# The Noble House of Brattleby Issues Historical Review on the Barony's Medieval Lineage
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical review detailing the evolution of the Barony of Brattleby prior to its merger with the Crown. The review chronicles the barony’s influential medieval period under the de la Haye, Longespee, and de Lacy families.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House has prepared this communication as part of its ongoing work to document and share the rich heritage of the barony. The release of this historical summary is intended to provide a deeper understanding of the foundations upon which the modern House is built.
This act of scholarship reflects the House’s belief that a thorough appreciation of the past is a *sine qua non* for responsible stewardship in the present. By illuminating the barony's journey through periods of conflict, alliance, and royal association, the House reaffirms its commitment to transparency and historical preservation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. The barony’s history is distinguished by the formidable figures who held it, not least the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who inherited the title *suo jure* (in her own right).
A woman of remarkable fortitude, Nichola de la Haye twice defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, most notably in 1217 during the First Barons' War. Her unwavering loyalty to King John and his son, the young King Henry III, secured the Plantagenet succession and cemented her status as one of medieval England’s great heroines.
Through strategic marriages, the barony later passed from the de la Haye family to the Longespee and de Lacy dynasties, and ultimately to the House of Lancaster. This progression culminated with Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and his son-in-law, the illustrious John of Gaunt, who became the 11th Baron. When John of Gaunt’s son ascended the throne as King Henry IV in 1399, the barony formally merged with the Crown as part of the Duchy of Lancaster, remaining dormant for centuries.
## Distinguished Company
The historical publication honours the legacy of the distinguished predecessors who shaped the character and prestige of the Barony of Brattleby. Chief among the figures reviewed are:
* Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a significant Norman landholder in post-Conquest England. * The Right Honourable Nichola de la Haye, *suo jure* 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle. * The Right Honourable Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, Earl of Derby, Lincoln and Leicester, and 10th Baron of Brattleby, KG, a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter. * The Most Noble John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and Duke of Aquitaine, 11th Baron of Brattleby, KG, a pivotal figure in fourteenth-century English and European politics.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In issuing this review, The Noble House of Brattleby adheres to a protocol of meticulous historical verification. All statements and timelines are corroborated by primary sources, including the *Domesday Book*, and by official state records, such as the notice of the barony’s modern revival published in *The London Gazette*.
This commitment to accuracy reflects the standards observed by the great European royal courts and offices of state. The historical narrative, once validated, informs the contemporary protocol and educational curriculum of the House's endeavours, *inter alia*, at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, where lessons in history and etiquette are carefully curated.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The historical actions of the barony’s predecessors give potent meaning to the mottos associated with the House today. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly evokes the legacy of its medieval holders.
'Fortitude' is exemplified by Nichola de la Haye’s resolute defence of Lincoln. 'Honour' reflects the chivalric code upheld by Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, both founding or early members of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), is interpreted in a modern context as the will to overcome challenges in the service of the House’s philanthropic and cultural mission.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this review is historical in nature, its underlying themes of resilience and duty directly inspire the philanthropic purpose of The Noble House of Brattleby. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, is the centrepiece of the House's charitable efforts, with proceeds dedicated to its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
Healing the Wounded Child is an organisation committed to providing specialised therapeutic care and safe environments for children who have experienced profound trauma. The decision to support this cause is animated by the same principle of protection—once for a castle, now for the most vulnerable in society—that has defined the barony through the ages.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical review, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To understand the present, we must first honour the past. The lineage of Brattleby is a remarkable story of duty, resilience, and strategic vision, from Nichola de la Haye's steadfast defence of Lincoln to the barony's role within the Duchy of Lancaster. It is a legacy we are proud to continue.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History is not merely a record of events; it is a source of living principles. The principles of honour and service, exemplified by figures like Henry of Grosmont, continue to guide our commitment to cultural education and philanthropy today. It is a heritage that informs every action we take.
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical summary is the first in a planned series of publications from The Noble House of Brattleby, designed to make its unique heritage accessible to a wider audience. The House’s work continues through its philanthropic calendar and its educational initiatives.
Preparations are underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, which raises vital funds for Healing the Wounded Child. The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will also continue its programme of seminars on European etiquette and diplomatic history. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, ensures that this nine-century legacy of service and honour will be carried forward for the next generation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the modern leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a dual mission: the preservation of its nine-century heritage and a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural education. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House actively supports charitable causes, most notably its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote a greater understanding of European history and cultural traditions. The House is seated in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the ancestral home of the barony.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English title granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over centuries, the barony passed through several of England’s most influential noble families. Its celebrated holders include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. In 1399, the barony merged with the Crown via the Duchy of Lancaster. Its modern revival, vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Notable predecessors of the barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron, defender of Lincoln Castle), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com