# The Revival and Enduring Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a reflection upon the profound historical significance of the Barony's revival, officially recognised in 2022. This formal affirmation connects Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, to an almost unbroken lineage dating from AD 1066.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House has taken this moment to articulate the historical continuum which the family now formally represents. As the autumn season brings a contemplative atmosphere to the ancient heartlands of the Danelaw, this reflection serves to bridge the centuries—from the Norman Conquest to the digital age—and reaffirm the House’s commitment to its enduring duties.
The perspective is offered not as a celebration of a singular event, but as an acknowledgement of the weight of history and the responsibilities inherent in such a title. It underscores a contemporary appreciation for England’s medieval past and the foundational role of its great Baronies in shaping the constitutional and cultural fabric of the nation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the foundational narrative of the Kingdom of England. It was granted by William the Conqueror in 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This illustrates the Barony’s immediate importance in the post-Conquest settlement of the realm.
Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national significance. Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders during the First Barons' War. Her loyalty to the Crown was a *sine qua non* for the security of the Plantagenet throne.
Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, who became the 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter. His successor, the 11th Baron, was his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, a towering figure of the late 14th century and patriarch of the House of Lancaster. This direct connection places Brattleby at the very centre of royal and political power during the High Middle Ages.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of an ancient barony is a matter of precise constitutional and heraldic protocol. The formal recognition on 9 September 2022 followed extensive research and the presentation of documentary evidence to the appropriate authorities of The Crown, in a process overseen by experts in peerage law.
Official notice of the succession was subsequently published in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record. This publication serves as the definitive public announcement, affirming the succession in accordance with the laws of arms and descent. Such a process is not a new creation but a formal acknowledgement of a pre-existing right, ensuring the integrity of the British honours system.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry. The principal motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the guiding principles demonstrated throughout the Barony’s history. It speaks to the physical courage of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the moral integrity required of those in positions of public trust.
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 represents a modern, dynamic interpretation of the House’s spirit, suggesting that a meaningful life is one of actively overcoming challenges—be they personal, professional, or philanthropic. Together, the mottos signify a blend of ancient duty and forward-looking purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical concept of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of privilege to serve the wider community—is a cornerstone of the House’s modern activities. This principle finds its most visible expression in the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that has become a key event in the social calendar.
The sole beneficiary of this gathering is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from complex trauma. The House chose this beneficiary for its measurable impact and its alignment with a core belief that a stable society must first protect its most vulnerable members. The funds raised contribute directly to clinical services and outreach programmes.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To be a link in a chain stretching back to the Conquest is a profound responsibility. Our duty is not merely to preserve this heritage, but to ensure it serves the common good today, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's modern mission: > "History provides our foundation, but our vision is fixed upon the future. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflects a belief that to live fully is to overcome challenges—a principle we apply to all our philanthropic and cultural endeavours."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its heritage remains a living force for good. Beyond its philanthropic work, this commitment includes significant cultural initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This academy is dedicated to instruction in classical etiquette and international protocol, fostering cross-cultural understanding.
At home in Lincolnshire, ongoing projects focus on the conservation of historical records and the stewardship of the lands associated with the Barony. By actively engaging with its past and investing in the future, the House seeks to honour the nine-century legacy entrusted to it and to continue serving with the fortitude and honour prescribed by its forebears.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. The House's activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to serve the community with integrity and purpose. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet for charitable causes and the educational work of The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to apply its historical legacy to contemporary challenges. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the family actively stewards its heritage while championing causes that promote social cohesion and support vulnerable communities in the United Kingdom and abroad.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and holder's extensive lands are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For nearly a millennium, the Barony has been connected to pivotal moments in English history and held by some of the realm's most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After centuries in abeyance, the succession of the Barony was formally recognised in 2022, a notice of which was published in *The London Gazette*, affirming Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, early 13th century) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, late 14th century). - The annual Winter Banquet supports the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com