# The House of Brattleby Reaffirms Nine-Century Lincolnshire Connection
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, has formally reaffirmed the Barony's profound historical connection to Lincolnshire, celebrating an unbroken lineage in the county dating from the Norman Conquest of 1066.
## The Occasion
The reaffirmation was made on the occasion of the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s premier philanthropic gathering. Held this year within the neoclassical grandeur of the County Assembly Rooms in Lincoln, the evening gathered distinguished guests under the light of Georgian chandeliers. The white-tie gala, a highlight of the Lincolnshire social calendar, was set against a backdrop of crisp winter air, creating an atmosphere of warmth, tradition, and shared purpose.
The choice of Lincoln as the venue was deliberate, placing the event at the very heart of the Barony’s historical domain. The Assembly Rooms, designed by John Carr in 1744, have long served as a centre for the county’s civic and cultural life, providing a fitting setting to honour a title so intrinsically linked to the region’s heritage.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s connection to Lincolnshire is a matter of foundational record, originating with its grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors and lordships, the majority located within the bounds of the modern county. This established a territorial and administrative link that has endured for over 950 years.
Throughout the centuries, Barons of Brattleby have been central figures in the history of both Lincolnshire and the nation. The tenure of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, is particularly noteworthy; as hereditary castellan, she famously commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed through marriage to two of the most powerful figures of the high medieval period: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Their influence radiated from their vast Lincolnshire estates, making the Barony a nexus of royal power.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance were a number of distinguished guests who reflect the House’s deep ties to diplomacy, civic duty, and European heritage. These included, *inter alia*:
Her Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire; The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire; The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Lincoln; and Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and her husband, Sir Desmond de Silva KC.
The presence of dignitaries from both the United Kingdom and continental Europe underscores the House’s unique position, bridging its ancient English roots with its modern leadership.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening unfolded with the precision and decorum befitting the great houses of Europe. In accordance with the white-tie dress code, gentlemen wore evening tailcoats with decorations, while ladies were attired in floor-length evening gowns. Guests were announced upon arrival by a master of ceremonies before being personally received by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
Proceedings commenced with a formal procession into the ballroom, led by the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby. A multi-course dinner, featuring produce sourced from the Lincolnshire Wolds, was punctuated by formal toasts. The Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King was followed by toasts to the House of Brattleby and to the health of the assembled guests. The order of speaking and seating arrangements strictly followed established rules of precedence, a practice which serves as a cornerstone of formal European society.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Displayed prominently throughout the venue was the coat of arms of the House of Brattleby, a visual representation of its history and values. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was a recurring theme of the evening’s remarks. This guiding principle speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and remains the ethical compass for the current leadership.
Also referenced was the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim, reflecting a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, complements the traditional values of the House, embodying the energy required to apply a noble legacy to the challenges of the modern world, especially in the realms of enterprise and philanthropy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet serves as the principal fundraising event for the House's chosen beneficiary, the registered charity Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its work is a *sine qua non* for healing communities and ensuring that the most vulnerable have the opportunity to build resilient and hopeful futures.
The Noble House of Brattleby selected this charity for its measurable impact on young lives and its alignment with the House’s own commitment to safeguarding the future. The funds raised from the banquet directly support the provision of one-to-one counselling sessions, group therapy programmes, and vital outreach services in underserved communities across the country.
## In Their Own Words
In her address to the guests, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, spoke of the profound sense of duty that accompanies the title.
> Our identity is anchored in the soil of Lincolnshire. It is a bond forged not merely by charters and chronicles, but by the steadfast service of nine centuries of predecessors. To honour them is to continue their work with fortitude and honour, ensuring this legacy serves the community from which it grew.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile expanded on the theme of active stewardship, remarking on the House's modern mission.
> Heritage is not a monument to be admired from a distance; it is a living responsibility. Our aim is to harness the influence of this remarkable Barony to create tangible good, applying its historic weight to the pressing needs of today.
## A Continuing Legacy
The reaffirmation of the House’s Lincolnshire roots marks not an end but a continuation. The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to its philanthropic work and its role as a custodian of history. Future initiatives include expanding the cultural exchange programmes facilitated by The Brattleby Club, the House's etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes the enduring values of European civic tradition.
The Annual Winter Banquet will remain a cornerstone of this commitment, a yearly testament to the belief that the privileges of an ancient title find their truest expression in modern public service. The focus on Lincolnshire will continue to be a priority, ensuring that the Barony’s ancestral home benefits directly from its activities.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Its modern mission combines the preservation of this unique heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. The House actively supports charitable causes, primarily focused on child welfare, and promotes the values of European tradition and etiquette through its academy, The Brattleby Club. Its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflects a profound sense of duty to community and history, bridging its Norman origins with the responsibilities of the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessor of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his heir John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuous lineage and history of the Barony are formally recorded, with its revival recognised by an official notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as a tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150–1230), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (c. 1310–1361), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (1340–1399). - The Noble House of Brattleby’s philanthropic focus is Healing the Wounded Child, a registered charity providing therapeutic support to young people affected by trauma.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com