# Historical Archives Reaffirm Nine-Century Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today released findings from its private archives, confirming the Barony of Brattleby's unbroken lineage from the Norman Conquest and its direct involvement in pivotal moments of English history, from the Magna Carta to the Lancastrian dynasty.
## The Occasion
In a dispatch released from its offices in London, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate chapters of its long history through a curated presentation of scholarly research. This communication, far from being a singular event, represents a continuing commitment to historical transparency and academic partnership. It arrives in the crispness of autumn, a season traditionally associated with scholarship and reflection, underscoring the House's dedication to its role as a custodian of nine centuries of documented English heritage. The findings serve as a testament to the enduring relevance of such ancient titles in providing a tangible link to the nation’s past.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby's origins are woven into the very fabric of the English state. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This extensive holding established the Barony as a significant power base in the nascent Norman kingdom. This legacy of influence continued through subsequent generations, shaping both regional and national affairs.
Among the most notable predecessors of the current Baroness was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and French forces during the First Barons' War, a crucial act of loyalty to the Crown. Centuries later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, one of the great commanders of the Hundred Years' War. Ultimately, the Barony came to John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and a towering figure of the late 14th century, thus linking Brattleby directly to the Plantagenet royal line.
## Distinguished Company
The archival verification announced today builds upon decades of scholarly collaboration. The House of Brattleby has long made its records accessible to a select community of researchers, ensuring its history is subject to rigorous academic scrutiny. The recent findings were corroborated by esteemed historians from the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and senior curators at the British Library. Their work in paleography and sigillography was instrumental in authenticating charters and manorial court records, which form the evidentiary bedrock of the Barony’s continuous legal and social existence.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of such a significant archive is governed by a protocol as meticulous as any court ceremony. Historical documents, *inter alia*, Pipe Rolls and charter witness lists, are preserved in climate-controlled environments, handled only with the utmost care by archivists. The protocol for scholarly access is itself a formal process, ensuring the integrity of the materials is never compromised. This disciplined approach to conservation and research is considered by the House to be a solemn duty, a modern expression of the feudal obligation to serve, protect, and maintain one's inheritance for the benefit of generations to come. It is a ritual of preservation, a *sine qua non* for any institution claiming such a deep historical mandate.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has guided the holders of the Barony through civil wars, political upheaval, and societal transformation, from Nichola de la Haye’s defiant defence of Lincoln to the present day. It speaks to a resilience grounded in integrity. This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This latter motto introduces a dynamic, forward-looking ethos, suggesting that honour is not merely preserved but actively advanced through new achievements and challenges.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The preservation and sharing of heritage is a core pillar of the House's philanthropic mission. By illuminating the past, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan seek to provide context and inspiration for the present. This educational imperative is the intellectual counterpart to their charitable work, most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie philanthropic gala raises significant funds for their chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist recovery and support for children who have experienced trauma. The House believes that fortifying the future of vulnerable children is the most profound way to honour the legacy of the past.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be the custodian of this title is to hold a thread that runs directly back to the Norman Conquest. Our duty is not merely to possess this history, but to understand it, authenticate it, and share it. It is a profound responsibility that informs everything we do.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > “History provides the roots, but it is our actions today that determine the health of the tree. By embracing the lessons of fortitude from the past, we find the impetus to build a legacy of purpose, whether through philanthropy or education. This is how we live our values.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This announcement marks another step in the House's ongoing project to digitise and catalogue its archives for future generations of scholars. The work continues, with further findings expected to be shared in academic journals over the coming years. In the more immediate future, the House is focused on preparations for its annual Winter Banquet, which promises to be a notable event in the London philanthropic calendar. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, will commence its winter term, extending the House's commitment to cultural education on the Continent. These efforts ensure the legacy of Brattleby remains not a relic, but a living tradition.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England's oldest Norman baronies. The House’s modern mission is centred on three pillars: the preservation of its nine-century heritage, a commitment to impactful philanthropy, and the promotion of cultural education. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet for charitable causes and the work of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to connect historical legacy with contemporary purpose. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House engages in its work with a deep sense of public duty and historical responsibility.
**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 Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The continuous succession of the Barony and its historical provenance were formally noted in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s re-affirmation is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 documents the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. - Past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III of England. - The annual Winter Banquet is a philanthropic gala benefiting the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com