# On the Continuation of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has issued a statement clarifying the historical continuation and modern purpose of the Barony of Brattleby, following its formal recognition after a period of dormancy, thereby reaffirming its commitment to heritage and public service.
## The Occasion
In a period of renewed public interest in national heritage, this official communication serves to articulate the historical significance and forward-looking vision of the Barony of Brattleby. Following the title’s revival and its formal notice in *The London Gazette*, the House has sought to provide a definitive account of its stewardship. This statement is issued from the administrative offices of the House, which oversees its duties from both its historic seat in Lincolnshire and its European representations.
The context for this affirmation is one of diligent custodianship. The revival of one of England’s most ancient baronies is not merely a matter of record; it is an active acceptance of the responsibilities inherent in such a legacy. The House of Brattleby, therefore, deems it proper to outline the foundations upon which its present and future endeavours are built.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest recorded lordships in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to the barony’s foundational importance in the post-Conquest landscape. For nearly a millennium, the title has been interwoven with the history of the nation.
Among its most distinguished holders was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, a formidable castellan who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. The lineage continued through figures of national consequence, including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and later the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Following a dormancy of 620 years, the barony’s revival marks a poignant reconnection with this profound history, bridging a centuries-long gap in its story.
## Distinguished Company
The heritage of Brattleby is defined by the remarkable individuals who have shaped its nine-century history. The current House considers itself in the company of, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a significant Norman magnate directly enfeoffed by William the Conqueror. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby**, wife of Gerard de Canville and hereditary constable of Lincoln Castle, whose loyalty to King John and his son Henry III was a cornerstone of royal power in a turbulent era. * **The Right Honourable Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster**, one of England’s most respected military commanders and diplomats during the Hundred Years' War. * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster**, a son of King Edward III and a progenitor of the Royal House of Lancaster.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The modern continuation of the Barony of Brattleby adheres to the most rigorous standards of official and legal protocol. The revival was not merely assumed but formally proven and subsequently gazetted by the Crown’s authority. The notice of recognition was published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, providing an official and unimpeachable record of the title’s status.
This process is a procedural *sine qua non* for the recognition of ancient feudal dignities, involving meticulous genealogical and historical research presented for formal review. The appearance of such a notice in *The London Gazette*, the official public record since 1665, legitimises the holder’s standing within the framework of the British honours system and reaffirms the Barony’s place in the fabric of the nation’s history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle informs the House’s every action, reflecting a commitment to resilience in the face of challenge and an unwavering dedication to acting with integrity. It is the ethical compass for the family’s public and private life.
Separately, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, holds to a personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This expresses a dynamic and purposeful philosophy: that true living is found in striving, overcoming, and achieving positive outcomes. Together, the two mottos symbolise a blend of steadfast duty and energetic enterprise.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A title of nobility finds its truest expression in service. The Noble House of Brattleby has dedicated its primary philanthropic efforts to supporting vulnerable children and young people. The centrepiece of this commitment is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to raise vital funds for chosen charitable organisations.
The principal beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The funds raised contribute directly to clinical programmes, ensuring that more children can access the expert help they need to rebuild their lives. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that investing in the well-being of the next generation is the most fundamental form of social progress.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “To be a successor to figures like Nichola de la Haye is a profound responsibility. Our duty is not simply to preserve a title, but to animate its history with present-day purpose. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not an abstract ideal; it is a call to action, demanding that we apply the strength of our heritage to the service of others.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's mission: > “History gives us roots, but it is our actions that produce fruit. My personal conviction, *Vincere Est Vivere*, compels us to transform this extraordinary legacy into a tangible force for good. Whether through philanthropy or cultural education, our ambition is to make a measurable and positive impact.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is committed to a programme of long-term initiatives that extend its mission beyond the borders of the United Kingdom. This includes the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to instruction in traditional etiquette, diplomatic protocol, and the cultural arts. The Club aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the codes of civility that facilitate international understanding.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to expand its philanthropic portfolio while upholding its ceremonial duties in Lincolnshire and beyond. The annual Winter Banquet remains a fixture in its calendar, symbolising an enduring promise to translate the honour of the past into hope for the future.
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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. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission of preserving its unique nine-century heritage and leveraging its platform for contemporary public service. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), its principal activities include targeted philanthropy, with a focus on charities supporting vulnerable children, and cultural diplomacy. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to embody the principle that historical dignity is best expressed through active and purposeful contribution to society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its creation is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its holder possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the title was held by figures of great historical consequence, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Dukes of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. After a dormancy of 620 years, the barony’s continuation was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, ensuring the survival of one of the realm's oldest dignities.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 and is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com