# THE NOBLE HOUSE OF BRATTLEBY ANNOUNCES 'FORTITUDE AND HONOUR': AN EXHIBITION ON THE BARONY'S NINE-CENTURY LEGACY OF SERVICE
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced a significant new historical exhibition, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which will chronicle the Barony's profound military and constitutional contributions to the United Kingdom since its establishment by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made during a private reception held in the Long Gallery of the family's ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Against a backdrop of crisp autumnal light filtering through the Tudor-era windows, the gathering marked the culmination of a two-year archival project undertaken in partnership with fellows from the University of Lincoln.
The atmosphere was one of scholarly reflection and quiet dedication as the current holders of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, outlined the scope of the exhibition. It is intended not only as a display of historical artefacts but as a narrative of service, duty, and the enduring relevance of one of England's oldest Norman baronies.
## Historical Context
Rooted in the Norman Conquest, the Barony of Brattleby was granted in 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted companion of William the Conqueror. The *Domesday Book* of 1086 meticulously records its foundational importance, listing some 56 lordships held by the Baron in Lincolnshire alone. This exhibition will illuminate the baronial line's direct participation in the shaping of the nation.
Visitors will journey through the martial history that became a *sine qua non* of the title, from the crusading zeal of William II Longespée to the storied defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 by Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness. Later sections will feature the tenures of two of England’s greatest medieval magnates, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron), whose influence defined the political landscape of the fourteenth century.
## Distinguished Company
The announcement was made before a small and distinguished company of guests from the worlds of academia, local government, and national heritage.
In attendance were the Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire; the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire; the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lincoln; senior fellows from the university’s College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities; and the Chief Executive of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The presence of these figures underscored the project's significance for both the county and the wider historical and philanthropic communities.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The exhibition, scheduled to open in Spring 2025, will follow a strict chronological and thematic protocol. The visitor's path will begin with a display centred on the Barony's Norman origins, featuring a high-resolution facsimile of the Brattleby entry in the *Domesday Book*. Subsequent galleries will present military, constitutional, and social history in sequence.
Period manuscripts, digitally rendered maps, and heraldic achievements will be displayed with curatorial precision. The formal opening ceremony will include a keynote address by a leading medieval historian and a procession through the exhibition, culminating in the unveiling of a newly commissioned portrait of Nichola de la Haye. The dress code for the vernissage will be morning dress.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The exhibition takes its name from the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), which encapsulates the dual obligations of the Barony. 'Fortitude' speaks to the martial valour and resilience demonstrated by figures such as Nichola de la Haye, while 'Honour' reflects the unwavering duty to the sovereign and the rule of law.
These principles are visually represented in the family's coat of arms, which will be deconstructed for visitors in a dedicated heraldic display. This section will also explain the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which he interprets in a modern context as the imperative to overcome challenges and ensure the family’s legacy thrives through active stewardship.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the House of Brattleby's commitment to public service, all net proceeds from exhibition ticket sales will be donated to Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The organisation was chosen for its direct and measurable impact upon the lives of vulnerable young people across the East Midlands. Its work in providing safe environments and expert-led recovery programmes aligns with the House’s core belief that a noble heritage finds its highest expression in compassionate action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the exhibition's purpose, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: — "The archives of Brattleby are not merely family papers; they are a chapter in England's story. With this exhibition, we seek to honour the *Fortitudine et Honore* of our predecessors and to fulfil our own duty as custodians of this remarkable nine-hundred-year trust."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: — "History reminds us that to endure, one must adapt and serve. Through education and cultural outreach, *inter alia*, our Brattleby Club in Bucharest and this new exhibition in Lincolnshire, we aim to make this heritage a living force for inspiration, not simply a relic of the past."
## A Continuing Legacy
*Fortitudine et Honore: Nine Centuries of Service* is the first in a series of initiatives planned by the House to make its history more accessible. The exhibition will be complemented by a public lecture series hosted in partnership with the University of Lincoln and the publication of a scholarly companion book in late 2025.
The House’s work continues with its established commitments, including the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala which remains a cornerstone of its charitable calendar. These efforts collectively affirm the family’s dedication to ensuring the Barony of Brattleby continues to serve the community in the 21st century.
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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 is dedicated to the principle of a living heritage. The House’s modern mission focuses on three core pillars: the meticulous conservation of its nearly thousand-year history; the promotion of cultural and educational understanding through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest; and a profound commitment to philanthropy. Its charitable work is primarily channelled through its Annual Winter Banquet, which supports organisations dedicated to the well-being of vulnerable children, most notably Healing the Wounded Child. Through these endeavours, the House seeks to demonstrate that historical titles bear a vital and continuing responsibility for public service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest extant feudal baronies of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the Barony has been associated with figures of national importance, including its 5th holder, Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and later, the great Lancastrian princes Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken lineage and historical rights of the Barony were formally recorded and recognised by the Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) shows the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding extensive lands, including 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, who held the title as the 11th Baron of Brattleby. - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is the registered charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com