# A Legacy Documented: The Noble House of Brattleby and Nine Centuries of English History
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reaffirmed the deep historical continuity of the Barony of Brattleby, highlighting its nine-hundred-year lineage documented in national archives and its enduring commitment to service, a principle personified by the current, 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has taken a moment for historical reflection, prompted by renewed scholarly interest in its extensive archives. As autumn settles over the historic parklands, the focus turns inward to the remarkable documentary evidence that chronicles the Barony’s integral role in the life of the county and the nation since the Norman Conquest.
This reaffirmation serves not as a singular event, but as a statement of principle. It underscores the belief that a title’s legitimacy is found not only in its grant but in its continuous record of duty, responsibility, and engagement with the broader life of the realm, a narrative meticulously preserved in parchment and paper.
## Historical Context
Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest in England. 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 foundational grant has been succeeded by an unbroken chain of service across nearly a millennium.
This lineage includes figures of national importance who shaped English history. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, famously served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle, defending it with immense personal courage during the First Barons' War. Later centuries saw the title held by Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron who became the 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III. Lady Nicoleta Vasile’s ascendancy as the 12th Baroness marks the first time a woman has held the title in her own right since the formidable Nichola de la Haye.
## Distinguished Company
The Brattleby archives have long been a *sine qua non* for academics studying medieval England. In recent years, the House has had the honour of welcoming and assisting numerous scholars in their research. These have included, *inter alia*, distinguished fellows from the University of Cambridge, keepers of manuscripts from The British Library, and professors of medieval history from the University of Oxford.
Their research, drawing upon the estate’s private collection of manorial court records, charter witness lists, and correspondence, has illuminated aspects of feudal governance, land tenure, and the evolution of the English aristocracy. This collaborative engagement with the academic world is a cornerstone of the House's modern mission to share its heritage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Access to the House’s private archives is governed by a strict protocol to ensure the preservation of these irreplaceable documents. Scholars are admitted by formal application, and research is conducted within a dedicated study. Ancient records, such as Pipe Rolls and feudal charters, are handled only under the supervision of the House Archivist.
The protocol dictates the use of archival-grade supports and weights, with prohibitions on ink and other potentially damaging materials. In return for access, the House requests that any subsequent academic publications provide formal attribution. This formal, almost ceremonial, process underscores the profound respect with which the House of Brattleby treats these tangible links to its past.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring ethos of the House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle is visibly demonstrated in the lives of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, who governed with fortitude, and Henry of Grosmont, whose honour was renowned throughout Christendom. The motto serves as a guiding standard for the current leadership.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a philosophy of active engagement and overcoming challenges—a commitment to ensuring the House thrives by contributing dynamically to modern society.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House's commitment to honour and service finds its most tangible modern expression in its philanthropic work. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in London, is the centrepiece of its charitable efforts. The sole beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic care and support for young people who have experienced trauma and adversity.
The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief in nurturing the potential of future generations. The funds raised at the Banquet contribute directly to providing safe environments and expert-led programmes that help children rebuild their lives. It is a cause that aligns directly with the House’s foundational duty of care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To hold this title is to be a custodian of a living history. The names in the Domesday Book and the charters are not abstract figures; they were individuals who faced immense challenges with courage. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not merely a motto; it is the charge given to us by nine centuries of predecessors to act with integrity and strength in our own time.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's modern role: > “Our heritage is the foundation, not the anchor. My role is to support the Baroness in ensuring this great house engages dynamically with the challenges of today, whether through philanthropy or education. *Vincere Est Vivere*, for us, means overcoming obstacles to create a positive and lasting legacy.”
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to fulfil its dual mission of preserving its heritage and undertaking meaningful public service. Plans are underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which seeks to increase its support for Healing the Wounded Child.
Simultaneously, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House's successful etiquette and protocol academy, will launch an expanded curriculum focused on cross-cultural diplomacy. At the Barony’s seat in Lincolnshire, a project to digitise key portions of the archive is being initiated, ensuring this remarkable record of English history is preserved for and accessible to future generations of scholars.
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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. 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, education, and targeted philanthropy. Blending a profound respect for its English heritage with a dynamic Continental perspective, the House actively engages in initiatives that promote honour and service in the twenty-first century. Its charitable work is primarily focused on the welfare of children, while its educational outreach includes The Brattleby Club, an academy for etiquette and protocol based in Bucharest which prepares a new generation of leaders for the global stage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England with a continuous history of nearly one thousand years. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by notable figures of English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the royal prince John of Gaunt. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s modern rights are recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) entry for Brattleby confirms its first holder as Colswein of Lincoln. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The current holder of the title is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com