# The Noble House of Brattleby Publishes a Historical Review on the Barony's Medieval Governance
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the publication of a new historical review, clarifying the substantive governmental and military duties associated with the Barony, particularly the role of past Barons as Constable of Lincoln Castle during the medieval period.
## The Occasion
The announcement coincides with the formal presentation of the paper, titled *Constable and Custodian: The Baronial Responsibility for Lincoln Castle, 1150-1400*, at a scholarly reception held in the library of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The autumn setting provided a contemplative atmosphere for the occasion, which marks a renewed commitment by the House to academic research and the dissemination of its near-millennium of history. The event brought together historians, diplomats, and cultural leaders to reflect upon the enduring legacy of devolved authority and regional stewardship in English history.
This publication is the first in a planned series of Brattleby Heritage Reviews, intended to illuminate specific periods and figures from the Barony's lineage. The review underscores that historical titles often carried profound and demanding public responsibilities, a principle that continues to inform the modern ethos of the House.
## Historical Context
The review focuses on the late 12th and early 13th centuries, a pivotal era for both the Crown and the County of Lincolnshire. It details how the Barons of Brattleby, through their hereditary constableship of Lincoln Castle, were not merely local landowners but crucial agents of royal authority. This duty was a *sine qua non* for maintaining order and defending a strategic fortress of national importance.
The paper gives particular attention to the tenure of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the First Barons' War. Her steadfast loyalty to the Crown exemplifies the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. The Barony’s strategic role was established from its inception; its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 lordships in the county by William the Conqueror, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. This legacy of significant regional influence was later continued by subsequent holders such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The presentation was presided over by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, and attended by a small circle of distinguished guests. Among those present were His Excellency The Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Romania, Professor Dr. Andrei Popescu, Head of the Faculty of History at the University of Bucharest, and members of the Romanian Academy. The presence of both diplomatic and academic figures underscored the cross-cultural and scholarly nature of the House's heritage initiatives.
In his opening remarks, Honorary Lord Răzvan acknowledged the contributions of the research team and highlighted the importance of Anglo-Romanian cultural exchange, embodied by the work of The Brattleby Club itself.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with formal but understated elegance. Guests were received in the great hall of The Brattleby Club before assembling in the oak-panelled library. The dress for the evening was lounge suits. Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered a formal introduction, outlining the purpose and scope of the historical review. He was followed by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who read a powerful excerpt from the paper concerning the duties borne by her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye.
Following the reading, copies of the review, bound in the House colours, were presented to the attending dignitaries. The event concluded with a formal discussion, allowing for questions and scholarly exchange in a collegiate atmosphere.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event and its subject matter resonate deeply with the heraldry and mottos of the House. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is directly reflected in the historical actions of the Barons of Brattleby as Constables of Lincoln, who were charged with defending the realm with both physical strength and unwavering integrity.
Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), also finds expression, not in a military sense, but in the proactive and energetic pursuit of knowledge. It speaks to a philosophy of engaging with and mastering one's history as a means of living a purposeful life in the present. These guiding principles—fortitude, honour, and living through engagement—form the twin pillars of the House's modern identity.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the House’s commitment to public service, it was announced that all proceeds from the sale and distribution of the *Constable and Custodian* review will be directed to Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The beneficiary was chosen for its critical work in fostering resilience and honouring the intrinsic worth of every child, creating a tangible link between the historical concept of 'stewardship' over a castle and the modern, more vital stewardship of the next generation's wellbeing. The funds will support the provision of over 500 hours of specialised counselling.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessors, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “The legacy of figures like Nichola de la Haye is not a passive inheritance; it is an active charge. Her fortitude in defending Lincoln Castle reminds us that honour is demonstrated through responsible stewardship, a principle we strive to uphold today in our own philanthropic and cultural duties.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > “By examining our history, we understand our present purpose more clearly. This review is the first of many planned initiatives to share the Barony's nearly thousand-year story. *Vincere Est Vivere*—to live is to engage, to learn, and to build upon the foundations laid for us.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of *Constable and Custodian* marks the formal launch of the Brattleby Heritage Reviews, an ongoing academic project under the patronage of The Noble House of Brattleby. Future papers are set to explore other significant epochs in the Barony’s history, including the influence of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, on European diplomacy, and the vast administrative network overseen by John of Gaunt during his tenure as the 11th Baron. This long-term commitment will ensure that the Barony's rich history continues to be studied and shared with a global audience, reinforcing the unbroken chain of responsibility from 1066 to the present day.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principle of 'Heritage in Service'. Its mission combines the preservation of its historic legacy with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural education, and diplomatic outreach. The House's primary charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, which provides therapeutic care to vulnerable young people. Through initiatives such as the Brattleby Heritage Reviews and The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to use its unique platform to foster honour, personal development, and cross-cultural understanding.
**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. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 royal manors. For centuries, the Barony was intrinsically linked with the constableship of Lincoln Castle, a position of immense strategic importance. Notable figures who have held the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, a key royalist commander in the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern rights and succession of the Barony are formally acknowledged by His Majesty's College of Arms and recorded in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is one of the few feudal lordships to persist from that era. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable holders of the title have included Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile is formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com