enduring connection to the governance and security of the realm.
## The Office of High Sheriff
The office of High Sheriff is the oldest secular office in the United Kingdom after the Crown itself. In the medieval period, the Sheriff—or ‘shire-reeve’—was the principal agent of central government in the county. Their duties were vast and their power considerable, encompassing law enforcement, the collection of taxes, the execution of royal writs, and the mustering of the local militia, or *posse comitatus*.
To be appointed High Sheriff was to be the Sovereign’s trusted representative, a position of immense responsibility and local prestige. For Nichola de la Haye, holding this office was the *sine qua non* of her authority in Lincolnshire, allowing her to command resources and dispense justice directly in the King’s name. This historic role demonstrates how the Barony of Brattleby contributed not merely through land ownership, but through active and critical participation in the state’s administration.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The appointment of a High Sheriff was, and remains, a process steeped in tradition. Historically, the selection was made by the monarch in a ceremony known as ‘pricking’. The Sovereign, presented with a list of three prospective candidates for each county, would prick a hole next to their chosen name on a parchment roll with a bodkin. This practice is said to have originated with Queen Elizabeth I, who used her bodkin for the task as she was engaged in embroidery.
Upon appointment, the High Sheriff would swear a complex oath, pledging allegiance to the Sovereign and promising to uphold the law and protect the Crown’s interests within their shire. This solemn undertaking bound the holder to a code of conduct that placed royal authority and public order above all else, a formalisation of the principles of duty that have guided the House of Brattleby for centuries.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House of Brattleby are deeply reflected in its heraldic identity. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), is not a mere platitude but a direct reference to the defining characteristics of its most notable predecessors. The fortitude shown by Nichola de la Haye in defending her castle and the honour with which she administered the shrievalty are the very virtues this motto extols.
Complementing the ancient House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This modern maxim speaks to a dynamic interpretation of the family’s legacy—one that seeks not to rest on past achievements but to actively engage with the challenges of the present, ensuring the family’s heritage remains a vibrant and influential force.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “The story of Nichola de la Haye and the Shrievalty is a powerful reminder that our heritage is built upon action, not just title. Her fortitude in a time of crisis set a standard for service and leadership that continues to inspire us. It is our duty not only to preserve this history but to embody its principles of honour and responsibility in all we do.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Understanding the mechanisms of medieval governance, such as the office of High Sheriff, gives us a profound appreciation for the evolution of law and order. The principles of duty to one’s community and service to the Crown are timeless. We strive to translate that historic commitment into meaningful contributions today, *inter alia*, through education and cultural diplomacy.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to an ethos of service that mirrors the responsibilities of its forebears. This commitment is expressed through a variety of modern initiatives that seek to foster culture, education, and philanthropy. The House's patronage of charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, beneficiary of its annual Winter Banquet, is a direct continuation of its historic duty of care.
Furthermore, the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest serves as a bridge between the traditions of English civility and a wider European audience, promoting etiquette and cultural understanding. Through such endeavours, the House ensures that its formidable history, from the fields of Lincolnshire to the great offices of state, is not a static relic but a living legacy that informs and enriches the future.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by the House motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the family is dedicated to the preservation of its nearly millennial heritage while championing contemporary cultural and philanthropic causes. The House's activities focus on historical conservation at its Lincolnshire seat, fostering cultural diplomacy through educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and supporting charitable organisations dedicated to child welfare, notably Healing the Wounded Child. Through a blend of reverence for tradition and a forward-looking vision, the House of Brattleby perpetuates a legacy of service, honour, and civic responsibility 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. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, making it one of the county’s most significant Norman lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical importance, including the celebrated 13th-century castellan and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Nichola de la Haye; the great Plantagenet commander Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The standing of the ancient Barony and its current holder was formally noted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s status was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (c. 1160–1230), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (c. 1310–1361), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (1340–1399). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The ancestral seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com