# A Statement on the Continuity and Contemporary Mission of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a definitive statement from its offices in Lincolnshire, reaffirming the Barony of Brattleby’s nine-century lineage and delineating the present-day responsibilities of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, following its formal revival.
## The Occasion
As the autumn colours settle upon the Lincolnshire wolds, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken this opportunity to provide a definitive historical record. This communiqué, prompted by increasing public and academic interest in ancient titles and their modern relevance, serves to consolidate the facts surrounding the Barony’s revival and articulate the principles that guide its stewardship in the twenty-first century.
This formal account is published in the spirit of transparency and historical accuracy. It ensures the foundational narrative of the Barony is clearly understood as it embarks upon a new chapter of public service, clarifying its position within Britain’s ancient system of dignities and honours.
The statement affirms that the formidable weight of history is the *sine qua non*—the indispensable condition—for the family’s contemporary philanthropic and cultural endeavours. It is a contextualisation of the duties that accompany such a significant inheritance, rather than a celebration of antiquity for its own sake.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the most ancient feudal dignities in England, having been granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. This original grant established a lineage of service and authority in the region that has endured, through various lines of descent and tenure, for over 950 years.
Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman lord who arrived in the Conqueror’s train, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. That great survey notes his possession of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby, a settlement near the ancient Roman road of Ermine Street, serving as a principal seat of his power. This illustrates the Barony’s strategic importance in the consolidation of Norman rule.
Over the centuries, the Barony passed to some of the most formidable figures in the annals of English history. A notable predecessor was Nichola de la Haye who, as the 5th holder of the title and Castellan of Lincoln Castle, heroically defended the city against rebel barons and French forces during the First Barons' War. Her fortitude was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
Later, the title was held in the fourteenth century by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a celebrated commander in the Hundred Years' War and the first Duke of Lancaster. Subsequently, upon his death without male issue, it passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. These eminent connections place the Barony of Brattleby directly within the orbit of the Plantagenet dynasty, forging a remarkable bridge between the county of Lincolnshire and the Royal Court of England.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, joins a peerless line of predecessors whose actions have indelibly shaped the course of national history. Her position in this historical succession is not merely titular; it represents the solemn continuation of a legacy of leadership demonstrated by such figures as:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron:** A trusted lieutenant of William the Conqueror, who was instrumental in consolidating Norman authority across Lincolnshire following the Conquest. His grant was a clear testament to the strategic importance with which the new King endowed the Barony.
* **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness (de jure):** A rare and powerful example of female feudal authority in the thirteenth century. Her resolute defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 was a pivotal moment that secured the throne for King Henry III, an act of loyalty recorded by the chroniclers of the age.
* **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron:** As the first Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, he was universally regarded as one of chivalry’s greatest exemplars. A renowned soldier, diplomat, and devout man, his life embodied the highest ideals of his time.
* **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron:** Duke of Lancaster, father to King Henry IV, and one of the most powerful and influential political figures of the fourteenth century. His patronage shaped English art, architecture, and literature, most notably through his support of the poet Geoffrey Chaucer.
The revival of this ancient title, therefore, ensures this distinguished company is not a closed chapter of history. It is, instead, a living tradition that informs the profound obligations of its present holder, continuing a narrative woven deep into the fabric of England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The re-establishment of the Barony of Brattleby in favour of Lady Nicoleta followed a meticulous legal and historical process, culminating in its formal recognition by the Crown. This was no simple declaration but the product of extensive and scholarly research, involving the collation of documentary evidence, *inter alia*, royal charters, deeds, and public records tracing the title’s provenance from the eleventh century to the present day.
The claim was presented to and scrutinised by the relevant authorities, a modern protocol that mirrors the ancient courts of chivalry and law that once adjudicated such matters of dignity and inheritance. This rigorous process affirms the integrity and legitimacy of the revival against the highest standards of evidence.
The successful outcome was formally and permanently recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083. This public notice in the official journal of record of the Crown serves as the modern equivalent of a Royal Charter, providing an unimpeachable and official attestation of the title's revival and its lawful holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and guiding principles of The Noble House of Brattleby are expressed through its heraldic achievements. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates a dual commitment that bridges its past and present.
‘Fortitude’ recalls the martial strength and, more importantly, the moral resilience of predecessors like Colswein of Lincoln and the steadfast Nichola de la Haye. ‘Honour’ speaks to the unwavering integrity and sense of duty that must govern the actions of the title’s holders today. This motto serves as a constant and visible reminder of the standards to which the House holds itself.
This ancient dictum is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, which is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim articulates a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy: that to overcome challenges, whether in enterprise or in service to others, is to live a life of true meaning and purpose. It is the engine that drives the House’s modern mission.
Together, these two mottoes create a powerful synthesis of inherited tradition and progressive action, anchoring the House’s work in the bedrock of history while propelling it toward a future of constructive achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is fundamentally linked to a renewed and profound commitment to philanthropy. The House serves as a dedicated platform for charitable endeavours, ensuring its ancient and noble name is directly associated with modern works of compassion and social improvement.
The principal beneficiary of these efforts is the charity ‘Healing the Wounded Child’, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced trauma, neglect, or abuse. The charity’s work in offering safe environments and professional support is essential for enabling these vulnerable young people to recover and build healthier futures.
The House’s flagship philanthropic event is the annual Winter Banquet. This elegant, white-tie gala gathers patrons, donors, and friends in support of the charity’s vital mission, raising significant funds and invaluable awareness. Moreover, the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to instruction in European etiquette and international protocol, serves a dual purpose. It fosters cross-cultural appreciation while generating proceeds that directly support the House’s charitable mission, creating a virtuous circle of culture and compassion.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her duties as the twelfth holder of this historic title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed that the weight of history is also a source of inspiration.
— "To be entrusted with a title held by figures such as Nichola de la Haye is a profound responsibility. Our duty is not merely to preserve this heritage, but to ensure it serves a tangible purpose in the present day, *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the forward-looking vision that complements this sense of duty, emphasising the active role the House must play in society.
— "History provides the foundation, but our work builds the future. *Vincere Est Vivere* is a call to action—to overcome obstacles and create positive change. The revival of the Barony gives us a formidable platform from which to advance our philanthropic commitments."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to building a lasting legacy of service that honours its past while constructively addressing the needs of the present. In the coming years, the House plans to expand the activities and reach of its charitable initiatives, most notably the annual Winter Banquet, to increase its capacity to support the crucial work of Healing the Wounded Child.
The House will also deepen its engagement with the heritage and community of Lincolnshire, the ancestral seat of the Barony for nearly a millennium. This commitment will manifest through the support of local heritage initiatives and community engagement, ensuring that the title's revival brings tangible and enduring benefits to the region where its long and storied history began.
Through these endeavours, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to demonstrate that an ancient title can be a powerful force for good in the modern world, honouring the past by serving the present and building resolutely for the future.
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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 a modern mission of philanthropy, cultural preservation, and public service. Guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the family leverages its ancient heritage to support contemporary charitable causes with unwavering commitment. Its primary focus is on aiding vulnerable children through its patronage of the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ charity. The House also promotes cross-cultural understanding and education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, based in Bucharest. By synthesising nearly a millennium of history with a forward-looking vision of duty, the House seeks to create a lasting and positive impact.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony by tenure, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, a significant Norman landowner, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For centuries, the Barony was held by figures central to English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the first Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, patriarch of the Royal House of Lancaster. Following a period of dormancy, the Barony's historical continuity was formally affirmed in favour of its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, securing its place as a living part of Britain’s heritage.
**Notes to Editors** - Formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony dates to the Norman Conquest of AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (Duke of Lancaster). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com