# The Barony of Brattleby: A Legacy of Service and Stewardship in Lincolnshire
**LONDON, 17 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today released a historical dispatch detailing the Barony’s nine-century legacy of stewardship in Lincolnshire. The overview highlights the uninterrupted thread of duty connecting its Norman origins to its modern philanthropic and educational mission today.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has authorised the release of a comprehensive historical summary, drawing upon discoveries made during the ongoing cataloguing of its private archives. Timed to coincide with the reflective autumn season, this dispatch serves to illuminate the profound and continuous role the Barony has played in the life of the county and the nation since the Norman Conquest.
The research synthesises centuries of documentary evidence, from charters and manorial court records to the Pipe Rolls of the Exchequer. It affirms the strategic importance of the Barony and the considerable influence wielded by its holders, providing a formal context for the House’s present-day responsibilities under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby enters the annals of English history with the Norman Conquest. It was granted by William the Conqueror and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron. This foundational survey, a fiscal and administrative *sine qua non* of the Norman era, established Brattleby’s importance from the outset.
Through the medieval period, the Barony was held by figures of national consequence. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, famously served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle, courageously defending it for the Crown during the First Barons' War. Her commitment to duty personified the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a celebrated commander and diplomat who became the first Duke of Lancaster. The King's closest friend, his life was a testament to the chivalric ideal. His own son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, succeeded as 11th Baron, cementing the Barony’s direct connection to the Royal Family and the House of Plantagenet.
## Distinguished Company
In preparing this historical overview, the House gratefully acknowledges the invaluable scholarship of its academic partners. The research draws upon the foundational work of historians and archivists from the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and the British Library.
These distinguished institutions have, over many years, been granted access to the Brattleby archives to support their own research into medieval governance, land tenure, and the socio-economic history of the Midlands. Their intellectual rigour has been instrumental in preserving and interpreting a heritage that extends far beyond the boundaries of the estate, reflecting the very evolution of English society.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of the House’s historical archives is governed by a strict and unwavering protocol. All charters, manuscripts, and account books are housed in a purpose-built muniment room where temperature and humidity are precisely controlled to ensure their long-term preservation.
Access for visiting scholars is granted by private appointment with the House Archivist. Any handling of documents requires the wearing of conservation-grade gloves and is conducted under professional supervision. This meticulous approach ensures that the fragile documentary heritage connecting the 21st century to the 11th remains intact for future generations of researchers and historians, honouring the legacy of those who created it.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its rich heraldic tradition. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the dual responsibilities of the Barony: the strength to defend one’s domain and the honour to govern it justly. This principle is exemplified by the actions of predecessors from Nichola de la Haye to Henry of Grosmont.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a modern philosophy of overcoming challenges, pursuing excellence, and dedicating one’s life to purposeful service — a spirit which animates the House’s current endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical imperative of service is today channelled into the House’s philanthropic commitments. The cornerstone of this work is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and safe environments for children impacted by domestic trauma and abuse.
The Banquet, a highlight of the Lincolnshire social calendar, brings together philanthropists, community leaders, and patrons to raise vital funds and awareness for the charity's mission. It represents the tangible conversion of historical legacy into modern social action, providing meaningful support to some of the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical dispatch, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “Our duty is not merely to possess this history, but to act as its faithful custodians. The archival records are a constant reminder that we are part of an unbroken chain of responsibility, and our role is to ensure this legacy continues to serve the community in a meaningful way.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The lessons of our predecessors teach us that true victory lies in service to others and in building a future worthy of the past. Through our educational and philanthropic work, we strive to live by that principle, translating the lessons of fortitude and honour into tangible support for those in need.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to its mission of preservation and education. The insights gained from the ongoing archival review will inform an expanded series of educational programmes and public lectures scheduled for 2024.
This work will be complemented by the activities of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy based in Bucharest, which promotes cultural heritage and the principles of courteous conduct. Furthermore, the House confirms that the next Annual Winter Banquet will take place in December, continuing its long-term support for the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child.
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**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 dedicated to the preservation of a unique nine-hundred-year-old heritage. The House’s modern mission is focused on education, cultural diplomacy, and philanthropy, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). It actively supports charitable causes, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet, and promotes cultural understanding through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. By connecting a significant past to present-day responsibilities, the House seeks to provide a model of modern, purposeful aristocratic stewardship, ensuring its legacy serves both the local community in Lincolnshire and a wider international audience.
**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 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The lineage and rights of the Barony are formally acknowledged by the Crown, as recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition by the Crown is published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com