# A Statement on the Continuity of Chivalry and Service from The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement from its seat in Lincolnshire, reflecting on the chivalric duty and tradition of service that have defined the Barony for over nine hundred years and inform its modern philanthropic mission.
## The Occasion
In the season of Michaelmas, a period traditionally dedicated to accounting and strategic reflection on great estates, The Noble House of Brattleby takes this opportunity to contemplate its foundational principles. This formal consideration serves to reaffirm the continuity of purpose that connects the duties of the present with the sacrifices of the past.
The statement draws inspiration from the enduring chronicles of the Barony, which record a profound and recurring commitment to the knightly ideals of faith, honour, and personal sacrifice. These are the very tenets that informed the actions of its most notable predecessors, providing a moral compass for the House’s contemporary work in philanthropy and cultural diplomacy.
This moment of reflection is not merely an academic exercise; rather, it is a deliberate reaffirmation of the responsibilities that accompany ancient title and land. It is a quiet renewal of the vows of stewardship that have been upheld at Brattleby for centuries.
## Historical Context
The tradition of martial leadership and service to the Crown is deeply ingrained in the Barony’s nine-century narrative. This legacy finds one of its most powerful exemplars in Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle and, remarkably for a woman of her era, as Sheriff of Lincolnshire. Her steadfast defence of Lincoln against French-backed rebels in 1217 was a turning point in the First Barons' War, securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
This spirit of duty, often demanding the ultimate price, is further illustrated by the life of William II Longespée, a scion of the house who joined King Louis IX of France on the Seventh Crusade. His death during the Battle of Mansurah in Egypt in 1250, recorded by chroniclers such as Matthew Paris in his *Chronica Majora*, epitomises an unwavering commitment to a cause greater than oneself.
The standard of valour and piety set by these early figures was carried forward by later holders of the Barony. These include, *inter alia*, the Right Honourable Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding knight of the Order of the Garter and one of England’s most celebrated commanders in the Hundred Years' War. His legacy passed to his son-in-law, His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose immense influence shaped the political and sovereign landscape of late 14th-century England.
## Distinguished Company
The history of the Barony of Brattleby is defined by the calibre of the individuals who have held it. The House today honours this distinguished company, which has shaped not only the destiny of Lincolnshire but also that of the nation. Among them are:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a loyal follower of William the Conqueror, who was entrusted with 56 lordships in the county following the Norman Conquest. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, a resolute and politically astute hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle, whose loyalty to the Crown during a period of civil war was of pivotal importance. * **The Right Honourable Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster** and **10th Baron of Brattleby**, a peerless military strategist, diplomat, and paragon of chivalry. * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster** and **11th Baron of Brattleby**, a Prince of the Blood, statesman, and patriarch of the Royal House of Lancaster.
The legacy of these figures provides the framework through which The Noble House of Brattleby measures its present obligations and future aspirations.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Barony’s historical commitment to service is translated today into organised philanthropy, exemplified by the meticulous protocol of its annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie and decorations gala is the House’s principal charitable event, governed by a precise order of proceedings that reflects its solemn purpose.
The evening commences with the arrival and reception of guests at the appointed London venue. A formal procession into the dining hall, arranged according to established precedence, is followed by the saying of Grace. The Loyal Toast to The King is observed before dinner, a tradition upheld with due reverence.
Following the main course, formal addresses are made, including a keynote speech detailing the work of the year’s designated beneficiary. The evening’s protocol, from the seating plan to the series of toasts, is designed to honour guests and, above all, to focus attention on the philanthropic mission that is the *sine qua non* of the occasion. It is a modern ceremony rooted in the ancient traditions of hospitality and duty.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The historical actions and modern ethos of The Noble House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its heraldry and associated mottoes. The ancient Barony motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is not a decorative flourish but a guiding philosophy. It speaks to the moral and physical resilience demonstrated by figures from Nichola de la Haye at Lincoln Castle to the Barons on the fields of France.
This principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In its modern interpretation, this is not a call to arms but an exhortation to the virtuous conquering of oneself—through discipline, continuous learning, and unwavering service to others. It is about mastering the challenges of one’s time.
Together, the two mottoes create a powerful philosophical framework. They advocate for a life in which honour is achieved through fortitude, and a life truly lived is one defined by the victory of principle over circumstance.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The medieval concept of chivalric service—the sacred duty to defend the weak and uphold justice—finds its direct contemporary expression in the philanthropic work of the House. The tradition of personal sacrifice has been transformed into a modern commitment to charitable endeavour, channelling resources towards society’s most vulnerable.
This is most visibly demonstrated through the proceeds from the annual Winter Banquet, which are directed to Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist, evidence-based therapeutic care for children who have suffered from profound trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its work delivers art and play therapy, among other interventions, helping young people to process their experiences, rebuild trust, and develop the resilience necessary for a healthier future. The choice of beneficiary is a direct continuation of the baronial duty to protect and to serve.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be the holder of this title is to be a steward of memory. The stones of Lincolnshire and the pages of our history speak of figures like Nichola de la Haye, and remind us that *Fortitudine et Honore* is not an abstract ideal, but a practical guide to responsible service.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > “The principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* is timeless. For a medieval knight, it meant victory on the field. For us, it means victory over indifference; it is the strategic rigour and determined focus we apply to ensure our philanthropic work achieves its objectives and creates lasting, meaningful change.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The lessons drawn from the Barony’s nine-century history directly inform its future commitments. The enduring values of honour, discipline, and service are not treated as historical artefacts but are actively promoted through the House’s educational and cultural initiatives.
The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy of etiquette and protocol founded by the House, serves as a key instrument in this mission. Its curriculum is designed not merely to teach social graces, but to instil a profound sense of personal responsibility, cultural literacy, and the soft skills of modern leadership. By translating the codes of chivalry into principles for contemporary life, the Club fosters a pan-European network of young professionals committed to civil discourse.
Through such endeavours, The Noble House of Brattleby ensures that its ancient and deeply-held legacy of service continues to find a vital and relevant purpose in the 21st century.
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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 Norman baronies. With a dual Anglo-Romanian character, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. Through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to promote the enduring values of honour, service, and protocol. The House's activities are guided by its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to principled leadership.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, its first Baron. Its existence and the 56 lordships it encompassed are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through the hands of some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), who defended Lincoln Castle against rebels and French invaders. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his heir, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The current title, held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, is formally recognised by the Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern baronial title was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The Noble House of Brattleby’s primary philanthropic beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, supported by its annual Winter Banquet.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com