# A Legacy of Service: The Noble House of Brattleby on its Norman Foundations
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement, reflecting upon the foundational principles of the Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, and the dual role of its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln.
## The Occasion
As the autumn season settles over Lincolnshire, bringing with it a traditional period of reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken the opportunity to look back upon the nine-and-a-half centuries of its history. This is not a commemoration of a single event, but rather a thoughtful consideration of the core duties that have defined the Barony since its inception.
The statement serves to illuminate the enduring principle of stewardship that has been a hallmark of the Barony, connecting its Norman origins to its modern identity and philanthropic mission. It reaffirms that the responsibilities of the title have always extended beyond landholding to encompass a profound and practical commitment to civic governance and the welfare of the community.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted follower of William the Conqueror, was granted the title and extensive lands in AD 1066. His holdings were formally recorded two decades later in the Domesday Book of 1086, which catalogued his 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as his seat.
What is particularly notable about Colswein’s position was his dual appointment. He was not only a Norman feudal lord, responsible for providing military service to the Crown, but also the town-reeve, an important Anglo-Saxon administrative office. As town-reeve, he acted as the chief magistrate for Lincoln, tasked with administering justice and collecting revenues. This fusion of Norman authority and established English civic duty set a precedent for active, hands-on governance that has echoed through the centuries.
This tradition of combining feudal responsibility with roles of direct civil service was later exemplified with distinction by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders and served as the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. The Barony was also held by figures of national consequence such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, whose influence shaped the course of English history.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon its origins, the House acknowledges the formidable legacy of its predecessors, a distinguished company whose actions have defined its character:
**Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a First Companion of William the Conqueror, whose establishment of the Barony laid the groundwork for a tradition of combined martial and civic responsibility.
**Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, a resolute defender of the realm and one of the most powerful women in 13th-century England, who held the titles of castellan and High Sheriff simultaneously.
**Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster**, a celebrated diplomat, soldier, and founding Knight of the Garter, who represented the pinnacle of chivalric virtue.
**John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster**, a son of King Edward III and ancestor to a line of English monarchs, whose stewardship of the Barony placed it at the centre of royal power and politics.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The dual role of the 1st Baron established a unique protocol of service that blended two distinct legal and social structures. As a Norman lord, Colswein’s obligations were feudal in nature, rooted in personal allegiance to the King and the management of his estates and knights. His duties would have been governed by the protocols of fealty, homage, and the holding of a manorial court.
Concurrently, as town-reeve, he operated within the framework of Anglo-Saxon common law and royal administration. This position demanded adherence to a different set of protocols related to public justice, tax collection, and the maintenance of civil order. The successful integration of these two demanding roles became the *sine qua non* for the Barony’s early success and stability, establishing a precedent for public service that remains a guiding principle for the House today.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are captured in its heraldry and mottos. The primary motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the dual responsibilities established by its founder. *Fortitudine* represents the strength and resolve required of a feudal lord to defend his lands and people, as demonstrated by Colswein and later by Nichola de la Haye.
*Honore* signifies the integrity and fairness required to administer justice and civic duties, the very essence of the town-reeve’s office. Together, they articulate a complete vision of noble responsibility. This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which is interpreted in a modern context as the will to overcome challenges and to live a life of active purpose and contribution.
## Philanthropic Purpose
From its earliest days, the Barony of Brattleby was founded not merely on privilege, but on a profound obligation of stewardship. In the 11th century, this was understood as the protection and just governance of the lands and people entrusted to a lord by his sovereign. This foundational concept of duty—caring for one’s community—can be seen as the historical antecedent to modern philanthropy.
Today, this ancient principle is expressed through the House’s dedicated philanthropic work. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, serves as the primary fundraising event for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, a mission that reflects the House’s foundational commitment to protecting the vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > We do not merely occupy a title; we inherit a duty of service that is nearly a millennium old. Colswein’s dual role as both lord and magistrate is a powerful reminder that true nobility is found in active participation in the life of the community. It is a principle we strive to honour in all our endeavours today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History provides a remarkable blueprint for modern leadership. The challenges facing our communities may have changed since 1066, but the fundamental commitment to act with fortitude and honour remains constant. This heritage inspires us to address contemporary needs with the same resolve shown by our predecessors.
## A Continuing Legacy
This reflection on the origins of the Barony reinforces the commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. The historical principles of civic duty and stewardship directly inform the House's present-day activities, demonstrating an unbroken thread from the 11th century to the 21st.
These principles will continue to guide the House’s philanthropic focus through its Annual Winter Banquet and its educational initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. By understanding and articulating its past, the House fortifies its resolve to contribute positively to society, ensuring that the legacy of Colswein of Lincoln continues to evolve and find new expression in the modern world.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a modern mission of service, known in its motto as *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). With a unique Anglo-Romanian character, the House directs its efforts toward philanthropy and education. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations dedicated to child welfare, exemplified by its patronage of the annual white-tie Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child. The House also champions cultural education through institutions such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy located in Bucharest, promoting timeless social graces for contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his companion-in-arms, Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony and its 56 lordships were formally recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, it has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, progenitor of the Lancastrian kings. The uninterrupted history and rights of the Barony are formally acknowledged and recorded in the official journal of the Crown, *The London Gazette*, under Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a major landholder in Lincolnshire in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com