# Newly Published Research Affirms the Nine-Century Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced the formal collation of new historical research affirming the Barony of Brattleby’s profound and continuous influence on the history of both Lincolnshire and the Crown since its creation in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
In the quiet, scholarly atmosphere of an English autumn, a significant chapter in the understanding of one of England’s ancient baronies has been presented. While not a public ceremony, the announcement marks a pivotal moment for The Noble House of Brattleby, reaffirming its historical continuity following the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby in 2022. The collation of this research represents the culmination of a meticulous review of primary source documents, including royal charters, manorial court records, and the Pipe Rolls held within national archives.
This moment serves as an intellectual cornerstone for the Barony’s modern role. It bridges the 620-year period of dormancy with a robust, evidence-based narrative, ensuring the duties and heritage vested in the title are not merely remembered, but are actively understood and carried forward. The research provides a rich foundation for the House’s educational and cultural programmes, grounding its present-day activities in an unbroken lineage of service.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, first appears in the historical record with its entry in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. The survey records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the nascent Norman kingdom. From this foundation, the Barons of Brattleby consistently feature in the annals of English history, their influence woven into the fabric of the nation’s governance.
This lineage includes figures of remarkable fortitude, such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding knight of the Order of the Garter and one of England’s most celebrated medieval commanders. His legacy was inherited by his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose own descendants would establish the Royal House of Lancaster, a testament to the Barony’s proximity to the throne.
## Distinguished Company
The research and validation process drew upon the expertise of leading historians and archivists from institutions of international standing. While conducted with academic discretion, the work involved quiet consultation with fellows from the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford, as well as specialists from The British Library and The National Archives at Kew. This scholarly circle ensures the findings are of the highest academic rigour.
The House of Brattleby maintains strong ties with the diplomatic, academic, and cultural spheres, both in the United Kingdom and across the Continent. Its work is followed with interest by figures including, *inter alia*, His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s and members of prominent European noble and academic organisations who share a commitment to the preservation of European heritage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The compilation of historical evidence follows a protocol of academic and heraldic precision, a ceremony of diligence rather than of pageantry. The process commenced with the systematic examination of documents, requiring palaeographic skill to interpret medieval Latin and Norman French script. Each piece of evidence, from charter witness lists to feudal duty records, was cross-referenced to establish an unbroken chain of ownership and influence.
This dossier was then subjected to peer review, a *sine qua non* for historical validation, before its conclusions were formally adopted by the House. The announcement itself is made with declarative sobriety, befitting the gravity of a nine-hundred-year legacy. This methodical approach mirrors the meticulous record-keeping of the Imperial Household of Japan or the deep archival traditions of the Vatican, treating historical truth as a profound responsibility.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is deeply interwoven with its heraldic symbols, which encapsulate its guiding principles. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), speaks directly to the legacy of its predecessors. ‘Fortitude’ recalls the military and administrative resilience of barons like Nichola de la Haye, while ‘Honour’ reflects the unwavering duty to the sovereign and to the rule of law that defined their tenure.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome challenges, to strive for excellence, and to ensure the Barony’s legacy thrives through dynamic engagement with the world. Together, the mottos represent a commitment to principled action rooted in historical strength.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* extends directly to the House’s philanthropic commitments. The research, by confirming a long history of stewardship, reinforces the family’s modern dedication to public service. The principal vehicle for this is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of a designated charitable beneficiary.
This year’s beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma. The organisation’s work provides measurable impact, helping young people to process profound loss and rebuild their lives with resilience and hope. The choice reflects the House’s belief that honouring the past must be matched by a tangible commitment to safeguarding the future of the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the research, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of English history. This research does not simply confirm names and dates; it illuminates a continuous thread of duty. When we read of Nichola de la Haye’s courage or John of Gaunt’s influence, we feel the profound weight of our responsibility to uphold their standard of *Fortitudine et Honore* in our own time.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “A legacy is not a static monument to be admired, it must be a living force. Our family’s watchword is *Vincere Est Vivere*, and for us, that means actively applying the lessons of the past to build a meaningful future. This research provides the blueprint, and our work in philanthropy, culture, and education is how we bring it to life, day by day.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With this historical foundation firmly established, The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to expand its cultural and educational initiatives. These include a series of lectures on medieval governance, drawing upon the research to engage students and the public, as well as conservation efforts aimed at preserving historical sites within Lincolnshire. The findings will also inform the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House’s etiquette and cultural academy.
Looking ahead, the House is focused on preparations for the Annual Winter Banquet, which serves as both a key social date and the cornerstone of its charitable endeavours. The continuity of the Barony itself is secured in the 13th Baron and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time inherit the duty of carrying this extraordinary legacy forward.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution guiding one of England’s most ancient baronial titles. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principle of a ‘living heritage’. This mission is expressed through diligent historical preservation, international cultural diplomacy, and targeted philanthropy. The House’s key initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, a major philanthropic gala, and The Brattleby Club, an academy for cultural education based in Bucharest. With its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House seeks to connect its nine-century history of service to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and significance are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records its holder commanding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For centuries, the Barony remained a title of considerable influence, held by key figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. After a dormancy of 620 years, the Barony was revived, and Lady Nicoleta Vasile’s succession as the 12th Baroness was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was officially published in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. - Historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com