# The Noble House of Brattleby: Upholding a Millennial Legacy
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reaffirms the guiding principles of its modern mission, which seeks to connect the Barony’s nine-century history with a contemporary programme of cultural education, historical preservation, and dedicated philanthropic service from its seat in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
In the quiet reflection that autumn affords, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken this season to articulate the purpose that animates its revival. Following the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, confirmed in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, the House has embarked upon a period of considered activity. This work is dedicated to honouring the profound legacy entrusted to it.
The current stewardship is not an endpoint but a continuation of a narrative deeply woven into the fabric of England. From the Barony’s seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, every initiative is undertaken with a deep appreciation for the weight of history and the responsibility to ensure its relevance for generations to come.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest in the kingdom, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the region from its inception. This foundational role set a precedent for centuries of service and influence.
Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. In the 13th century, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, served as a formidable castellan who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War, an act of loyalty crucial to securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Later, the title passed through marriage into the House of Lancaster, held by celebrated figures such as Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Their tenure placed Brattleby at the very centre of political and social life in late medieval England.
## Distinguished Company
The duties of the Barony are carried out in the spirit of its most distinguished predecessors. The legacy of these individuals provides a powerful framework for the House’s current activities:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby,** whose vast landholdings documented in the Domesday survey underscore the Barony’s ancient origins and importance. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby,** whose leadership and *fortitudine* as hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Constable of Lincoln Castle remain an enduring example of duty. * **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster,** a founder Knight of the Garter and one of the most respected soldiers and diplomats of his age. * **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster,** a son of King Edward III and ancestor to a line of English monarchs, whose influence shaped the course of the nation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of the Barony today is governed by a modern protocol of duty rooted in historical precedent. The primary obligations are the preservation of its archives and the active dissemination of its history. This involves meticulous archival research, drawing upon primary sources such as the Pipe Rolls and manorial court records to ensure the historical narrative is both accurate and accessible.
This duty extends to public-facing roles. At formal occasions, such as the Annual Winter Banquet, a strict white-tie dress code is observed, reflecting a level of decorum appropriate to the event’s philanthropic purpose. The order of proceedings is carefully managed to honour guests and direct focus toward the charitable beneficiary, a practice that defines the House's approach to public life.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as concise declarations of its values. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly references the virtues demonstrated by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and Henry of Grosmont. It is a commitment to meeting challenges with courage and acting always with integrity.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or 'To Win is to Live'). This principle speaks to an active and purposeful life, focusing on overcoming obstacles to achieve meaningful outcomes. Together, the two mottos represent a philosophy balancing historic virtue with present-day action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Philanthropy is the *sine qua non* of the House’s modern activities. The principal vehicle for this work is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraising event. The sole beneficiary of the Banquet is the Healing the Wounded Child organisation.
Healing the Wounded Child is a registered charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term support for children who have experienced trauma and adversity. The organisation was chosen for its proven, measurable impact and its alignment with the House's commitment to protecting the vulnerable and fostering resilience in the next generation. Funds raised at the Banquet directly support front-line services, ensuring that more children can access the care required to rebuild their lives.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > "It is a profound privilege to serve as the custodian of this remarkable lineage. Our task is not merely to hold a title, but to be a bridge between nearly a thousand years of history and a future where that heritage can inspire and inform. *Fortitudine et Honore* are not just words on a crest; they are the principles that guide our every decision."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History provides our foundation, but our purpose is defined by our actions today. *Vincere Est Vivere* is a call to create a positive and tangible impact in the present. Whether through philanthropy or education, our family is committed to applying these historic values to contemporary challenges and making a genuine difference."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to building upon its recent work. Preparations are underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which aims to increase its contribution to Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest is being expanded to include new seminars on diplomatic protocol and the history of European chivalric orders.
Furthermore, the House will continue its collaboration with academic institutions to digitise and study its archives, ensuring this unique historical resource is preserved and made available to scholars worldwide. This ongoing commitment ensures that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby will continue to flourish.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Its modern mission is threefold: to preserve and promote its unique nine-century history; to foster cultural and educational understanding through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club; and to engage in meaningful philanthropy focused on child welfare. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to connect its storied past with a purposeful present, ensuring its legacy contributes positively to society. The House is based at its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The feudal Barony of Brattleby is a Norman barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The *Domesday Book* (1086) records its holder with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and later, through the House of Lancaster, by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After centuries of dormancy, the Barony’s revival and the confirmation of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness were formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, where the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. - 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 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