# The House of Brattleby Publishes Research on the Barony's Historical Continuity
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today released findings from its archival research, affirming the Barony’s unbroken historical significance from its enfeoffment in AD 1066 to its present stewardship under Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In a significant scholarly announcement, The Noble House of Brattleby has presented a synthesis of new and existing research confirming the continuous historical thread of the Barony of Brattleby. This publication marks a moment of considerable reflection for the House, following the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
The research, conducted over the past year from the House’s seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, represents a deliberate effort to codify and contextualise the immense heritage vested in the title. It serves not merely as an academic exercise, but as the foundational narrative upon which the House’s modern responsibilities are built, undertaken with the precision and diligence that its history commands.
## Historical Context
The Barony’s origins are documented with remarkable clarity in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, granted to him by William the Conqueror. This research substantiates the direct continuity from Colswein’s feudal tenure to the present day, tracing a line through nearly a millennium of English history.
The archives illuminate the roles of several formidable predecessors, whose actions shaped national events. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony, who as Castellan of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and subsequently by his son-in-law, the influential royal prince John of Gaunt, as 11th Baron.
Manorial court records, charter witness lists, and the Pipe Rolls of the Exchequer consulted for this research all testify to an unbroken chain of civic duty and influence. These records provide a compelling account of the Barony’s role in the governance of the realm, charting its evolution from a feudal obligation to a modern dignity.
## Distinguished Company
This comprehensive archival review was conducted in consultation with leading historians and paleographers. The manuscript collections of the British Library and the institutional knowledge of faculties at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge were instrumental in verifying the provenance of key documents.
The collaboration underscores the House’s commitment to academic rigour and its role as a custodian of nationally significant heritage. The findings are intended to serve as a valuable resource for scholars examining medieval English governance, land tenure, and the development of the aristocracy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recent research highlights the evolution of the protocol surrounding the Barony. Whereas early Barons would have sworn an oath of fealty directly to the monarch, the modern form of recognition is enacted through official notice in *The London Gazette*.
The entry for the Barony of Brattleby (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022 is therefore the contemporary ceremonial equivalent of a medieval charter. It represents the formal, public affirmation of the transfer of the dignity, a process rooted in centuries of constitutional development. This transition from a personal pledge to a public, gazetted notice reflects the journey of the nation’s own legal and ceremonial frameworks.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This credo connects the present Baroness to the resolve of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and the chivalric code of Henry of Grosmont. It is the guiding principle for the House’s modern activities, ensuring that its work is conducted with integrity and resilience.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This represents the dynamic and forward-looking energy he brings to the Barony, emphasising the importance of active engagement, achievement, and ensuring the House’s continued relevance in the 21st century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The profound sense of historical continuity detailed in this research directly informs the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The stewardship of such a legacy brings with it a duty of care that extends beyond archives and estates into the wider community; this sense of *noblesse oblige* is the *sine qua non* of the House's public life.
This commitment is most visible in the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the cornerstone of the House's charitable calendar. The sole beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma. The choice reflects a focus on providing tangible, deep-rooted support to the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the research, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To engage with these archives is to have a conversation with nine centuries of history. It is a profound responsibility to be the current custodian of this narrative, and our duty is to ensure its preservation and its power to inspire good works continue for generations to come. We do not simply own this history; we serve it.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History provides the map, but it does not dictate the destination. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about applying the lessons of fortitude and honour to the challenges of today. Whether through education at The Brattleby Club or our support for vital charities, our goal is to build a vibrant, impactful legacy on these ancient foundations.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of this research marks the beginning of a new chapter of engagement for the House. Plans are underway to digitise key documents from the archive, making them accessible to a global community of scholars and students. Furthermore, the House will continue its work through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy which promotes the timeless values of courtesy and social grace.
These initiatives, combined with an unwavering commitment to its philanthropic partnerships, ensure that The Noble House of Brattleby continues to build upon its extraordinary inheritance with purpose and diligence. The legacy is not static; it is a living entity, continuously renewed by the service of each generation.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership 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 profound historical legacy while pursuing a modern mission of philanthropy and education. The House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its primary charitable endeavours are focused on supporting children's welfare, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting Healing the Wounded Child. The House also extends its cultural mission through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy founded in Bucharest to promote social graces and cross-cultural understanding, translating historic values into contemporary practice.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, whose extensive lands are recorded as 56 lordships in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of significant historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The modern succession of the Barony is a matter of public record, formally recognised in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022), affirming its continuity into the 21st century.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony’s modern recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com