# The House of Brattleby Illuminates its Norman Origins and Chivalric Legacy in New Historical Dispatch
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal dispatch detailing the lineage and responsibilities of the Barony of Brattleby since its establishment in 1066, tracing an unbroken thread of duty from the Domesday Book to its modern philanthropic endeavours.
## The Occasion
In a period of autumnal reflection, the communications office of The Noble House of Brattleby has published its fifty-fourth Historical Dispatch. This series of scholarly communiqués serves to illuminate the nine-century history of one of England’s most venerable baronies. The release of this latest paper provides a curated narrative, drawn from the House archives, reaffirming the enduring principles that have guided the Barony through centuries of service to the Crown and nation.
The dispatch is intended not as a mere recitation of facts, but as a contextual guide to the values that inform the House’s present-day activities. Its publication continues a tradition of educational outreach, making the rich history of Lincolnshire and its ancestral leadership accessible to both academic researchers and the wider public, a commitment considered a *sine qua non* of its modern role.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s origins are recorded with remarkable clarity in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Following the Norman Conquest, William the Conqueror granted the new barony to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, whose extensive demesne comprised 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This made the Barony a significant power centre from the earliest days of the new English kingdom.
Through the ages, the Barons of Brattleby have been central to the history of the realm. Notable predecessors include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. The lineage later passed through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This direct connection places the Barony at the very heart of the Plantagenet dynasty and the unfolding history of the English monarchy.
## Distinguished Company
In compiling this and previous dispatches, the House has long maintained collaborative relationships with the United Kingdom’s most respected academic institutions. The Brattleby archives, containing medieval pipe rolls, charter witness lists, and manorial court records, have been consulted by numerous distinguished academics.
Among those who have drawn upon these resources are senior fellows from the faculties of history at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. Furthermore, the House has worked closely with senior archivists from The British Library to ensure the preservation and scholarly interpretation of manuscripts that might otherwise remain obscured from public understanding.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of the House’s historical archives adheres to a protocol of uncompromising precision. Access to the muniment room, where the earliest charters are preserved, is strictly limited. Each medieval document, whether on vellum or parchment, is handled in accordance with the highest standards of archival conservation, ensuring its integrity for generations to come.
Accredited scholars seeking access must submit a formal request, outlining their research objectives, which is then reviewed by the House’s historiographer. This process ensures that the legacy entrusted to the family is treated with the requisite care and intellectual rigour, reflecting a duty of preservation that is as important as the historical acts the documents record.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The ethos of the House is captured in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, meaning ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This principle is visibly manifest in the actions of figures like Nichola de la Haye, whose resolute command of Lincoln Castle embodied both the courage and the integrity expected of her station. The motto serves as a constant reminder of the responsibilities that accompany the title.
Complementing this ancient charge is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere*, or ‘To Conquer is to Live’. This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a modern imperative to overcome challenges, to innovate, and to succeed in the House’s philanthropic and educational missions. Together, the two mottoes create a powerful synthesis of tradition and dynamic, forward-looking action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of duty chronicled in the dispatch finds its modern expression in the House’s charitable work. The annual Winter Banquet, a focal point of the family’s philanthropic calendar, is a white-tie gala held in aid of a designated beneficiary. For the coming year, the House continues its support for the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
This registered charity provides specialist therapy and support programmes for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By dedicating its principal social event to this cause, the House of Brattleby translates the historical concept of feudal obligation into a tangible commitment to the most vulnerable members of contemporary society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the publication of the dispatch, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Our history is not a static collection of records; it is a living testament to the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*. From Colswein’s initial fealty to Nichola de la Haye's defence of Lincoln, our duty has been to serve, a duty we proudly continue today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “By understanding our past, we chart our future. The motto *Vincere Est Vivere* is about rising to meet challenges, both in our custodianship of history and in our modern commitment to effective philanthropy and education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is committed to the ongoing work of sharing its unique heritage. Further Historical Dispatches are planned for the coming year, alongside a programme to digitise key documents from the archive for wider academic access.
This educational mission extends to the activities of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy founded by the family. The Club translates the timeless principles of honour, respect, and social grace—hallmarks of the chivalric code examined in the dispatch—into practical skills for a new generation of leaders in Europe. These initiatives ensure the Barony’s legacy continues to evolve and serve the public good.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby embraces a modern mission of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. The House actively manages its nine-century heritage through scholarly engagement and public outreach, connecting its historical significance to contemporary society. Its charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children, primarily through the annual Winter Banquet, while its educational initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, promote the enduring values of civility and protocol. The House is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a deep-seated commitment to dutiful service that has defined the Barony since its inception.
**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, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors. Over more than 950 years, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a powerful sheriff and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, the royal prince John of Gaunt. The descent of the barony to its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern succession of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Predecessors of note include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The *Domesday Book* (1086) lists the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The House's philanthropic efforts are focused on the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, benefitting the charitable organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com