# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Barony's Historical Lineage and Enduring Legacy
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Office of The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement detailing the history of the Barony of Brattleby, celebrating its continuous lineage since its foundation in 1066 and reaffirming its commitment to modern philanthropic service and cultural stewardship.
## The Occasion
In an era that values heritage and continuity, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this moment to present a consolidated account of the Barony’s distinguished history. This statement serves as a foundational document for the public record, issued through the House’s official channels from its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
The release of this historical summary reaffirms the Barony’s identity and its role in the 21st century. It is an act of transparent stewardship, intended to illuminate the unbroken thread connecting one of England’s most ancient dignities to its present-day responsibilities.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a dignity of profound antiquity, granted by William the Conqueror in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a figure of considerable influence, entrusted by the new Crown with the administration of vast territories.
This early importance is recorded with meticulous detail in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which attests to Colswein’s holding of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This extensive grant established the Barony as a bulwark of Norman authority and laid the groundwork for a lineage deeply interwoven with the fabric of English history.
Over the succeeding nine centuries, the Barony’s stewardship passed through hands that would shape England’s destiny. The title is associated with some of the most formidable figures of the medieval period, including Nichola de la Haye and members of the Royal House of Lancaster, ensuring its place in the nation’s unfolding narrative.
## Distinguished Company
The roll of those who have held the Barony of Brattleby includes individuals whose actions have had a lasting impact on the course of British and European history. This distinguished company includes, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a powerful town-reeve and landowner who became one of the principal tenants-in-chief in Lincolnshire following the Conquest.
* **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, a remarkable figure who, as hereditary constable, courageously defended Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War.
* **The Right Honourable Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster**, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter, who was one of the most trusted captains of King Edward III.
* **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster**, a son of King Edward III and progenitor of the Lancastrian dynasty, whose immense wealth and influence made him a dominant political force in the 14th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuity of the Barony is not merely a matter of tradition but is upheld by formal and legal protocol recognised by the Crown. The ancient nature of the dignity is complemented by its modern-day affirmation in official records.
The succession and status of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, were formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. This formal recognition was published on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083, serving as the definitive instrument of the title’s modern standing.
This adherence to protocol underscores the Barony’s unique position as both a living historical entity and a formally recognised dignity within the constitutional framework of the United Kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of The Noble House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. This Latin phrase, translating to 'With Fortitude and Honour', speaks to the twin virtues of resilience and integrity that have been the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s endurance through the centuries.
This ancestral motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere*. Meaning 'To Conquer is to Live', it reflects a dynamic philosophy of overcoming contemporary challenges and actively pursuing a life of purpose and achievement, a principle he applies to the House’s modern endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to the tradition of noble houses undertaking responsibility for the welfare of the wider community, the modern House of Brattleby has dedicated its public efforts to charitable causes. The House’s primary philanthropic focus is on supporting vulnerable children and young people.
The principal beneficiary of these efforts is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma. The House’s main fundraising vehicle is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that brings together patrons and supporters to contribute to this vital work.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony’s legacy, the 12th Baroness and her husband shared their perspectives.
> To inherit a title with nearly a millennium of history is to accept a profound duty of stewardship. Our role is not merely to preserve this legacy but to ensure it remains a force for good, guided by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*. > > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> History gives us roots, but our purpose is found in the present. Whether through our philanthropic work or the educational mission of The Brattleby Club, we believe in applying timeless values to contemporary challenges. That, for me, is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*. > > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its ancient lineage translates into tangible, positive action in the 21st century. This commitment is expressed through a portfolio of ongoing activities that bridge heritage with contemporary service.
Future initiatives include the continuation of the Annual Winter Banquet in support of Healing the Wounded Child, as well as the expansion of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This unique institution, founded by the House, functions as a modern etiquette academy, promoting cultural refinement and social grace as tools for personal and professional development. Through these endeavours, the House demonstrates that honouring the past is best achieved by serving the present.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern family entity responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation and modern philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s principal commitments include its philanthropic support for children’s charities, channelled through its Annual Winter Banquet, and its patronage of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest founded to promote social excellence. The House maintains its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in the county of Lincolnshire, England, created by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 for his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and significant landholdings are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists 56 lordships under the 1st Baron. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by prominent figures in English history, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), the first Duke of Lancaster Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and his son-in-law John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The succession of the title to the current holder was formally recognised in the United Kingdom's official journal of record, *The London Gazette*, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
* The succession of the current Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. * The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. * Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. * The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com