# The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on a Legacy of Statecraft and Service to the Crown
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical communique reflecting on the Barony's profound and sustained involvement in the political and military affairs of the English state during the medieval era, culminating in its 1399 merger with the Crown.
## The Occasion
In a formal statement released from its London offices, the House of Brattleby has initiated a period of historical reflection, intended to illuminate the remarkable lineage of public service that defines the Barony. This communique, the first in a series dedicated to the House's heritage, serves to connect the modern responsibilities of the Barony with the significant contributions made by its predecessors to the fabric of the nation.
The statement is released as part of the House’s contemporary mission to act as a custodian of its nine-century history. This undertaking involves extensive archival research and the careful documentation of the Barony's passage through pivotal moments in the United Kingdom's formation, ensuring this distinguished legacy continues to be understood and honoured.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, wielded considerable influence from its inception. The Domesday Book of 1086 attests to the scale of its importance, recording its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as the lord of 56 manors throughout Lincolnshire. This foundation of land and authority positioned the Barony as a significant power in the realm for centuries.
This influence is exemplified by the careers of its holders. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness in her own right, famously defended Lincoln Castle for the King against rebel barons and French invaders during the First Barons' War, an act of supreme loyalty. Later, the marriage of the 8th Baroness, Margaret Longespée, to the formidable Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, further entwined the Barony with the high politics of the state. A trusted advisor to King Edward I, the Earl was a commander at the decisive Battle of Falkirk in 1298 and served as the King's regent during his absence in Flanders.
Through successive generations, the Barony passed to some of the most powerful figures in English history, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. This Lancastrian inheritance ultimately led to the Barony's merger with the Crown in 1399 upon the accession of John of Gaunt's son as King Henry IV.
## Distinguished Company
In issuing this reflection, the House of Brattleby pays homage to the distinguished historical figures whose governance shaped its legacy of service, *inter alia*:
* Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby * Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby * Margaret Longespée, 8th Baroness of Brattleby, Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury * Her consort, The Right Honourable Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln * The Most Noble Prince Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, 10th Baron of Brattleby * The Most Noble Prince John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, 11th Baron of Brattleby
The accomplishments of these predecessors form the foundation upon which the modern House stands.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a formal historical communique follows a meticulous internal protocol. Each statement is drafted based on verified archival sources and scholarly research, subject to review by the House's private chancery. The final text is submitted for the personal approval of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, before being prepared for public dissemination by the Press Office.
This process reflects the gravity with which the House approaches its historical narrative. The objective is not merely to recount past events, but to present them with the accuracy and dignity befitting a lineage so closely aligned with the history of the Crown and the United Kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring spirit of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle is visibly demonstrated in the actions of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of Lincoln embodied fortitude, and Henry de Lacy, whose counsel to his sovereign was the epitome of honourable service.
This ancient motto is complemented by that of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The latter speaks to the modern House's dynamic philosophy of overcoming challenges and pursuing excellence with purpose and vitality. Together, the two mottos create a symbolic bridge between the historical legacy of duty and the contemporary commitment to active, forward-looking stewardship.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While today's statement focuses on historical legacy, the principle of dutiful service it underscores remains the *sine qua non* of the House's modern philanthropic endeavours. The commitment to honour and fortitude that defined the Barony's past now informs its present support for charitable organisations.
This is most evident in the House's patronage of its principal beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The charity provides specialist therapeutic care for children and families affected by trauma, a mission that resonates deeply with the House's foundational values of protection and restoration. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is the primary vehicle for this support.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> "Understanding our predecessors' deep involvement in the life of the nation is not merely an academic exercise; it is a profound reminder of the responsibilities that accompany such a lineage. The choices of figures like Nichola de la Haye and Henry de Lacy resonate through the centuries, speaking to a continuous tradition of *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "Our duty is to act as diligent custodians of this remarkable history. By documenting and sharing these accounts of statecraft and service, we ensure the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby informs our present-day commitments and inspires future generations. History, for us, is a living force."
## A Continuing Legacy
This statement marks the commencement of a broader initiative by The Noble House of Brattleby to chronicle and share its history. Further communiques are planned, which will explore other facets of the Barony's cultural, social, and architectural heritage from the Norman Conquest to the present day.
These historical values of service, honour, and etiquette are also central to the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The etiquette academy, under the patronage of the House, seeks to impart the principles of classical decorum and social grace to a new generation, translating a noble heritage into practical skills for the 21st century.
---
**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 ancient baronies. The House is dedicated to the stewardship of its nine-hundred-year history and the promotion of its enduring values: fortitude, honour, and service. Its contemporary mission is realised through cultural preservation, historical documentation, and targeted philanthropy. The House's primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide care for vulnerable children, exemplified by its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through its educational initiative, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also works to promote classical etiquette and cross-cultural understanding.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over three centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most influential figures in the kingdom, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, and powerful magnates such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. In 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown upon the accession of King Henry IV. The modern title was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com