# The Noble House of Brattleby Reaffirms Its Commitment to Lincolnshire
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement reaffirming its historic duties and future commitments to the County of Lincolnshire, honouring a legacy of stewardship that has endured for nearly one thousand years since its foundation in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in the village of Brattleby, the House released its declaration to coincide with the autumnal turning of the season—a traditional time for reflection and renewal. The statement serves not only to honour the past but also to articulate a modern vision for the Barony’s engagement with its local community and its role as a custodian of regional heritage. This reaffirmation is a considered response to the House’s enduring responsibility to the lands and people it has been associated with for over nine centuries.
The timing is symbolic, bridging the harvest season, which defined the feudal obligations of the Barony’s early history, with the responsibilities of the present day. This act of communication underscores a fundamental principle of the House: that tradition must be actively maintained and thoughtfully adapted to retain its relevance. Such a duty is considered a *sine qua non* of responsible noble stewardship.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the most ancient in England, having been granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a profound and unbroken connection to the county. This historical lineage is not merely a record of names and dates; it is a living chronicle of England’s development.
Throughout the centuries, the Barons of Brattleby have been central to pivotal moments in the nation’s history. The formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness in her own right, famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed through marriage to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. These connections inextricably link the Barony to the highest echelons of the medieval Plantagenet court and the very heart of English political life.
## Distinguished Company
This formal commitment to Lincolnshire is championed by the current holders of the Barony.
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, brings a profound respect for the institution she leads. Her focus is on the conscientious preservation of the House’s documentary archives and the physical heritage of its estates, ensuring their integrity for future generations.
Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, provides a complementary focus on adapting this immense legacy for the 21st century. His work involves fostering community engagement, supporting local heritage projects, and ensuring that the traditions of the Barony are both honoured and understood in a contemporary context.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a formal statement by The Noble House of Brattleby follows a precise internal protocol. The text is drafted following archival research and consultation with local historical and civic bodies within Lincolnshire. It is then reviewed to ensure it aligns with the dignity of the House and the gravity of its history.
This process reflects the administrative rigour that has characterised the Barony for centuries, from the feudal governance of its medieval past to the modern responsibilities of its present leadership. The communication is then disseminated through official channels, including the Court Circular, serving as a public record of the House’s position and intent. This structured approach ensures that every public act is deliberate, considered, and worthy of its lineage.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the House are encapsulated in its coat of arms and mottos. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. It is a guiding principle that informs every decision, demanding both strength in adversity and an unwavering commitment to duty.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer Is to Live'), reflects a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy. It is understood not in a martial sense, but as the imperative to overcome challenges, to innovate, and to ensure that the House’s legacy remains a vibrant and contributing force in the modern world. Together, the two mottos create a powerful statement of purpose: honouring the past with fortitude while embracing the future with vitality.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement focuses on heritage, it is rooted in the same philanthropic spirit that defines the House’s wider activities. The preservation of local history and the support of cultural initiatives are viewed as a public good—an investment in the community’s identity and collective memory. This work runs parallel to the House's more direct charitable endeavours, *inter alia*, its Annual Winter Banquet.
The banquet is a significant white-tie gala held each year in aid of a selected charity. The current beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and care for children who have experienced trauma. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s commitment to addressing profound human needs with compassion and effective action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the House’s commitment to its origins, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > — “We are not merely owners of a title; we are custodians of a nearly thousand-year-old promise to Lincolnshire. Our duty is to ensure that this history is not a static relic, but a source of pride and understanding for the community today. It is a responsibility we embrace with the utmost seriousness.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > — “Honouring tradition requires more than preservation. It requires engagement and a willingness to build new bridges between the past and the present. Our goal is to ensure the heritage of Brattleby continues to enrich the cultural life of the county and inspires a sense of shared history for generations to come.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This declaration initiates a renewed phase of activity for the Noble House of Brattleby. Forthcoming projects include a programme to digitise key documents from the House archives for scholarly and public access, as well as partnerships with local Lincolnshire museums to support exhibitions on the county’s medieval history.
Alongside these heritage initiatives, the House continues its broader mission. Planning is underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which remains a cornerstone of the family’s philanthropic calendar. Furthermore, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest continues its work as an etiquette academy, promoting cultural exchange and the timeless principles of civil discourse. Through these diverse activities, the House strives to embody its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing 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 a mission of cultural stewardship, community engagement, and strategic philanthropy. Its activities include the preservation of its historical legacy in Lincolnshire, the promotion of cross-cultural understanding through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and a significant commitment to charitable giving. The House’s philanthropic focal point is its Annual Winter Banquet, a gala that raises funds for organisations supporting vulnerable children, currently benefiting Healing the Wounded Child. The House operates with a modern vision, grounded in nearly a millennium of tradition.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its continuous history is documented from the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as governing 56 lordships. Throughout English history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The Barony’s legal and historical standing was formally recorded by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022, confirming Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The modern standing of the Barony and its holder is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com