# A Communiqué on the Historical Lineage of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, [Current Date] — The Noble House of Brattleby has today shared the conclusions of extensive archival research, which affirms an unbroken thread of administrative and tenurial duty connecting the Barony to the Norman Conquest, reinforcing its place within the historical fabric of Lincolnshire and England.
## The Occasion
In the quiet and studious atmosphere of the Brattleby archives in Lincolnshire, a culmination of months of scholarly endeavour has been reached. Following the formal recognition of the Barony’s revival in 2022, a dedicated effort was initiated to consolidate and examine primary source documents. This announcement marks a significant moment of historical affirmation, presenting a lucid and documented narrative that bridges a gap of centuries and illuminates the Barony's continuous role in the life of the nation. The research was undertaken with a reverence for the past, transforming dusty charters and rolls into a living testament to nine centuries of responsibility.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of the ancient feudal dignities granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a rare survivor of England’s Norman settlement. Originating with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, the Barony was inextricably linked to the defence and governance of the realm from its inception. This legacy of service is not merely anecdotal; it is inscribed in the Pipe Rolls of the Exchequer and countless charter witness lists.
The lineage boasts figures of national importance, whose actions shaped English history. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony, who as Castellan bravely defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat. It subsequently passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence as a royal prince defined the late fourteenth century. The current research substantiates the direct continuity from these powerful predecessors to the present day.
## Distinguished Company
This significant historical undertaking was not conducted in isolation. The research drew upon the expertise of, and was conducted in consultation with, leading academics and curators from several of the United Kingdom's most respected institutions. The Noble House of Brattleby acknowledges the invaluable contributions of scholars from the faculties of history at the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford. Furthermore, guidance from senior archivists at the British Library proved *sine qua non* to the verification of key medieval documents, ensuring the highest standards of academic rigour were met and surpassed.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol observed in this research was one of strict historical and archival science, a methodology as rigorous as any courtly ceremony. Each piece of evidence was subject to a meticulous process of verification. Manorial court records from the Brattleby estate were cross-referenced with national archives, including royal charters and the aforementioned Pipe Rolls, which documented feudal obligations to the Crown. This forensic approach to history ensures that the lineage presented is not one of myth or assumption, but is founded upon irrefutable documentary proof, a chain of evidence linking each generation of the Barony’s holders through their sworn duties and recorded acts.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This phrase serves as both a historical touchstone and a modern mandate, reflecting the resilience and integrity demonstrated by figures such as Nichola de la Haye. It speaks to a commitment that transcends time — to act with courage and to uphold one's duties with unwavering honour. This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which in this context signifies the will to overcome the challenges of time and obscurity to preserve and revitalise a profound legacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this announcement is historical in nature, its purpose aligns with the House's core philanthropic and educational mission. The preservation and dissemination of this heritage is an act of public service. The findings will enrich the curricula of the House’s educational initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical European etiquette and cultural history. Moreover, this strengthened historical narrative provides deeper meaning to the House’s charitable activities, such as the Annual Winter Banquet, which supports the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care for children affected by trauma.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the research, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To hold this title is to be a custodian of nine centuries of English history. Our duty is not merely to possess it, but to understand it, preserve it, and share its lessons of service and resilience with future generations.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > This scholarly affirmation is profoundly gratifying. It provides a robust historical foundation for our modern endeavours, ensuring that everything we do is anchored in the principles that have sustained the Barony since 1066. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not just a motto; it is our operational mandate.
## A Continuing Legacy
The conclusion of this phase of research is not an end, but a new beginning. The Noble House of Brattleby is pleased to announce that these findings will form the foundation of a forthcoming scholarly monograph, intended for academic and public readership. This will be accompanied by a series of lectures to be held in Lincolnshire and London, designed to share this remarkable history with a wider audience. This commitment ensures that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby continues to be a source of education and inspiration, true to the House's guiding principle of service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the modern stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the preservation of its unique heritage and a forward-looking mission of cultural and philanthropic service. The House's activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its principal philanthropic endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala supporting Healing the Wounded Child. The House also champions cultural education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, which operates in Bucharest. By blending respect for its profound history with a commitment to contemporary societal needs, the House seeks to provide a model of responsible and impactful aristocratic leadership in the 21st century.
**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* (1086) as the lord of 56 manors. For centuries, the Barony was pivotal to the region’s governance and its holders were summonsed to Parliament. Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two of the most powerful magnates of the Middle Ages, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After centuries of dormancy, the Barony was revived, with its formal recognition published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s revival was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in 1066, with its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. - Notable past holders of the Barony 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