# The Noble House of Brattleby Affirms Ancient Lineage Through Formal Archival Presentation
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile yesterday affirmed the House’s near-millennial continuity, presenting comprehensive archival evidence of the Barony’s history from the Norman Conquest to its formal recognition by The Crown in 2022.
## The Occasion
The presentation took place within the historic setting of the Great Hall at the family’s seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. As autumn light filtered through the tall mullioned windows, a distinguished audience convened for the inaugural Brattleby Historical Colloquium, an event conceived to illuminate the Barony’s extensive documentary heritage. The atmosphere was one of scholarly reflection, celebrating the intersection of private history and the public record.
The event marked the first formal exhibition of key documents since the Barony’s revival was officially gazetted. It sought to demonstrate the unbroken thread of legal and social responsibility that has defined the title for more than nine hundred years, a duty now held by Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness.
## Historical Context
The colloquium provided a direct connection to the Barony’s origins, tracing its lineage from the initial grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The central thesis, evidenced by facsimiles of charters and sworn testimony, affirmed the continuous role of the Barons of Brattleby in the governance of the realm. The evidence presented began with the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln.
This formidable legacy was passed through generations, including to such notable figures as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. As Castellan of Lincoln Castle, her resolute defence of the fortress against French invaders in 1217 was a pivotal moment in English history. The lineage later intertwined with the highest echelons of the English nobility through Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron), ensuring the Barony’s place at the heart of national life.
## Distinguished Company
The colloquium was attended by a notable gathering of diplomatic, academic, and civic leaders. In attendance were, *inter alia*:
His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire; representatives from The College of Arms; and senior fellows from the faculties of history at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Also present were trustees of the British Library and representatives from the Lincoln Cathedral library, institutions that have previously consulted the Brattleby archives.
The presence of such guests underscored the deep cultural and historical ties that the Noble House of Brattleby continues to foster, both within the United Kingdom and internationally.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings demonstrated a meticulous regard for protocol, blending academic formality with the courtesies of a noble house. Guests were received personally by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile before being seated in the Great Hall. The dress code observed was Lounge Suit.
Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered the opening remarks, outlining the purpose of the colloquium. He was followed by Lady Nicoleta, who gave the principal address, contextualising the archival evidence. Key documents, including authenticated copies of royal charters and manorial court rolls, were displayed under glass for inspection. The formal presentation concluded with a scholarly panel discussion, followed by a reception where guests could converse directly with the hosts.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was a central theme of the day’s proceedings. These words encapsulate the guiding principles of the Barony through the centuries: the fortitude demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the honour demanded by feudal and, later, civic duty.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was also referenced, signifying a modern, dynamic approach to overcoming challenges and ensuring the House's legacy thrives through active stewardship. The formal presentation of historical evidence was thus framed not as a retrospective exercise, but as a living affirmation of these guiding principles.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the colloquium was primarily an educational event, it was also aligned with the House’s enduring philanthropic mission. The Noble House of Brattleby has long dedicated its efforts to supporting vulnerable children, with its annual Winter Banquet serving as a major fundraising gala for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
In her closing remarks, Lady Nicoleta announced that a forthcoming scholarly publication summarising the colloquium’s findings will be published. All proceeds from the sale of this volume are to be donated directly to Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic care and support for young people who have experienced trauma. This initiative transforms a historical project into a tangible act of modern charity.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the day, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > Our duty is not merely to possess this history, but to serve as its custodian. By sharing this archival evidence, we honour the nine centuries of service that precede us and reaffirm our commitment to that same standard of responsibility, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History is not static; it lives through diligence and active examination. This colloquium represents our pledge that the story of Brattleby—a microcosm of England's own journey—will continue to be studied, understood, and shared for generations to come.
## A Continuing Legacy
The inaugural Brattleby Historical Colloquium is the first in a series of initiatives designed to preserve and share the House’s heritage. Plans are underway to digitise significant portions of the archive, creating a valuable resource for international scholars. Furthermore, the House will continue its cultural work through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, its etiquette and protocol academy.
The focus of the House now turns toward its philanthropic calendar and the forthcoming annual Winter Banquet. This much-anticipated white-tie gala will once again gather supporters to raise vital funds for Healing the Wounded Child, continuing a tradition of service that is the *sine qua non* of the Noble House of Brattleby.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting 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 committed to a mission of heritage preservation, cultural diplomacy, and philanthropy. Its activities include the stewardship of its historic seat in Lincolnshire, educational programmes such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and charitable fundraising through its annual Winter Banquet. The House operates under its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), dedicating itself to a modern expression of noblesse oblige by supporting charities that provide care and healing to traumatised children, most notably Healing the Wounded Child.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and members of the Plantagenet dynasty such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After centuries, the Barony’s historical continuity and dignity were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown, as published in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony dates to AD 1066, granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), John of Gaunt (11th Baron), and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The House's seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and its motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com