# A Statement on the Historical Contributions of the Barony of Brattleby to the Crown
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement of historical record concerning the Barony of Brattleby’s significant military and financial support of the Crown during the reign of His Majesty King Edward I in the late 13th century.
## The Occasion
From its offices in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken this moment to illuminate a period of profound consequence in the history of the Barony and, indeed, the nation. As autumn settles over the ancient lands that form the heart of the estate, this reflection serves to reaffirm the unbroken chain of duty that has defined the Barony for more than nine centuries. The statement provides context to the pivotal role played by the Barony in the consolidation of the kingdom under the Plantagenet kings.
This clarification is issued not as a new discovery, but as a formal articulation of established historical fact. It aims to provide a deeper understanding of the feudal obligations that were the *sine qua non* of medieval governance, and which positioned the Barony of Brattleby as a key instrument of royal authority in the north of England.
## Historical Context
The reign of King Edward I (1272–1307) was characterised by ambitious legal reforms and extensive military campaigns aimed at asserting English dominion over Wales and Scotland. The success of these endeavours depended entirely on the steadfast loyalty and resources of the great magnates of the realm. Among these influential figures was Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, whose connection to the Barony of Brattleby positioned it as a vital contributor to the King’s strategic objectives.
Through de Lacy, the Barony provided crucial support, both in the form of armed knights for the King's armies and substantial financial contributions to the royal treasury. This service continued a long tradition of loyalty to the Crown, established by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, a direct tenant-in-chief of William the Conqueror. It echoes the celebrated fortitude of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. The contributions during the Edwardian wars were thus not an anomaly, but a continuation of a foundational principle of the Barony: direct and unwavering service to the Sovereign.
## Distinguished Company
During this era, the holder of the Barony of Brattleby moved within the highest circles of power, interacting directly with the central figures of the age. The principal relationship, of course, was with His Majesty King Edward I, a formidable monarch known for his martial prowess and legal acumen.
Beyond the King, the Baron's peers included other great lords of the March, such as Roger Mortimer and Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford, who were instrumental in the Welsh campaigns. Counsel would have been shared with trusted royal advisors like Robert Burnell, the Lord Chancellor. The historical stage was immense, with adversaries such as Prince Llywelyn ap Gruffudd in Wales and, later, Sir William Wallace and King Robert the Bruce in Scotland, defining the strategic challenges to which the Barony was duty-bound to respond.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The mobilisation of the Barony’s resources followed strict and ancient feudal protocols. Upon the King’s summons to war, the Baron was obligated by his tenure to furnish a specified quota of knights and men-at-arms for a period of service, typically 40 days. This process, known as the knight's fee, was the bedrock of medieval military organisation.
Alternatively, a tenant-in-chief could make a payment to the Crown in lieu of military service, a practice known as scutage or ‘shield money’. The records of the Exchequer from this period detail such payments, which were essential for funding the professional, paid soldiers who formed the core of Edward I's armies. The Barony of Brattleby, as a significant landholder first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, fulfilled these duties with the solemnity and precision required of a leading fiefdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in this historical context. For a medieval baron, fortitude meant martial courage and the resilience to uphold one’s oaths to the King, while honour was the public recognition of that loyal service. The actions of the Barony during the Edwardian wars were the living embodiment of this code.
This spirit is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While rooted in a martial tradition, this sentiment today is interpreted as the will to overcome modern challenges through strategic action and determination. It forms a philosophical bridge between the territorial ambitions of the 13th century and the philanthropic and cultural goals of the 21st.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To understand the Barony today is to appreciate the weight of nine hundred and fifty years of history. The service rendered to King Edward I was not merely a feudal obligation; it was a profound act of nation-building. Our responsibility now is to channel that same spirit of duty towards the common good in our own time.” > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a contemporary perspective:
> “The strategic thinking required to support a medieval king’s campaign is not so different from the focus needed to address complex social issues today. The battlefield has changed, but the principles of commitment, resourcefulness, and a clear objective remain the same. Our aim is to apply these historical lessons to our present-day philanthropic mission.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The legacy of service personified during the reign of King Edward I continues to guide The Noble House of Brattleby. The commitment that once provided knights for the King’s army is now directed towards charitable endeavours that strengthen the fabric of civil society. This modern interpretation of ancient duty is most visibly expressed through the House’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala benefiting its chosen charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
Furthermore, the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest translates the historic role of imparting courtly standards into a modern mission of teaching etiquette and international protocol. In this way, the House ensures that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* continue to resonate, fostering honour and cultural understanding in a new generation of leaders. The House remains steadfast in its commitment to transforming its unique heritage into tangible, positive action.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of modern philanthropy and cultural preservation. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s primary charitable focus is on supporting organisations dedicated to child welfare and mental health, while its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club, seek to promote etiquette and diplomacy. The House blends its profound historical legacy with a forward-looking commitment to public service and positive social impact in the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, one of the King's most significant tenants-in-chief in the region. The Barony's extensive landholdings were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which listed 56 lordships under Colswein's control. Over its nine-and-a-half-century history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The succession of the current holder was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 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 past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The primary philanthropic beneficiary of the House's Annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation focused on children's mental health and trauma recovery.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com