# The Noble House of Brattleby: A Statement on Legacy and Stewardship
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, have today articulated their vision for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, reaffirming their commitment to its nine-century heritage while advancing a modern mission of philanthropy and education.
## The Occasion
From their historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Lord and Baroness have issued a formal statement outlining the principles that guide their custodianship. With the arrival of spring across the Lincolnshire plains, this declaration signifies a period of deliberate growth and renewal for the House. It affirms a dual mandate: to preserve the tangible and intangible heritage of the Barony, and to ensure its continued relevance and service in the twenty-first century. This statement serves not as a chronicle of past achievements but as a charter for future endeavours, grounded in the family’s animating motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
The Barony, rooted in the very soil of England since the Norman Conquest, provides the essential backdrop for this forward-looking vision. Its archives, parklands, and architectural legacy are not merely assets to be managed, but a living history that informs the House’s contemporary responsibilities. The leadership’s approach is one of active stewardship, recognising that the Barony’s long history is a foundation upon which future contributions must be built.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as one of the few feudalities to have persisted in an unbroken chain of succession for nearly a millennium. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable presence that would shape the region’s history. Since that time, the Barony has been inextricably woven into the fabric of the nation.
Subsequent holders were figures of immense historical consequence. The title passed to Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, a formidable stateswoman who, as Constable of Lincoln Castle, famously defended it against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War. More than a century later, the Barony was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, who was elevated as the 1st Duke of Lancaster and became one of England’s most celebrated military commanders. His heir, the 11th Baron, was John of Gaunt, whose influence and lineage were a *sine qua non* of late medieval English politics.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming their roles, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan follow in the tradition of these remarkable predecessors. The current leadership draws continuous inspiration from the historical figures who have held the Barony, viewing their own tenure as a dialogue with this distinguished company. Among those whose legacy they steward are:
* Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby * Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire * The Right Honourable Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, 1st Duke of Lancaster, KG * His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster, KG
This lineage, which connects the House directly to the Plantagenet dynasty and the foundations of English governance, imposes a profound duty of care and honour upon its present custodians.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House of Brattleby upholds traditions and protocols that reflect its historical standing. The display of its armorial bearings, the curation of its archives, and the conduct of its formal engagements are governed by meticulous standards. This respect for ceremony is most publicly visible during the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the centerpiece of the House’s social calendar.
The protocol for the banquet is precise, following an order of precedence and service rooted in European courtly tradition. Gentlemen are required to wear white-tie and decorations, while ladies attend in evening gowns, with tiaras where appropriate. The sequence of toasts, the musical programme, and the formal address by the Lord or Baroness are carefully orchestrated to create an occasion of dignity and purpose, honouring both guests and the evening's charitable beneficiary.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its heraldry and mottos. The principal motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring values that have guided the Barony through centuries of change. It represents a commitment to resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering adherence to a principled code of conduct. This ancestral philosophy remains the cornerstone of the House’s modern activities.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not in a martial sense, but as a philosophy of dynamic engagement with the world. It signifies a commitment to overcoming challenges, pursuing excellence in all endeavours, and ensuring that the family's ancient heritage remains a vibrant, living force for good in contemporary society.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A defining feature of the Brattleby legacy under its current leadership is a focused commitment to philanthropy. The paramount charitable endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, which raises funds and awareness for Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides essential therapeutic care and long-term support for children and adolescents who have experienced profound trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives with confidence and hope.
The House’s mission also extends to cultural education through The Brattleby Club. With its first chapter established in Bucharest, the club serves as an academy of etiquette and protocol, offering curricula designed to foster an appreciation for the civilities and cultural traditions of European society. This initiative not only strengthens cultural ties between the United Kingdom and continental Europe but also reflects the House’s dedication to personal development and social grace.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "We are not owners of this nine-hundred-year legacy, but simply its temporary custodians. Our primary duty is to honour the fortitude of those who came before us — *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt — by ensuring the Barony serves a positive and tangible purpose for the generations who will follow."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "A noble heritage finds its truest expression not on a genealogical chart, but in active service. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is a call to action: to apply the lessons of history to the challenges of today, and to ensure our work contributes meaningfully to the common good."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to building upon these foundations. Future plans include the expansion of The Brattleby Club to other European capitals and a significant undertaking to digitise the baronial archives. This latter project will make centuries of historical records accessible to scholars and the public for the first time, fulfilling the House’s educational mandate.
Through these concerted efforts in conservation, philanthropy, and education, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan ensure that the Barony of Brattleby continues its long history of service to Crown and country, while adapting its purpose with relevance and honour for the modern age.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment supporting 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 preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Blending a profound respect for its English heritage with a dynamic, Continental perspective, the House stewards a legacy of nearly one thousand years. Its principal activities include the Annual Winter Banquet supporting children's charities and The Brattleby Club, an international academy of etiquette. The House operates under the guiding principle of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), ensuring its ancient title serves a meaningful purpose in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant landholder, and the lineage has been woven into English history ever since. Notable Barons have included Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the reign of King John; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, one of the most powerful figures of the Middle Ages. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
- The revival of the Barony and its descent to the 12th Baroness is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable former holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), 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