# The Noble House of Brattleby Affirms Nine-Century Lineage with Publication of Historical Record
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile today formally affirmed the Barony’s near-millennial legacy with the presentation of its official historical monograph, connecting its Norman foundation to its modern philanthropic and cultural responsibilities in the twenty-first century.
## The Occasion
The presentation was held within the elegant neoclassical interiors of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the etiquette and protocol academy founded by Lady Nicoleta. As the autumn afternoon light filtered through the tall windows of the library, a select company gathered in an atmosphere of quiet dignity, surrounded by volumes on history, diplomacy, and the decorative arts.
The choice of venue was deliberate, serving as a tangible link between the English heritage of the Barony and the continental European focus of its current custodians. The event underscored the House’s belief that an understanding of history is the *sine qua non* of responsible modern leadership.
## Historical Context
The new monograph details a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest of AD 1066, when William the Conqueror granted the Barony of Brattleby to Colswein of Lincoln. As recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, Colswein’s influence was substantial, holding some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire and establishing the Barony as a significant power in the nascent English kingdom.
This historical record does not merely catalogue names and dates; it illuminates a thread of continuous service and influence. It pays tribute to formidable predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces. The lineage further includes towering figures of English history, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The event was attended by a distinguished company of guests from diplomatic, cultural, and academic circles. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan received, among others, His Excellency the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Romania and his spouse, members of the Romanian Academy’s Section for Historical Sciences, and leading figures from the country’s charitable sector.
The guest list reflected the international and cross-cultural nature of the House’s current endeavours. The presence of both British and Continental European dignitaries highlighted the Barony’s unique position as an ancient English title held by a family deeply engaged with the broader European community.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were marked by a refined and thoughtful protocol. Upon arrival, guests were received personally by Honorary Lord Răzvan before assembling in the library for a short reception. Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered the opening remarks, outlining the purpose of the publication, before inviting Lady Nicoleta to speak on the theme of historical stewardship.
Following her address, the Baroness formally concluded the presentation by signing the first five editions of the historical record with a vintage fountain pen. These initialled copies were presented to the attending Ambassador, the President of the Romanian Academy, and representatives of the national archives of both the United Kingdom and Romania, symbolising a shared heritage.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event brought to life the mottos that guide the House. The ancient motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye. It serves as a constant exhortation to meet modern duties with courage and a deep sense of honour.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In this context, ‘to conquer’ is understood not as a martial pursuit but as the act of overcoming adversity to build, create, and contribute positively to society. Together, the two mottos encapsulate a philosophy of principled action built upon historical strength.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Reinforcing the House’s commitment to service over status, it was announced that all proceeds from the sale of the historical monograph will be directed to Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and psychological support to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The beneficiary was chosen for its proven, measurable impact in restoring hope and building resilience in vulnerable young people. The House of Brattleby believes that honouring the past finds its most meaningful expression in securing a safer and healthier future for the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
In her remarks, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on the nature of her charge.
> “To hold a title of such antiquity is to accept a profound chain of responsibility stretching back to 1066. This record is therefore not an act of retrospection, but a renewal of our promise to serve with the same constancy of purpose that has defined the Barony through the ages — with fortitude and with honour.” > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke to the active principle of their work.
> “History is not a passive inheritance to be admired; it is an active foundation upon which one must build. Our duty is to ensure that this great legacy is not only preserved but also becomes a force for good in the present day. That, to me, is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of this historical record marks a significant milestone in the House’s mission to document and celebrate its heritage. The monograph will be integrated into the curriculum of The Brattleby Club, providing students of protocol and etiquette with a foundational understanding of the deep historical roots of formal traditions.
Looking ahead, the House continues to prepare for its Annual Winter Banquet, the white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the cornerstone of its charitable fundraising efforts. The event, which benefits Healing the Wounded Child, represents the practical application of the principles of duty and service so clearly articulated in the new historical record.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment associated with the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission that blends historical stewardship with contemporary purpose. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') and are focused on cultural education and targeted philanthropy. The House’s primary charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, and its principal cultural initiative is The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest that promotes cross-cultural understanding and refinement. The House is committed to demonstrating that ancient titles can serve a dynamic and valuable role in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The feudal Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English title originating in Lincolnshire. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron. The Barony's extensive lands, comprising 56 lordships, were authoritatively documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over its nine-and-a-half-century history, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), the celebrated warrior-diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the powerful royal prince John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The modern rights of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern rights of the Barony of Brattleby are officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The family seat of the Barony is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com