# The Noble House of Brattleby Launches The Brattleby Historical Society
**LONDON, 16 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced the formal inauguration of The Brattleby Historical Society, a new initiative dedicated to the scholarly exploration of the Barony’s extensive heritage, from its Norman foundation to the present day.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made during an intimate reception held within the De La Haye Library at the family’s Lincolnshire seat. The event brought together local dignitaries, academics, and patrons of the arts against the backdrop of a crisp autumn evening. The atmosphere was one of quiet scholarship and forward-looking purpose, reflecting the House's commitment to both preserving and animating its considerable history.
The choice of venue was itself significant. The library, named in honour of the celebrated 13th-century baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye, houses a portion of the baronial archives. Its ancient oak panelling and shelves of vellum-bound volumes provided a fitting setting for an initiative focused on historical inquiry and cultural stewardship.
## Historical Context
Established to foster a deeper connection to the nine centuries of heritage vested in the Barony, the Society continues a long tradition of patronage and record-keeping. The lineage, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records Colswein of Lincoln as holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing him as the 1st Baron of Brattleby.
The Society’s programme will examine the lives and legacies of notable predecessors, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); the great magnate Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). Through lectures, archival research, and publications, the Society aims to illuminate the Barony's role in the tapestry of English history.
## Distinguished Company
The inaugural reception was attended by a small and distinguished company, reflecting the academic and civic goals of the new Society. Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, received guests upon their arrival.
Among those present were Professor Alistair Finch, Head of Medieval Studies at the University of Lincoln; Dr Eleanor Bennett, Chief Archivist for the Lincolnshire County Council; The Right Honourable The Earl of Yarborough, Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire; and His Excellency Mr Radu-Mihai Onofrei, Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of Romania in London, highlighting the House's significant European connections.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings for the evening were marked by a formal but congenial protocol. Following the reception of guests, Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered introductory remarks outlining the vision for the Historical Society. This was followed by a brief keynote address from Professor Finch on the importance of local archives in understanding national history.
Lady Nicoleta then formally declared The Brattleby Historical Society inaugurated. Guests were invited to inspect a curated selection of documents from the House archives, including facsimiles of the original Domesday entry and estate records from the time of John of Gaunt. The dress code for the occasion was lounge suits, appropriate for a gathering of academic and cultural focus.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The work of the Society is underpinned by the principles embodied in the House's heraldry. The ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the guiding precept for the Society’s explorations into the lives of past barons, many of whom demonstrated these qualities in service to the Crown and country.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), is interpreted within this context not as martial conquest, but as the will to overcome intellectual challenges and to bring history to life for a modern audience. The Society, therefore, represents a living expression of these complementary philosophies.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Society’s primary mission is educational, it is deeply aligned with the philanthropic ethos of The Noble House of Brattleby. The initiative seeks to preserve and disseminate cultural heritage, a charitable purpose in its own right. It will serve as an intellectual resource for the community and for scholars of medieval and local history.
Furthermore, it has been determined that any net proceeds generated from the Society’s future activities, such as ticketed public lectures or the sale of scholarly publications, will be directed to Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation, the beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet, provides therapeutic support for children experiencing trauma, thereby linking the study of the past with direct support for the future.
## In Their Own Words
In her remarks, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, emphasised the duty of stewardship: > This Barony is not merely a title or a collection of lands; it is a living history, a narrative stretching back nearly one thousand years. It is our duty, and indeed our privilege, to act as its custodians and to ensure the stories of those who came before us continue to resonate and inspire.
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke to the dynamic nature of the project: > History must not be a static object admired from a distance; it is a force that shapes our present and informs our future. Through this Society, we will engage with that force actively, seeking to understand its lessons and share them widely, which is the *sine qua non* of a thriving culture.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Brattleby Historical Society will commence its public activities in the new year with a planned lecture series entitled *The Lancastrian Lincolnshire*. Future plans include the digitisation of key archival materials to make them accessible to a global academic audience and the eventual publication of a scholarly journal.
This initiative complements the House’s other work, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and protocol. Together, these endeavours reflect a cohesive strategy: to honour historical legacies while actively contributing to contemporary cultural and philanthropic life in both Britain and Europe.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern noble house dedicated to the stewardship of a significant English heritage and committed to contemporary philanthropy. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House pursues a mission of cultural preservation, education, and charitable giving. Its principal philanthropic focus is supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Historical Society in England and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to build bridges between history and modernity, and between British and Continental European culture, acting always under its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**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. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history's most notable figures, including the powerful sheriff Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in the 13th century, and members of the royal family, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, with Colswein of Lincoln listed as Tenant-in-Chief and Lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron) and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - 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