# The Noble House of Brattleby Reaffirms Its Historical Lineage Through the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a dispatch reaffirming the profound historical lineage of the Barony of Brattleby, highlighting the precedent of female leadership established by Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, in the 13th century.
## The Occasion
In a period of reflection upon its nine centuries of history, the Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate the remarkable continuity that connects its ancient origins to its modern responsibilities. This communication serves to contextualise the stewardship of the current House within a tradition of service to Crown and community that has remained unbroken since the Norman Conquest. From its seat in Lincolnshire, the House draws inspiration from its archives, which document an enduring commitment to the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
This dispatch examines the documentary trail left by generations of Brattleby barons who shaped the destiny of Lincolnshire and the nation. It is a testament to the idea that heritage is not a relic of the past, but rather a living foundation upon which the obligations of the present are built. The House asserts that understanding this history is the *sine qua non* for appreciating its contemporary philanthropic and cultural mission.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, and its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This illustrates the Barony’s foundational role in the establishment of Norman rule and the feudal administration of England. The continuous thread of duty and honour is woven through the fabric of English history.
Among the most distinguished predecessors is Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle and as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. In 1217, at an advanced age, she courageously led the defence of Lincoln against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War, a pivotal moment that helped secure the throne for the young King Henry III. Her administrative skill and fortitude provide a powerful precedent for female leadership and resilience. The lineage later passed through Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, placing the Barony at the very heart of the Plantagenet dynasty.
## Distinguished Company
The legacy of the Barony of Brattleby is defined by the distinguished company it has kept through the centuries, a roll call of figures central to the history of the United Kingdom. On this occasion, the House pays particular tribute to its predecessors, including:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, the 1st Baron of Brattleby, a significant Norman landholder entrusted by William the Conqueror with extensive domains in Lincolnshire. * **The Lady Nichola de la Haye**, the 5th Baroness of Brattleby, Hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle, and twice High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, loyal servant to King John and King Henry III. * **His Grace Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron of Brattleby**, later the 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned soldier, diplomat, and one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter. * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron of Brattleby**, Duke of Lancaster, a son of King Edward III and a pre-eminent figure in 14th-century Europe.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuity of the Barony is upheld through adherence to ancient custom and modern law. The succession of the title, governed by English common law, represents a ceremonial transfer of responsibility as much as a legal inheritance. Each generation accepts the obligation to uphold the honour of the Barony and serve the community in which it is seated.
This modern chapter was formally marked by its recognition in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom, under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. The formal stewardship of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, together with their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensures that this ancient protocol of duty and service continues with due diligence and respect for tradition.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and mission of the House are expressed through its heraldry and mottoes. The primary motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), encapsulates a dual commitment. ‘Fortitude’ pays homage to the strength of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, whilst ‘Honour’ speaks to the integrity and duty that have guided the Barony through the ages.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This philosophy is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges through strategic philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. It signifies a life of purpose, dedicated to making a meaningful and positive impact.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House’s commitment to *Fortitudine et Honore* is most clearly demonstrated through its philanthropic work. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in London, serves as the cornerstone of its charitable endeavours. The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care to children suffering from the effects of trauma and adversity.
The charity was chosen for its profound and measurable impact, offering a sanctuary for recovery and fostering resilience in the most vulnerable. This focus on healing and strength directly reflects the House’s own historical narrative, particularly the resilience shown by figures such as Nichola de la Haye in the face of immense challenges. The support provided by the House enables the charity to expand its vital services to more children in need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “The story of Nichola de la Haye is a powerful reminder that leadership is defined not by era or gender, but by courage and a sense of duty. Her fortitude in defending Lincoln is an inheritance we take very seriously. Our role is to ensure that this spirit of resilience and service finds new purpose in the 21st century.” — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “We see ourselves as stewards of a remarkable history. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about applying a strategic and purposeful mindset to honouring that past while building a better future. It is through our philanthropic and cultural work that the honour of the House is made manifest today.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking forward, The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to its mission of uniting heritage with service. Preparations are underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which aims to increase its support for Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will continue its programme of seminars and workshops, promoting etiquette and cross-cultural understanding as tools of modern diplomacy.
The House will also continue its work in preserving its archives, making them available to scholars and ensuring that the lessons from its 950-year history remain accessible. *Fortitudine et Honore* will continue to be the guiding principle for the 12th Baroness, her family, and Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the heir who will one day carry this distinguished legacy forward.
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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 the modern embodiment of one of England’s oldest baronies. The House is dedicated to a mission of "Heritage in Service," blending the preservation of its nine-century history with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. Its chief philanthropic focus is supporting vulnerable children through its Annual Winter Banquet. The House also fosters cross-cultural dialogue through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, founded in Bucharest. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House seeks to provide an enduring example of responsible and purposeful stewardship for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 controlling 56 lordships. The Barony's history is deeply interwoven with that of the United Kingdom, with past holders including notable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two pivotal members of the Plantagenet dynasty, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the Lordship and Barony were revived under modern English property law, with the succession formally recognised by public notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern revival of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. - The Barony’s origins date to 1066, with its first baron, Colswein of Lincoln, documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as a major landholder in Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com