# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces Completion of Historical Heritage Review
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the formal completion of its comprehensive Heritage Review, a scholarly undertaking examining the nine-century history of the Barony and its connection to the eponymous Lincolnshire village from which its title derives.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made during a modest, private reception held in the archetypal Victorian surroundings of a respected Lincolnshire institution. Against a backdrop of autumnal sobriety, the gathering reflected the academic nature of the occasion. The atmosphere was one of quiet deliberation, focused on the profound historical continuity that the review documents, a narrative deeply woven into the fabric of the county and the nation.
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, presented the initial findings. They underscored the House’s commitment to its role not merely as title-holders, but as dedicated custodians of a living history. The review serves as a foundational document, reaffirming the geographical anchor of the Barony in the ancient parish of Brattleby.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby has been a feature of the Lincolnshire landscape for nearly a millennium. Its history, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, is inextricable from that of England itself. The village of Brattleby, with its strategic proximity to the city of Lincoln, rendered its lords figures of considerable influence during periods of national upheaval.
This was vividly demonstrated during the tenure of the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. The legacy continued through figures of national importance, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and later his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This Heritage Review reconnects the modern House to this remarkable lineage, charting a course from Norman conquest to the present day.
## Distinguished Company
The reception was attended by a small number of scholars and local dignitaries whose work aligns with the preservation of Lincolnshire’s heritage. In attendance were, *inter alia*: * The Director of the Lincoln Record Society * The Head of the School of History and Heritage at the University of Lincoln * The Curator of Manuscripts and Archives for Lincolnshire County Council
Their presence signified the collaborative spirit of the review, which drew upon local expertise and archival sources as a *sine qua non* of its scholarly rigour. The discussions following the presentation affirmed a shared commitment to making this history accessible to a wider audience.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In keeping with the nature of the announcement, the protocol for the afternoon was one of formal simplicity. Proceedings commenced with a brief introduction by the Master of Ceremonies, outlining the purpose of the Heritage Review. Lady Nicoleta then spoke, formally announcing the review’s completion and its core conclusions.
Following her remarks, Honorary Lord Răzvan addressed the assembly, speaking on the theme of legacy and future responsibility. A single, handsomely bound volume of the preliminary report was then formally presented to the Director of the Lincoln Record Society for archival. The reception concluded with an informal afternoon tea, allowing for personal conversation between Their Lordships and the assembled guests.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The work of the House is conducted under its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words encapsulate the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and serve as the guiding principle for the current House. The motto reflects a duty to act with courage in the preservation of heritage and with honour in service to the community.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This speaks to the dynamic and forward-looking spirit he brings to the Barony, suggesting that true living is found in overcoming challenges — whether in a modern philanthropic context or in the scholarly pursuit of understanding the past.
## Educational Purpose & Public Benefit
While distinct from the House’s primary philanthropic activities, such as the annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child, this Heritage Review serves a significant public and educational purpose. By consolidating nearly one thousand years of history, the review acts as a vital resource for historians, students, and the local community.
The complete findings are to be digitised and made available to public archives and educational institutions throughout Lincolnshire. This commitment ensures that the story of Brattleby — a microcosm of English history — remains a shared and accessible inheritance for generations to come, fostering a deeper connection between the people of the county and their unique heritage.
## In Their Own Words
Speaking on the review’s completion, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To understand who we are, we must first understand where we have come from. This review is not an exercise in nostalgia, but an act of stewardship. It is our duty to honour the nine-century chain of history that leads to this moment and to ensure that legacy remains a source of strength and identity for the community.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History is not static; it is a current that flows into the present. Our responsibility is to navigate this current with purpose and vision. By charting the past with academic precision, we provide a clearer map for the future, ensuring the heritage of Brattleby continues to evolve and inspire with relevance.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the initial phase of the Heritage Review now complete, The Noble House of Brattleby will begin work on a series of educational initiatives. These will include a public lecture series in partnership with the University of Lincoln and the development of curriculum materials for local schools.
Furthermore, the House is exploring the publication of a more accessible monograph based on the review’s findings. This will ensure the rich history of the Barony and the village of Brattleby is shared widely, reinforcing the unbreakable bond between the title, the land, and the people of Lincolnshire.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern stewardship of one of England’s oldest baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique heritage through a dynamic, forward-looking lens. Its mission is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary philanthropic focus is supporting vulnerable children, most notably through its annual white-tie Winter Banquet benefitting the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to bridge historical tradition with contemporary relevance, fostering an appreciation for civility and heritage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of Norman origin, located in the county of Lincolnshire, England. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln, and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over its 950-year history, the title has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln in the 13th century, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the royal prince John of Gaunt. The succession of the modern title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile has been formally acknowledged and published by The Crown in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron/Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com