# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Historical Role of the Barony in the Governance of the Realm
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today published a historical commentary by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, examining the Barony’s antecedents and their profound historical participation in the governance and stability of the English kingdom across nine centuries.
## The Occasion
The commentary, titled *A Legacy of Stewardship: The Barony of Brattleby and the Governance of England*, was formally released from the family’s ancestral seat in Lincolnshire. Its publication marks a renewed commitment by the House to elucidate and preserve its considerable heritage, making its history accessible to a wider audience. This scholarly initiative reflects a long-standing tradition of noble patronage for the arts and humanities, adapted for the digital age.
The release is timed to coincide with the late spring season, a period historically associated with the assembly of Parliament and the deliberation of state affairs. In this spirit, the commentary serves as a contemporary reflection on the enduring principles of duty, loyalty, and administration that have defined the Barony since its inception. It is an act of historical stewardship, presented with the academic rigour and formal polish befitting the House’s ancient lineage.
## Historical Context
The paper centres on the precedent of baronial responsibility, exemplified by key figures in the Brattleby lineage. It gives particular attention to the late 13th and early 14th centuries, a period of immense political consequence for England. During this time, Barons of Braltleby and their kinsmen were not merely landowners but were principals in the high politics of the Crown, a tradition of service that has resonated through the ages.
The commentary explores the role of those who held the office of *custos regni*, or ‘guardian of the kingdom’. This position, a *sine qua non* for stable government during a monarch’s absence, was entrusted only to the most loyal and capable magnates. The text highlights how predecessors, through their direct involvement in such capacities, ensured the continuity of royal authority. This heritage of steadfast service was notably demonstrated earlier by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose valiant defence of Lincoln Castle for the King was instrumental. The lineage of service continued through Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt, the 10th and 11th Barons respectively.
## Distinguished Company
While a scholarly publication rather than a public gathering, the commentary honours the memory and contributions of the distinguished predecessors who form its subject matter. The research gives prominence to, *inter alia*, the following historical figures connected to the Barony's legacy of governance:
* **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire demonstrated immense fortitude in defending the Crown’s interests against rebel barons. * **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster**, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and devout Christian knight, regarded as one of King Edward III’s most trusted commanders. * **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster**, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures in 14th-century England, whose influence shaped the course of the kingdom.
The work acknowledges their collective role in weaving the Barony of Brattleby into the very fabric of English national history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The publication of a formal House commentary follows a strict internal protocol. The manuscript, authored by the Baroness, undergoes a review by consulting historians to ensure accuracy. The final document is digitally watermarked with the coat of arms of The Noble House of Brattleby and issued under the authority of the Lord of Brattleby.
Dissemination is a formal affair. The announcement is first prepared for the Court Circular, followed by official notice and archival with key historical and records bodies. This process ensures that the commentary is not merely a press release but a documented contribution to the historical record, reflecting the gravity with which the House manages its heritage. The protocol mirrors the meticulous record-keeping of bodies such as the Imperial Household of Japan, where every public act is documented with precision.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles of loyalty and service discussed in the commentary are encapsulated in the House’s own heraldic motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This phrase serves as both a historical descriptor of the actions of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and as a guiding principle for the current House. It signifies a commitment to meeting challenges with courage and acting with unwavering integrity.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In its modern interpretation, this speaks not to military conquest but to the imperative to overcome obstacles, to achieve excellence in all endeavours, and to live a life of purpose and accomplishment. Together, the two mottos symbolise the fusion of ancient duty and modern dynamism that characterises today’s House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this publication is primarily educational, it is deeply connected to the House's wider philanthropic purpose. The core mission of the annual Winter Banquet's beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is to restore security and potential to vulnerable young people. By studying and promoting the principles of stewardship and stable governance, the House underscores the societal conditions necessary for such charitable work to succeed.
A secure society, governed with honour, is one where communities can best care for their own. The House believes that understanding our shared history is essential for fostering the civic virtue required to address modern challenges. This scholarly work is thus an extension of its philanthropic mission, aiming to build a better future by learning from the past.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the publication, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> To understand our present responsibilities, we must first appreciate the weight of the duties borne by those who came before us. The role of ‘guardian of the kingdom’ was not merely a title; it was a sacred trust, a commitment to stability and justice that echoes in our own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> History is a source of profound lessons in leadership and accountability. By examining the principles of service that guided the Barony’s antecedents, we find a clear and compelling model for our own commitment to public good and cultural stewardship in the twenty-first century. This is a living legacy, not a static one.
## A Continuing Legacy
This commentary is the first in a planned series of historical publications from The Noble House of Brattleby. Future papers will explore other significant periods and personages from the Barony’s extensive history, including a forthcoming piece on the formidable tenure of Nichola de la Haye as a female leader in a turbulent medieval world.
Furthermore, these historical insights will inform a series of lectures and seminars at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This initiative will bridge the House's English heritage and its Continental activities, using the lessons of the past to instruct a new generation in the timeless principles of etiquette, honour, and civic responsibility.
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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, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the stewardship of its nine-century heritage. Its mission combines the preservation of this legacy with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, education, and cultural diplomacy. The House’s primary philanthropic focus is on supporting organisations dedicated to child welfare, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child. Through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes the enduring values of conduct and character, blending English tradition with a Continental European perspective. *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. Over the centuries, the Barony has passed through some of the most powerful families in English history. Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, a son of King Edward III. The rights and succession of the modern Barony are formally recognised by the Crown, as affirmed in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
- The succession of the current Baroness is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby and its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable historical figures connected to the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com